Thommen Record 50-400 Reel and Wright McGill Blue Water Rod

[MACflyer]

Bought this rod and reel this morning at a yard sale. Did some research and found out reel was built in Switzerland by Record Co. and imported by Thommen Co. in NY from early 1950s to 1970s. Saw Tommy's post on the Abu 600 which looks similar so will use his post when I service the reel soon. Just wondering what years the reel might have been manufactured and does it match the age of the rod? Rod is an Wright & McGill "Blue Water" BW ?-7. ? looks like could be an L, 6, or maybe 4. I've seen some yellow Wright & McGill rods, but not a dark brown. Appreciate any insight on reel or rod. Thanks, Rick.

[sandbar]

At least 1955

[sandbar]

More Thommen

[sandbar]

Rod is in the 1959 Catalog

[Midway Tommy]

Not sure why my post didn't show up, Mac, but I commented right after your post. The Record 50 (full bail) came out in '53 and the 400 came out in '54. That was kind of a transition period because the Hardy full bail patent went until '54. A lot of reel manufacturers were getting set up to offer full bail reels at that time so they offered manual pickups, half bails and full bails all at the same time.

[MACflyer]

Thank you so much Steve and Tommy. Looks like both the rod and reel are period correct, probably 1955-1959, which was what I was having difficulty determining, especially the rod. Looking forward to cleaning them both up and fishing them at least once.