Trying to find the time to go through my storage container of about 1500 old vintage reels -- many, many old spinners -- many I have not heard of.
I have hundreds of Mitchells, Quicks, Penns, Daiwas, and Shimanos -- but these 1500, or so extras in crates -- have always been just extra accumulations -- might find a few gems in here.
Pulled a a few crates today to see what might be inside.
Most of these came from closed down old tackle shops, repair guys, many unclaimed reels brought in for repairs over the last 50 years -- just tossed in boxes and forgotten about.
I do love old spinners from the 50s thru 90s.
That is when they made reels that could be worked on. Screws were good quality -- not cheap one-times, aluminum bodies, simple, overbuilt, clever designs -- not plastic.
These are not worth much money -- but to me, it is neat to study and learn from the evolution and history.
Hopefully; if Alan doesn't strip off my epaulets and ban me forever -- and if anyone is interested, I can post more.
Please post your own neat old spinners here also -- fun for all to see.
Best,
Fred
Who knew that Ocean City made Spinning Reels in the 50s? -- 300, 310, 330
(http://i748.photobucket.com/albums/xx130/foakes1/03-100_4030_zps0656bt4v.jpg) (http://s748.photobucket.com/user/foakes1/media/03-100_4030_zps0656bt4v.jpg.html)
Look at this old OC 310 with a solid, non-moving bail -- simple and bullet-proof.
(http://i748.photobucket.com/albums/xx130/foakes1/04-100_4031_zpshlgvacyl.jpg) (http://s748.photobucket.com/user/foakes1/media/04-100_4031_zpshlgvacyl.jpg.html)
Spare NOS OC 310 spools -- more metal in one of these spools -- than most reels coming out of Asia today.
(http://i748.photobucket.com/albums/xx130/foakes1/11-100_4027_zpsvcd5mamt.jpg) (http://s748.photobucket.com/user/foakes1/media/11-100_4027_zpsvcd5mamt.jpg.html)
This is a complete reel -- anyone know what it is?
Answer: An Ocean City 350 Spinalong from 1955 -- it really works very well -- sold for $4.95 in 1955. Holds 100 yards of 6 pound test.
(http://i748.photobucket.com/albums/xx130/foakes1/12-100_4040_zpsyfgf8i4m.jpg) (http://s748.photobucket.com/user/foakes1/media/12-100_4040_zpsyfgf8i4m.jpg.html)
How about these old ball bearing Shakespeare's? -- Still work as good as new -- nice, strong, crisp bail return, smooth action.
(http://i748.photobucket.com/albums/xx130/foakes1/05-100_4032_zps0hntmhnt.jpg) (http://s748.photobucket.com/user/foakes1/media/05-100_4032_zps0hntmhnt.jpg.html)
Vintage French Savoy
(http://i748.photobucket.com/albums/xx130/foakes1/11-100_4039_zpsw4ke1gaw.jpg) (http://s748.photobucket.com/user/foakes1/media/11-100_4039_zpsw4ke1gaw.jpg.html)
Italian AGAL
(http://i748.photobucket.com/albums/xx130/foakes1/08-100_4035_zpsp4t5ub1t.jpg) (http://s748.photobucket.com/user/foakes1/media/08-100_4035_zpsp4t5ub1t.jpg.html)
Various interesting reels
(http://i748.photobucket.com/albums/xx130/foakes1/06-100_4033_zpsehnihuk0.jpg) (http://s748.photobucket.com/user/foakes1/media/06-100_4033_zpsehnihuk0.jpg.html)
Old Vintage US Made Ashaway Surf Slip-Caster
(http://i748.photobucket.com/albums/xx130/foakes1/07-100_4034_zpsqjn0syee.jpg) (http://s748.photobucket.com/user/foakes1/media/07-100_4034_zpsqjn0syee.jpg.html)
One of the oldest Roddy's I have seen
(http://i748.photobucket.com/albums/xx130/foakes1/09-100_4036_zpsn3wi7dnk.jpg) (http://s748.photobucket.com/user/foakes1/media/09-100_4036_zpsn3wi7dnk.jpg.html)
Really neat tiny Shimano ultra microlight MLX Quickfire 100
(http://i748.photobucket.com/albums/xx130/foakes1/10-100_4037_zpsh3dxre76.jpg) (http://s748.photobucket.com/user/foakes1/media/10-100_4037_zpsh3dxre76.jpg.html)
Wow.. those are some neat old reels you've got there Fred. Do you have any of the early Abu prototypes in those boxes of yours?
