Thank you, Fred. Pictures too! I wonder why they came up with a 265 as a model number.
My theory is marketing more than any sort of numerical meaning...
We need to remember, while D.A.M. Quick had already been in the fishing tackle business in Europe primarily — since the late 1800’s — they had also been through (2) World Wars — the last of which destroyed their manufacturing plant.
As the Allies and the new Germany without the Nazi War Machine — undertook the task of rebuilding the country — businesses still needed to attempt to manufacture products, turn a profit, pay their employees, do capital rebuilding or relocation expenditures, develop new products, R & D, and so much more.
The last thing on their minds — was keeping an orderly and meaningful numerical sequence in place so that we would understand it decades later as we look at our reels.
It was just survival — coupled with turmoil and government export regulations. They were just trying to make something work.
We need to recall — that after the last War — They brought out the SW68, 250, 260, 228, 238, 248, 240, 245, 280, 285, 270, 275. Few of these had much basic numerical model continuity. It was all over the board.
I think the 265 just fit the marketing target when introduced in 1960. It was considered one of the highest quality Microlite reels of its day. It was actually a tiny scaled down version of the massive and capable DQ Super 270. Same engineering — same materials — smaller components to fit a tiny frame.
The next series was orderly, as were all other series up until the time they moved to Asia in the early 90’s or late 80’s.
Even the company was confused as various distributors in different geographical locations, worldwide, promoted their DAM products.
To prove this, I have a boxed 265 Microlite, with full paperwork and accessories. The box reads Microlite, the model # reads 110 on the box — but pictured is a 265 Microlite. The owners manual reads “110” formerly the 265 Microlite. And the manual is very complete and humorous — and is put out and distributed by Gladding Corporation! All illustrations are of a 265.
Sometimes, if we look and study lots of information — it will still not fit into our idea of proper order.
Sometimes it is just scrambling and disorder that creates order eventually.
Just my opinions...
Best,
Fred
