Reel Repair by Alan Tani

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.

At least 1955

More Thommen

Rod is in the 1959 Catalog

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.

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.

Quote from: Midway Tommy on May 31, 2026, 05:55:28 PMThe 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.

Midway!!!  Question for YOU!!!  Your depth & breathe of knowledge of spinning fishing reels outside the usual Penn, DAM, & Garcia Mitchell reels is stunning!

So I have a question for YOU!!!

The Thommen fishing reel company, is it the same company that produces the Thommen Altimeter products???







Look forward to your response!!!

Here in San Mateo, the sun is ready to crest the horizon!!  Good Morning to all!!!!

Wayne

Oh, WAIT, it just did!!!

Wayne,

George Thommen had an import company based out of NY, NY in the '50s. I can't find any direct connection between his NY Import Company and the Revue Thommen or Thommen Medical or Aviation companies based on Switzerland, but.....?.... given that George was born in Switzerland and the Record reels were made in Switzerland and there are Thommen businesses based out of Switzerland maybe there is some sort of shirt tale genetic family tree connection there. 

It would be an interesting coincidence, though.