@MNdigger ....
Many of the early Austin roses
are weak roses because Austin was only breeding for bloom form and scent. As time went on, through back breeding and the introduction of healthier roses to the breeding line, his later roses became more solid plants.
In his early roses, he did disclose the linage which included some modern roses which introduced the repeat blooming gene to his breeding line. After a while, he didn't want to admit that modern roses were a part of his breeding program and patented all of his new roses as 'seedling x seedling'.
It really doesn't make any difference, but it is good to know that the early Austins may not thrive as well in your garden.
The Austin roses were break through roses and are worthy garden roses if you have the right conditions for them to thrive.
Smiles,
Lyn
