The bicycle arrived safely but as I feared [and disputed by the seller when queried] the front fork blades were bent backwards; obviously the result of a head-on collision. Fortunately, the steerer tube is straight and I am very lucky to have a vehicle body shop nearby run by an elderly gent like myself and who is always willing to do jobs for me. He has straightened fork blades before for me, using what we describe as "the magic wand". I believe the machine is an impedence something or other - if anyone is interested I will explain how he does it.
I will take some photographs of the frame but in the meantime, this is a photo of the head badge [velo plaque in French].