Winchester Reels ?

[FishDad]

I have the opportunity to buy a Winchester XTR 100 reel. Its tag on the foot says "Product of Korea". I had no idea Winchester ever made reels. Does anyone know anything about them?

Dennis

[Tightlines667]

Winchester has a long history of producing fishing reels.  

I believe they produced reels from the late 1800s on.  

In 1919 they acquired Hendrix, and in 1930/31 they were acquired by Horricks Ibbotson.  So collectors focus on the reels from this period. They had many trade accounts (including Airex) and made high quality product at the time.  

I really don't know what became of the Fishing reel/rod/tackle divisions of the company in more modern times, but suspect anything post 1931 is likely to be a different (low quality) product.

I found this online...
"
...
the following are Modern WINCHESTER branded reels (made in KOREA and distributed by CABELA'S)
"AA" (Spinning Reel)-need models AA35 and AA40

"SUPER-X (Spinning Reel)-need models SX30, SUS30 and SUS40)

"SUPER-X (Casting Reel)-need models SX50 and SX400

"WILDCAT" (Spinning Reel)-need models ww30 and ww40

"CLASSIC" (Casting Reel)-need "GOLD" model

"CLASSIC" (Spinning Reel)-need models CL40 and CL50

"MAGNUM" (Casting Reel)-need model 21)--has a wood handle




John

[FishDad]

Hey, thanks a lot for the history John. I didn't think it was anything special for sure, just did not know Winchester produced reels....especially since it was a product of Korea.

Dennis