No idea, John --
It has taken me decades to get to this point of going through these -- have to wait and see.
What does a prototype look like?
Best,
Fred
Very cool Fred. We can't ban you but you could ban yourself now that you are a mod.
naw, not a problem!!!!
The earliest Abu production spinner was the model 444..
http://www.realsreels.com/ABURecordreelmodelsSpining.html
The Abu record and the many early variants pictured here..
http://www.reelstown.com/pag_mod_abu/abu_first_models.htm
Are widely sought after, as are any of the early green...
http://www.reelstown.com/pag_mod_abu/abu_greenbody.htm
Brown/tan...
http://www.reelstown.com/pag_mod_abu/abu_tan_brownbody.htm
Cardinals.
*A photo of the early Cardinal prototype is attached.
Fred, you have some great reels. I love the old ones. Luckily you don't have to send them to Alan for repair or service. He posted his bar tab was covered for the year on a shimano spinner service. ;D Bob
It takes a little more to get banned from here ;).
interesting reels, Fred
Sal
Fred should write a history book on spinning reels. I'm sure he has most of the spinners through history.
WOW!! I thought I've seen it all :o
Amazing!!
BTW where do you find the time?
Marc..
Love those Shakespeares, the finish is beautiful. I lost one of those overboard as a kid, oh the heartbreak!
Which model shakes did you lose, Nelz?
John, still got a bunch to look through -- could take awhile, since I am backed up on repairs, have a couple of classes I am taking, got a lot of chores to do, plus we are fetting ready for a 4 week cross country road trip down South to Florida -- back up the East Coast to NY & Boston -- then back across to California via Philadelphia -- then heading through some remote parks that we may visit with the camper later this year.
For now, just taking the Outback -- staying in motels.
Did find a real nice old brown with a tan rotor 6 -- #770301
Plus a box of green and grey 4s & 6s with a lot of extra parts and spools. Need to get those operational.
No prototypes so far.
Best,
Fred
On our upcoming road trip -- I have graciously received some invitations to visit, stay overnight, dinner, etc.
We doubt we will do too much planning ahead -- and would not want to impose on anyone.
The main thing, this trip has only one rule -- no schedules.
So whatever we decide to do that day will be perfect. If we find some little place we would like to stay at, or a little longer -- that we will do.
So while We sincerely appreciate all of the hospitality -- we will just be trying to keep a "no schedule" schedule.
I will be online intermittently -- probably morning and evening -- who knows?
Thanks for the kind hospitality offers -- but this will be kind of a different trip for us.
Just exploration and no time constraints.
Best,
Fred
After the war our US machine shops had nothing to do. Some crazy spinning reels were produced at that time. I have some locked away for my grandson who is now 14.
Found a few interesting pieces in the next crate --
Best,
Fred
(http://i748.photobucket.com/albums/xx130/foakes1/1-100_4041_zpsio3fduot.jpg) (http://s748.photobucket.com/user/foakes1/media/1-100_4041_zpsio3fduot.jpg.html)
(http://i748.photobucket.com/albums/xx130/foakes1/2-100_4042_zpsa9mihhec.jpg) (http://s748.photobucket.com/user/foakes1/media/2-100_4042_zpsa9mihhec.jpg.html)
(http://i748.photobucket.com/albums/xx130/foakes1/3-100_4043_zpsoyl0iwnq.jpg) (http://s748.photobucket.com/user/foakes1/media/3-100_4043_zpsoyl0iwnq.jpg.html)
(http://i748.photobucket.com/albums/xx130/foakes1/5-100_4045_zpscyx5dkuz.jpg) (http://s748.photobucket.com/user/foakes1/media/5-100_4045_zpscyx5dkuz.jpg.html)
Quote from: foakes on March 28, 2016, 07:13:10 AM
Which model shakes did you lose, Nelz?
