Just bought a Nicol bike and not sure who makes them
the person who founded ibis bicycles is named Scott Nicol.  Ibis is known for mountain bikes so maybe it is an early pre Ibis by Scott Nicol or maybe not. 

more pictures might help

The braze at the seat post looks like a hand braze, but its hard to tell from the picture.  It might be a hand built frame. 

I would send an email to ibis and ask. Their web site says they have around 20 employees. It might be worth something to them.