Which Bronson trade reel am I?

[spadej1]

I just received this in the mail. From the pictures I couldn’t quite match it up to a specific model on the Bronson site. Now that I have it in hand I’m still unsure. No Bronson markings unless the foot has been replaced. My guess is its a 150yd version with the end plates about 2 3/4” and spool width about 2 3/8”. Seems nicely built and the plating is pretty good. Looks like a number of the prewar models but doesn’t quite fit with the pillar configuration and Coxe drag as well as the framed bakelite side plates. Could be just a rookie mistake so any help is appreciated! Thanks!

[john elder]

James, MHO is that it is more Penn-ish than anything else, with the exception of the handle. I'm guessing is the reel is a Japanese knockoff of a Penn. Looks like a Bronsong handle/grasp.

[spadej1]

Thats a great point John. I hadn’t really though about that since all aspects match a Bronson reel. I suppose that is probably a hallmark of a good copy.

[oc1]

The bull's-eye-like embellishment on the bushings look like Bronson.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/like/1129672460 ... rmvSB=true
-steve

[Wayne B.]

Sure looks like a Bronson Corsair 150.. The only difference I see is the unstamped foot on yours.

[spadej1]

Actually it looks exactly like a corsair except for the side plates. The corsair from pictures and catalogs has solid bakelite plates. My reel has metal framed plates. Since there isn’t a lot of examples, it’s possible this was a later version with some changes. It also looks like a privateer with 4 pillars instead of 6, or a slightly different version of a Viking. I should probably just give up and assume it’s cobbled together or a Japanese copy.

[Wayne B.]

Wow. I sure missed those trim rings! My guess is a morphed Viking trade reel. I just can’t believe that it is a Japanese knock-off. Way too much Bronson on it.

[spadej1]

Thanks Wayne. That works for me for now. Either way, it’s a pretty nice looking reel that spins well for 70 plus years old.

[Cuttyhunker]

I've been trying to ID the same reel, but with a wooden pear handle, the only mark is an upside down stylized RS on the inside of the tail plate. Do you have this mark too?
viewtopic.php?f=1&t=21795

[Reeltyme]

Penn Jigmaster-ish?

[m3040c]

I would say a Bronson. The marking on the handle blade reads, "Genuine Coxe Drag" that is tell that it is a Bronson. They had the ownership of the Coxe name.

[Wayne B.]

Bronson foot, free spool lever, end-caps, etc. But obviously a Johnny Cash Oldsmobile model.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2riRAGzNzvQ

Sorry this has been on here before, but it is worth the listen until the end.

[spadej1]

I have not had the chance to open mine up, so I can’t say anything about the RS marking. Looks like a Bronson to me, a lot like the Corsair pictured above as you have mentioned in your other post. These unmarked trade reels and otherwise unknowns make this a fun pursuit but also makes things frustrating.

[Cuttyhunker]

Mike,
No Coxe drag copy on the handle, but mine being pre-war, with the wooden pear grip , could that be before the acquisition of the Coxe name by Bronson?
The Bronson section here leads me to think it may not be a Corsair, but I was going crosseyed when I got into it, so I put it aside for another day.

[spadej1]

Curiousity got the better of me and I had a few minutes so I opened up the tail plate on my reel. No RS mark but the clicker parts look mostly the same. The clicker itself is peened a bit different but otherwise a similar setup.

[Cuttyhunker]

My guess on the RS mark is an outside molding Co's mark, like the early Penns had, then later the work was moved in house. The wooden pear handle makes mine pre war from what I've found out so far.