It was the 2062, just like the one in your pic. I was on a friend's boat, drifting for flounder. I turned away for a moment, when another boat passing by too close snags my line and in the water goes my rod, never to be found again. Funny, that was at least 40 years ago, still remember it clear as day.
PM your full name and mailing address, nelz --
I will send it out.
Best,
Fred
That old Ashaway is neat looking, never seen one of those!
Fred,
You have a rare brown Cardinal manufactured in Sweden exclusively for the US market in 1977/78....
http://www.reelstown.com/pag_mod_abu/brown/zebco6x.htm
(http://i779.photobucket.com/albums/yy77/Tightlines666/Mobile%20Uploads/1-100_4041_zpsc4hbabba.jpg) (http://s779.photobucket.com/user/Tightlines666/media/Mobile%20Uploads/1-100_4041_zpsc4hbabba.jpg.html)
Your serial number (770301) indicates it was produced in March of 1977, and the '01' indicates that this reel incorporated a change from the previous version ('00'). The reel should have a 6:1 gear set.
Thanks, John --
There are a few reels that have weathered the test of time -- season after season -- for decades.
The ABU and Zebco Cardinals are one of these. Simple, clever, over built with quality materials, very strong, and a brilliantly simple rear drag system -- that just works.
Here is some old paper on that Ocean City 350.
This year, I am going to take a bunch of the old stuff out fishing -- old rods, old reels, new line, freshly serviced -- and have some fun with a bunch of these.
Might just walk over and fish some of the ponds across the road with Jonathan.
I will take some pics for the site.
My theory is that the fish haven't changed much in millions of years -- so gear from 50 to 70 years ago should work just fine -- we will see...
50 years from now -- you will not be able to do this with a current model reel made primarily from plastics and shiny parts.
The old ones were built to last -- when there was still pride, and corporations did not run their engineering departments from the bottom line on their financial statements.
Best,
Fred
(http://i748.photobucket.com/albums/xx130/foakes1/Mobile%20Uploads/2016-03/AE8C82B7-7933-48A0-9A21-B31B978883E0_zps3i9oiwqn.jpg) (http://s748.photobucket.com/user/foakes1/media/Mobile%20Uploads/2016-03/AE8C82B7-7933-48A0-9A21-B31B978883E0_zps3i9oiwqn.jpg.html)
Quote from: foakes on March 29, 2016, 03:32:28 PM
The old ones were built to last -- when there was still pride, and corporations did not run their engineering departments from the bottom line on their financial statements. Best, Fred
A-A-men!!Which is precisely why I so love restoring and using the old classics; they are survivors of a bygone age when quality workmanship was still paramount. :-\
~
A~
Hey Fred you have a great collection. I would be interested in buying that Ocean City 350. PM me if you want to sell it. Best, Mike
Thanks, Mike --
Only have one of those old 350s -- so am going to keep it just because it is such a great example of simplicity and an era gone by.
One of the Shakes is going to nelz -- and some of the other Shakes are going to Daron.
I believe you can find better examples of these with the rotor decal intact -- on ebay.
You guys haven't seen my Nyolites from the mid 50s yet.
Best,
Fred
You have every old spinner ever made Fred?
Mark
No Mark --
But I have a few.
A good read, are any of Ben Wright's books on Spinners.
He is the expert.
