Help me I.D. this reel

TEAMFISH · December 30, 2015, 05:32:31 AM

Having trouble putting a maker to this old knuckle buster

Superhook · December 30, 2015, 08:15:03 AM

Can't say for sure . Sandwiched side plates date late 1900's to early 1910's . Possibly Pflueger or Montague.

mizmo67 · December 30, 2015, 07:44:03 PM

Hard one...

All I can recommend is taking manufacturer names and searching them in Google images
"antique bakelite reel _____" insert name

List of names:
http://www.antiquefishingreels.com/i_mfgLargeReels.html

sdlehr · December 30, 2015, 11:42:19 PM

What's the left side plate look like?

TEAMFISH · December 31, 2015, 12:55:58 AM

Best Pic I have

TEAMFISH · December 31, 2015, 01:01:11 AM

I appreciate all that have helped so far, I have tried all to get some thought of I.D. Nothing yet.
On another note, should I keep this antique "as-is" or give the old girl a spa day and make her shine? I'm thinking "don't touch" but my O.C.D reel obsession say's make her shine. I.D.K.

Alto Mare · December 31, 2015, 01:29:52 AM

Not 100% sure, I can't really tell from my reference book, but it appears to be a Pflueger Golden West.
Manufactured in OH around 1923.
The reel is definitely a Pflueger, I'm just not sure if it is a Golden West series.
Sal

TEAMFISH · December 31, 2015, 01:50:34 AM

I thought Pflueger too. Problem is that none of the Pflueger's I've seen have a "gear in gauge" lever and the 'thumb drag' on mine is straight across as far as the metal pivot, the Pflueger's have a convex cut in them.

foakes · December 31, 2015, 02:49:41 AM

Fairly sure it is an early Pfueger Avalon.

Do not think the Golden West series were that large.

Could be wrong.

Best,

Fred

TEAMFISH · December 31, 2015, 03:18:12 AM

That sure looks like it. I'm missing the handle nut, looks like a special one. The search continues

foakes · December 31, 2015, 05:15:12 AM

Many of the early Pfluegers used for the salt -- were like yours.

In subsequent years, Pflueger teamed up with an independent company that had a better drag mousetrap -- by the name of Williams.

This Williams drag was far better than anything else of the day -- actually a little similar to some of the things we are doing today.

And it was a bolt on affair that would fit most any reel around the size of a 4/0.

I have this old Oceanic (Pflueger) with a Williams drag -- and the operation and machining are unbelievable.

And this on a product approaching 100 years old.

These were also common on Avalons.

Couldn't see your handle nut -- are you missing the nut?

If we could determine which nut is original -- either myself, or someone else may have one for you.

When IDing a reel -- 7 pics are useful -- top, bottom, front, back, right, left, and a spool closeup.

Glad to help, if possible.

Mike, Ray, or Ted may have better information for you.

Nice old reel -- would not be surprised if it was from the teen years.

As to cleaning & restoration -- if you wanted a really super job...Ted, Michael, or Ray have done these -- and you could look up some of their threads on this site -- and attempt yourself -- or maybe have one of these experts do it for you.

Good Luck,

Fred

TEAMFISH · December 31, 2015, 05:00:32 PM

Thanks Fred, I am missing the handle nut but I did find a "350" stamped on the reel foot if that helps

foakes · December 31, 2015, 05:13:00 PM

That is the approximate spool capacity.

Show us the sleeve and middle of the handle, so we may match up a nut.

Best,

Fred

Penn Chronology · December 31, 2015, 06:35:47 PM

I had to do a bit of research first before I chimed in on this topic. Pflueger is not my strong suit. Anyways, Fred, you are correct, maybe? This is an Avalon, could be.? The Avalon was made in many sizes, from 1916 to 1919. It is a very sought after reel because its manufacture window is small. Here is one fitted with a first generation Williams Drag and aftermarket external anti-reverse gizmo:

There originally was a a ID plate stuck on the head plate in some manner.

The reason that these can be confused with a Golden West is because of the side plate design. The Golden West also has the sandwiched design.

The Avalon model is hard to find. I would not call it rare; but, it is not an easy find. Congrats to the new owner! PM me if you want to part with it.....

I am not 100% yet because of the stand on your reel. The stand looks like a Montague, rather than a Pflueger. So, I must look further before I say 100% it is a Avalon.

Penn Chronology · December 31, 2015, 07:03:41 PM

The build style of this reel goes back aways. This is a 1903 reel that pre-dates the Golden West model and the plate style is obviously similar. The plate material is aluminum, which, in those days, was very high end stuff.