Stem - 03

STEM:
Fiamme Montreal (modified) - aluminum alloy - non-anodized finish - 22.2 mm quill - 26.0 mm size clamp - 140 mm length - single bolt "hidden" non-quick release - pantographed "PINO" along both sides of its neck - model 200 code 745.1.118 : Pino International, Ltd. (Pino Morroni) elongated stem expander cone - aluminum alloy - M8 / 1.25 pitch thread : custom fitted stem hardware - aluminum alloy - M8 x 30 mm SHCS stem quill bolt / M8 x 20 mm SHCS front clamp bolt ... [Correct and original, excepting my substitution of both a custom made aluminum alloy SHCS quill bolt and matching front clamp bolt as replacements for what were originally chrome plated steel pieces ... AND ... my decision to alter the paint infill of the “PINO” pantographing found along either side of the stem neck from Dark Blue to Black in better keeping with other thematic color details. Actually, it has proven to be quite an exercise trying to conclude with any certitude the exact manufacturer of this stem, although at this point in time I feel fairly confident that it started out as an early 1980’s Fiamme Montreal model. It would appear that Pino used an otherwise factory stock stem as a basis upon which to craft his own whereby he chopped off the bottom end of the quill where any identifying mark or sizing stamp would have been on the pretense of lightening the component, cut in a new slot for the expander cone, did a little milling work to alter its form and profile (...most especially toward the underside of the front where the stem clamp bolt inserts) while in the process obliterating any other OEM logo markings, fit his own proprietary hardware, pantographed his moniker on each side of the neck and PRESTO! - instant Pino stem. Of course, the type of re-fabrication I describe only makes the process of identification of origin that much more intriguing and even now after countless hours of comparison and contemplation invites further speculation and debate.]