There are various newer editions -- unbelievable resource, comparable to Mike's historical Penn book -- only strictly spinners -- and Ben is THE expert.
He has put a lifetime into this research --
Question: How many old vintage spinners are sold or tossed away -- without ever knowing the history or value?
Likely one find would pay for this book -- and it has over 6,000 reels listed, with 575 pics!
Mike knows who Ben is...
Best,
Fred
http://www.amazon.com/Wrights-Spinning-Reference-Value-Guide/dp/B004ZDVOXK
Hey Fred.... I sent you a PM about some spinner parts I'm looking for.
Thanks,
Steve
Yes, I got it Steve --
Should have everything you need for that little Micro Daiwa 1000 & the Mitchell.
Won't be until likely Tuesday that I can get it out to you --
We are dropping trees, hauling branches after we limb them, burning slash piles, and stacking firewood away.
Will be working through Monday evening on this project -- if we do not get it burned before Cal-Fire cuts off the permits -- then we have a fire hazard through the summer. Plus we have another 12 or 14 trees to drop.
Watching the fire die down now -- then have a hot bath with Sue waiting -- and a Ribeye for dinner -- we are both beat -- Sue sez to bring her Ribeye into the bathtub -- she isn't sure she can get out of the tub.
Hitting it again early tomorrow morning, and all day Monday.
Will be watching the fire for another 20 minutes -- then douse and start again tomorrow morning.
Best,
Fred
That is some real and important work Fred.
I'm in no rush at all.
Thanks,
Steve
Hey Fred...
You may want to check and see if you have one of these...
http://m.ebay.com/itm/111950713018?_trksid=p3984.m1558.l2649&_mwBanner=1
Laying around your shop.
First year Mitchell spinner.
http://mitchellreelmuseum.com/index.php/Content/complete-history-of-mitchell-reels-1939-2014.html
Thanks, John --
I have a box of old 300 early half bail Mitchell's. Maybe a dozen -- have to check.
Not sure if any are this old -- mine have the aluminum knurled crank knobs.
Have to take a look through them sometime,
Also have some early CAPs (304, 305 size round bodies) --with the knurled knob, half bails, and pillar spools.
I would buy a lot of half bails for a few dollars, since many people thought the bail was broken -- and parts were not available.
Knowledge is key.
Best,
Fred
Have any luxors Fred?
mark
Do not think so, Mark --
Unless I run across one or two at the bottom of an old crate -- who knows?
Have some RU-MER, Centaures, and about 10 years ago sold all of my organized Luxor parts in pull out trays to a fellow in either Belgium or France -- along with a whole bunch of Alcedo parts also.
I used those so rarely -- it was not worth hanging onto them.
Best,
Fred
Fred,
You are going where no one has gone before. I feel you are going to open a new world here!
I am familiar with Ben Wright, am staring at one of his books as I type, he is the source for spinning reels. There will be a chapter in my Ocean City book about OC spinners, they have some very interesting history, especially the 300 series.
I think this post should be made permanent, no telling how many pages this could turn into. It may eventually need a Index.................... ::)
I just enjoy the history of old spinners, Mike.
Most of the sites have largely ignored spinners because they were an easy way to fish, or maybe not as rare as the old bait-casters, or not as elite or rare perhaps. Many folks still look down on spinners.
But that has changed drastically over the years --
With the average age group of our site -- most everyone grew up with -- or enjoys spinners -- even Alan.
Generally, spinners are plentiful and affordable.
We might talk about a special section for spinners, but not sure how much effort it might entail -- and we must be careful in trying to be everything to everybody.
There are probably a dozen or so individuals that I would consider experts among experts --
You, Ray, and Ben are the first 3.
You fellows have been a tremendous asset to the AT site -- as well as fostering a whole new generation of folks interested in the old Penns.
Good stuff, and educational.
