Puffs - thanks! Yes, BVF is stamped on the body and the float chamber. Fortunately there are no missing parts, except for that open port which I understand is a starter jet port. It was like this when I purchased the project and can't tell whether someone removed a part of it was always like that. I've seen later carbs from BVF with a similar port but never one with a side float. Not clear why you'd need a tickler and a starter jet.
Appreciate the tip about Jikov carbs - closest thing I've found so for to this carb. I suppose it's perfectly feasible that BVF made carbs for Eastern Bloc consumption either making the design of other manufacturers or having others build units they designed. Your tip led me to
http://cvkustoms.com which has a ton of info on Jikov and other Russian carbs.
The bike is historically significant and I need to preserve it. I won't be racing it but I do want to get it running. The engine was hand-built for U.S. motorcycle racing by the MZ factory and shipped to England to be placed in a Rickman frame. The paperwork from the MZ factory lists it as a 1970 MZ ETS250/1 which it their ISDT motor, but it's ported differently and has this larger 30mm carburetor.