Squidder 140 eccentric spring

[ourford]

Anybody see a squidder with a leaf spring? I took this guy apart without looking and noticed no spring on the dog.  found a flat spring stuck in the grease. I have to tell you it took a few minutes to figure how to put it back.

[MACflyer]

Don't own any Squidders Vic, but I've seen these on several older Penn reels. Don't know if they're better or worse than a spring, but for me easier to work with.

[Rancanfish]

That made me smile from memory of the same experience.

[Deepennz]

Hi -
It would seem you have a pre 1950 Squidder - Penn used that leaf spring in their reels until about 1950, and then changed to that pesky little spring!
If you put up a picture of the counterweight/handle the reel came with we should be able to tell if it is a pre, or post war model.

[ourford]

Hi -
It would seem you have a pre 1950 Squidder - Penn used that leaf spring in their reels until about 1950, and then changed to that pesky little spring!
If you put up a picture of the counterweight/handle the reel came with we should be able to tell if it is a pre, or post war model.

Pictures. I noticed the stand doesn't have a part number stamped on it.

[Deepennz]

Hi,
Penn used that smooth counterweight on their reels from mid/late 1941 until late 1946 - so your Squidder is at least 80 years old!
If you want a more accurate dating than that take any line off the spool and check the spool/arbor. Prior to WW2 Penn produced all their plastic spools with a little ridge where the arbor and flange meet.
After WW2 all their spools had a smooth, rounded profile.
That reel looks to be in good condition - "She's a Keeper!'

Cheers
Martin

[ourford]

Thanks Martin.I appreciate it.