This is a vintage steel bike frameset made by Cycles Lussert of Montreuil.

A generous eBay user informs me that Lussert was a bike shop that sold custom-made assembled cycles, à la carte according to customer requests, and which also served as a repair and maintenance workshop. Incidentally a VeloSolex (motorbike) dealership. Louis Lussert was an amateur cyclist, Communist militant, involved in many local races in the Paris region between the end of the 20s and the Second World War. In particular, those aimed at promoting "red cycling", organized by the Communist Party's trade union and sports offices. He was therefore affiliated to the RSCO (Red Star Club Ouvrier de Montreuil), competing in races very often organised by the FST (Fédération Sportive du Travail) or - after its transformation in 1934 - by the FSGT (Fédération Sportive et Gymnique du Travail). So there you have the frame’s roots.

The frame measures 55cm c-to-c on both the down tube and crossbar. It features Nervex lugs throughout. Rear dropouts are parallel and have no gear hanger (and so are aesthetically and mechanically set up for a possible fixed wheel/single speed build). There is one gear lever braze on, brake cable braze ons on the crossbar, gear cable braze on guides for the one lever. Headset is a free-moving vintage Stronglight which looks original, helping date the frame to the late 50s, early 60s. Bottom bracket is in good shape — no obvious dents to the frame.

The frame is fitted with a Cycles Virol badge, which is likely a later addition., the frame is marked ‘Lussert’.

All in all, it’s an attractive, original and authentic slice of French cycling history. Given this, it’s worth being aware that the bottom bracket will likely take a French thread and the handlebar stem diameter is a shade smaller (again to French gauge).

Any other questions, please ask.