Shakespeare Wonderod and Wondercast

[ClintB]

Does anyone know when this setup was made? The reel is a model 1777, rod and reel made in USA

[happyhooker]

They sold a lot of 1777s in the late 1950s; not sure when they started & completed production.  Is there a model code on the reel that might help date it?

Frank

[festus]

They were made to at least the late 1960s or early 1970s.  This pic came from my 1969 Shakespeare catalog.  I have a 1797.  Very durable reels.

[foakes]

Look at the 2-Letter Model code on the sideplate, Clint --

For an example -- if it is EG -- it was 1964.  

This is a close approximation -- and there are other factors -- since the (2-letter) code denotes when this model was first manufactured -- and then would change again if changes were made -- even though it would still state 1777.

There is a Shakespeare Reel Series Dating Formula, attached.

There is/was likely also a 2 or 3 letter code on the rod --

Best, Fred

[ClintB]

I found the 'model' code FC on the reel. It looks like 1958, which is an excellent year! (my birth year)

[happyhooker]

I have seen an ad from '58 on the 'Net that depicts this reel.

Frank