How do I tell if the ignition circuit is balasted ?

I wiring loom is out off an old Capri (early 1970's) I think. If not then its from a Triumph. Can't be specific as this is a 2nd hand project (I didn't start it, I am just finishing it). I say that as the instruments are out off a Triumph.

Simple test ? say with multi-meter ?

A ballast resistor cuts the running voltage to the coil to 9v ish. The Ford ones were either a ceramic block with a wire a bit like an old domestic fuse or a long grey wire which was usually routed on the inner wing somewhere to dispel heat as they do get warm. The multi meter should do the trick, check it on the coil feed. It should be 12v ish while starting then drop when the key is released. This is to give a boost while the starter is using power. If it needs a ballast resistor and none is fitted to a points type system it will burn the points and capacitor ( Mine did)

In my loom - MKII of 1980 vintage it was a thick pick wire that ran next to the coil wire in the loom with the rest of the wires