got given these off a mate who used to be fairly smart on a bike but gave up about 10 years ago – he came round and gave me all his old kit. found these – destined for my road bike they are but i wondered what they are – they have 971 stamped on the axel and cro on the other side (meaning chromoly axel material)

They are 100% shimano compatible cleat wise.

anyone remember these – could be any number of years old ….at least 10 though

It's a copy of a very old Shimano road pedal, predates the SPD-R design. Could be a Wellgo or something.

VP ?
Had a set with that name back in the day.
Saying that they were better than those.

could be a wellgo … its very well sealed and super smooth – not like cheap copys usually are (ie vp)

it`ll be fine on my road bike – currently has pd m520s on it !