Today's Retro Lesson: The "Open C"

From time to time, you'll see a reference to an older Campagnolo part with the "Open C." That designation refers to parts generally produced in the very early 1970s and before, and it reflects the "open" appearance of the "C" in "Campagnolo."  The photos below show a shift lever from the Campy Only collection which features the Open C.  These levers also include "Vicenza" and "Italy."  Later versions dropped the "Vicenza." Generally, parts with either of these characteristics are more rare and collectible and therefore more valuable.