M1T

All of this helps! Thanks for posting all the photo's. Some really nice examples out there... The CB pic is especially helpful in terms of a likely similar pre-condition.

I'm going to stay away from the Hans Orht of Beverly Hills decal, as well as the very special Carlton seat tube decal. Stay away in the sense I'm not going to soak the seat tube in O.A. for fear of further degradation of those decals. Appreciate everyone's input. Stay tuned!

Cyclist753

This frame should get a restoration by an expert. Don't ask me who the experts are but if the frame was mine no expense would be spared finding and employing said experts! This frame will most likely last longer than any of us if it gets a helping hand every now and again! It would be a darned shame to see the decals and other markings fade to oblivion rendering the frame unidentifiable. When that happens the frame will eventually end up on the trash heap for want of provenance! There are some really neat '30s and '40s frames for sale on eee-beigh listed as 'old Italian frame' and such. No I.D., no nuthin'. What a bummer. Unless somebody takes them in like a stray cat they may not survive. Good luck with that cool frame!

capnjonny 

I know I have posted this a few times before but If you want to enjoy it without spending $1000 or so on a pro paint job do the following. Strip all hardware off the frame and coat the entire frame heavily with Naval jelly after doing a test to be sure you won't take off the paint too. I have done this on a badly rusted old Raleigh 3 speed and other bikes and found that the naval jelly does not affect the paint. Then lightly rub out the paint with white polishing compound being careful not to rub off the decals. finally spray a clear coat using Rustoleum clear automotive enamel from Home depot( about $5. for a can). The above will clean the paint and bring out its color and the clear enamel will make it shine and protect the paint , decals and bare metal spots.

gugie 

I have some repro Hans Ohrt shop decals. One of my kids is pretty talented and did the major work, with assist from AZORCH but it's a later one with both LA and Beverly Hills shops.

Lascauxcaveman 

Hm. I've had problems with naval jelly and paint, so I wouldn't recommend that route myself. Oxalic acid, OTOH, has never wounded any paint (or decals) I've dipped in it.

repechage

Pretty good job on that.
At the same time as the OP's Carlton, there was a Serviced By transfer- otherwise the same.
There are a few other versions, one with all three locations, the last being Westwood.
The bike rider was exchanged at that point for Lightweight Bicycles, Inc.
Then another dropping the Los Angeles location
the Last dropping the Beverly Hills location.
The Westwood shop is now occupied by Helen's Cycles. The end came in 1983-84.

big chainring 

I peruse the "Carlton Cycles of Worksop" facebook group. Whoever is doing the Carlton refurbs in England does top notch work.

jdawginsc 

I am going to vote clean and wax, for what it's worth. The labeling is irreplaceable. That is some of the cooler stuff I have seen.

M1T

Thanks... clean, de-rust, go easy, and wax for now... I didn't realize what I had here. This frame will be treated with the respect it deserves. Thanks to everyone who read and commented...

beicster 

First, whatever you decide, keep posting your progress here. We love this stuff.
Second, do check out the Carlton group on Facebook. They are a good bunch of folks and they love seeing stuff like this, too. And, as Big Chainring noted above, if you decide to go with a restoration, they can advise about who does a great job.

niliraga 

Also, note that I've learned OA baths can dull/darken some translucent/metallic paint finishes. Always great on chrome or bare steel, but I would caution for testing on a less noticeable patch before sinking all that original gold lustre into the acid!