Best,
Fred
Thanks Fred. I do not think we need a special section for spinners that requires a large amount of time to create. I think we just need to have a place for the threads to go. One section and the progress will happen on its own. Being that we are Pennheads around here, a natural flow would be the Penn spinning reels. Penn is a pioneer in American Surf and Saltwater Light Spinning reels.
There are some groups on Facebook that are almost pure Penn Spinning reels topics with an emphasis on modifications.
https://www.facebook.com/groups/1595062044093655/
The interest in spinning tackle is very high and if we lean to vintage reels, we can even just let the topic happen in the Fishing Antiques and Collectibles Section.
This website is already versatile, letting spinning reels become a topic will only grow the scope of the site. IMHO
That sounds like a good way to start off, Mike --
If we started off with the Penns --
Then just have a topic for each brand as they come up --
Nothing too complicated -- just interesting stuff.
I will talk to the Boss when he returns from Up North --
Then we will gauge the interest among our members, depending on what Alan and the other Mods think.
Might be something to pursue --
For sure, if this was something that would fly -- we should contact Ben to get him to join and contribute as he may deem appropriate.
We do not want to go too far off the reservation -- but I believe this is a good idea of yours, Mike.
After we talk a little more -- we can plan a strategy to start things off -- if so approved.
Best,
Fred
46 reels & 10 old hunting licenses --
Got about 80 or 90 crates like this -- not sure what is in them.
Got a tremendous amount of things going on right now -- but am going to try and pull a crate every few days or so -- just to go through them in the evening when things quiet down.
Might find a few interesting items.
To me, kind of a sad thing -- found an old cloth tobacco sack with 10 California hunting licenses from one fellow that all date to a period from the mid 20's to early 30's. These are mostly the old metal pin ons. If these could talk...
Best,
Fred
Your inventory could stock a museum!
Quote from: Penn Chronology on April 08, 2016, 05:49:19 AM
Thanks Fred. I do not think we need a special section for spinners that requires a large amount of time to create.
We already have a section for spinners here... or did I miss something?http://alantani.com/index.php?board=32.0 (http://alantani.com/index.php?board=32.0)
QuoteThanks Fred. I do not think we need a special section for spinners that requires a large amount of time to create.
We already have a section for spinners here... or did I miss something?
You did not miss anything, I did.............. ??? ??? ???
Right, Guys --
Like I was alluding to before (not very well, because this was early stages, obviously) -- all I would envision at this point would be not a separate section -- but just a thread where a member could ask questions about the history of a particular spinner.
This could be a comment, a question, an answer, an observation, or?
We cannot be all things to all people -- and should not try -- we would dilute the purpose of the Alan Tani site -- which is to promote and educate folks how to service and repair their own reels through other's knowledge and tutorials.
There are plenty of other sites that specialize in one reel or another. And their depth is very extensive. As examples -- ABU, Mitchell, Penn, Johnson, etc..
This would be more like a walk down Nostalgia Lane -- posting pics of old spinning reels -- and discussing their evolution and features over the years.
Just a small, simple thread within the current Spinner Section.
We all have an old favorite spinner we have used, or still use. Might be interesting to share with a pic and a story.
Best,
Fred
Was looking for an old Mitchell handle for a friend today -- pulled out a crate of old Mitchell half bails, around (50) 304, 304S, 305, 314, 315, couple of the really old CAPs with half bails, round bodies, knurled crank knobs, and pillar post spools, some 300 size half bails, a couple of old French Centaures, another old Ocean City 300 spinner, and something I have never seen before -- an Ocean City Closed Face Push Button Spinner -- 377 Flipline from probably late 50's -- works flawlessly even after 57 or 58 years, most likely guess.
Best,
Fred
I wish I had never sold my collection of Mitchell and Penn reels. I had so many I couldn't keep up with them. Many new in the plastic tackle box with lures, hooks, and a spare spool. All factory from Mitchell. I have some old magazines that show these products.
Fred I'm going to send you something you will be happy to use with your fresh water fishing. It's cool!