I am looking for help in identifying my flea market find. It's says Made in Germany on the reel foot and the price was right so I bought it. I have attached photos. It has the features of a DAM reel but there is no other decals markings or stamps. Any thoughts or information would be appreciated.
Dam quick 110 maybe,,, it's a great find,,,, ;D
Well, for sure it is a DAM Quick 280 Finessa.
With a blank "domed" badge (not inset), and no markings, and a strange paint, plus reading "Made in Germany" —- not West Germany —- it could be a Trade Reel manufactured by DQ, or a clone by someone else, or even Japan before accurate and legal countries of origin were adhered to.
It is also possible that it is an early prototype or field testing reel —- but I doubt that for a couple of reasons.
This is the same size as DQ 285 or a newer 330.
Best, Fred
Sure looks like a DAM Quick Finessa. Can you open up the gear box and take a picture?
I will open it up and take some pictures.
The side plates are aluminum and the dome is black plastic
Looks darn decent inside considering its possible/probable origin. Looks to have seen little use. Nice & rare find! 👍
I like the exterior surface & color much better than the rough texture of its black counterparts.
The spool underside looks like an older DAM Quick design. Should be a drag washer in the middle of you can remove the 3-screws.
Will do
Yes there is a keyed washer.
DAM!
I'll have to look at Roland's DAM info & see if he mentions a variety like this one.
Frank
Quote from: happyhooker on June 16, 2025, 07:18:43 PMI'll have to look at Roland's DAM info & see if he mentions a variety like this one.
Frank
Last time I checked it was no longer accessible.
How much Levelwind?
I think Roland's DAM info site is offline, but I believe I downloaded it at some point (if I can find it).
Frank
I looked at Roland's DAM info from his now disappeared web page on the Quick reels. Looked for; 1) Reel marked "Germany", not "West Germany'; 2) Reel like a Finessa 280 (several members IDd the reel as a 280); Something possibly with gray or blue gray hammered finish (not black crinkle as we are all use to seeing on old DAMs). His info does mention a "ALGONQUIN Commodore 600--housing and flange [rotor cup?] in grey [gray] hammer paint (built the same as the Quick Finessa No 280 from 1959)". The first group of 280s from the late '50s apparently said 'MADE IN GERMANY". So, maybe this is it. Never heard of an Algonquin reel, although it sounds Canadian (and DAM did make some special reels for that market).
Frank
Haggled it down to 10$ Can.
The subject here is a full bail model. Roland's info says all DAMs made before WWII were 1/2 bails.
Many of the postwar reels are marked "WEST GERMANY", but there are some marked just "GERMANY".
I did see an old Canadian company that marketed Algonquin fishing gear, including reels. For at least part of the time, they were hooked up with another outfit named "Blanchard".
Frank
According to Ben Wright it's a Finessa Cat. No. 280 unmarked prototype. He also stated that there were a few early Dam reels that were stamped "Made In Germany" rather than West Germany.
Quote from: Midway Tommy on June 18, 2025, 04:40:15 AMAccording to Ben Wright it's a Finessa Cat. No. 280 unmarked prototype. He also stated that there were a few early Dam reels that were stamped "Made In Germany" rather than West Germany.
Good sleuthing, Tommy —-
Makes sense, I should have checked Ben's books.
Thanks!
Best, Fred
Great deal! Nice find. I'd offer you $30, but I'd rather get one with a box & papers, which I'll prolly never find.
I just want to say thank you for all the detailed information that was provided regarding the reel I wanted to identify. Before I joined this forum I searched the web without any real success. If I have any other questions about assembly or parts I will post on the D.A.M quick sub board . Thanks again Mike.
I posted a copy of the DAM History under Alto's original post, a couple years ago.
It is still there.
-Steve
Thanks Steve
You are welcome Levelwind.
Congratulations on your find.
It has a similar blue finish to the Regina reel that I posted a few years ago. Also a German made reel.
-Steve