This just shows a very common modification that was made to the 1429 3/4 (4/0) and 1420 1/2 (9/0) reels. Many years out of production and probably seldom used. The 4/0 was thought to be too small, and the 9/0 too large. The reel seat and bars of the reels were exchanged and the spools either extended or contracted (needed very accurate machine work on the lathe). The result was a 4/0 that was as wide as a 9/0, but with the smaller diameter, held 400 yards of 80 lb mono. The reduced 9/0 held about the same amount of line, and because of the narrow size, had great balance.
Below you can see the stock 1419 3/4, modified (extended spool) reel, and the stock 1420 1/2. Shown from the side to show the difference in diameter and then shown from the top to show the difference in widths.
(https://public.blu.livefilestore.com/y1pnp0bwzmQf-_2eGEJBBiUVQabIXy-tuLyOmpREE0VK4k3LpaiF0t9ofi5ZnKms3Nu9AmdJuGN43qo5VXmDyTJmA/Reels-side.jpg?psid=1)
(https://public.blu.livefilestore.com/y1p0Gfn1rcJWfLCqxGupgJTXOPSoboCivxEj6WgnwsBXD656haTeg-3KZhDRqkIccDqSd84ZcNfOnVdsdtSbA5JTg/Reels-top.jpg?psid=1)
This third image is another modification we used to do to increase the volume of the ratchet. The stock ratchets came with a thin wire spring to hold the tongue, but it was totally inadequate. In order to make it louder, we used to solder stronger, thin piece of brass/bronze pipe to the side plate. Made a huge difference.
(https://public.blu.livefilestore.com/y1p1A-EzhrGzvonOKybTVo-kmUwfhgCwAq4Y_V6bnT_UfK41n_wAruuQ9SayA1MpnsAuRWbp8cgbb9V91DQty7F4Q/Side-plate-ratchet-spring.jpg?psid=1)
FYI, I'll be away for a few days.
i believe the drags on all of these reels are pretty small.
That brass pipe was a great idea Makule, very creative.
As I recall, their drag washers were leather and the size of Squidder drags. Not much for a 4/0 reel...
Innovative one piece clutch lever design.