Couldn't resist this odd little D.A.M. 'spinning reel' when I found it among a bunch of Japanese $5 parts reels at the flea market. Less than a dozen ordinary Quick reels have found their way into my collection, but I'd never even seen a photo of this cute little early spinner. Found 1 on ebay, but can only guess its from the early 50's? It was the 1st old reel I'd bought in nearly 2 months! Narrowly missed a possible prewar 10/0 Senator, otherwise its been slim pickins'. That is, until today, when I clawed my way to win an ebay auction for a rare Mitchell SaltWater Half Bail, perhaps the 4th I've ever seen on ebay! Now the wait to see if I choose wisely, photo very promising/seller not involved w/reels/estate find.
Any Quick experts? Need suggestions on how to remove the 'nut' at rear of body so as to be able to dismantle main gear/AR. Looks like a special tool was used to install the spanner ring inside & somebody already gouged the tough to grip domed 'nut'. How soon after WW2 did D.A.M. crank out reels?
D.A.M. Quick 'Stationary Drum Bait Casting Reel'
DAM Quick
Hi Araye50,
Nice find on the Dam Reel.
The nut at the rear of the body just unscrews with the standard counter-clockwise rotation (it is not reverse threaded), even though there is no slot or grip for a wrench. Carefully use a tool with plastic covered jaws.
Your reel is probably 55-60 years old -- depending on a few factors.
I do have an extensive inventory of NOS parts for the Quick Standards if you might need something.
In my opinion, one of the foremost experts on the older DAM Quick reels is a friend of mine by the name of Roland P. Lindenbergh, from the Netherlands. He has a excellent website dedicated to these reels, and has done an extensive amount of research. Roland states:
The Quick Standard - stationary drum bait casting reel
History
The history of the Quick Standard spinning reel (according to D.A.M. ‘the oldest German spinning reel’) began as far back as 1937 with the introduction of the first prototype of the ‘Quick-Rolle’ (Quick reel). This prototype was not marked with a brand name and the housing was made from a solid piece of metal.
In the year 1939 the first production model of the Quick reel appeared with a housing made from cast aluminium. On the side cover of the housing it had the marking ‘Stationär Rolle Quick D.A.M. Berlin SW68’ in relief lettering. Just as the 1937 prototype, this reel had a half bail arm and did not incorporate an anti-reverse system. The Second World War brought an end to the production of this reel.
In 1949 D.A.M. resumed production of the Quick reel with the introduction of the Quick model 49. This reel also didn’t incorporate an anti-reverse system, but it had a full bail arm (according to D.A.M. ‘The first German reel with the really perfect automatic line pick-up.’). In 1950 D.A.M. released a version of this reel with a manual pick-up which was called Quicki model 50.
In 1950 the Quick model 50/51 was introduced with a full bail arm and for the first time an anti-reverse clutch. This model became the Quick Standard № 250 (which had been the catalogue number since 1949).
In 1954 the Quick Standard № 250/A, model 54 was introduced. This model had the marking ‘Stationär Rolle Quick Standard D.A.M. Berlin SW68’ in relief lettering on the side cover. The last version of the Quick Standard reel was produced in 1956/57. This reel was a variation of the Quick Standard № 250/A with a plastic brake nut.
For a collector it is interesting to see the development of the Quick Standard reel from the first prototype from 1937 to the last version in 1957.
In 1957 the Quick Standard was succeeded by the Quick Finessa 280, which was followed by the Quick Finessa 285. The Quick Finessa 285 eventually became the Quick Finessa 330, which was the basis of the famous Quick Finessa 110-550 series from the sixties.
Rolands website is: http://orcaonline.org/images/pixel.gif?404
Good luck & keep looking for Quicks!
Best, Fred
Nice find on the Dam Reel.
The nut at the rear of the body just unscrews with the standard counter-clockwise rotation (it is not reverse threaded), even though there is no slot or grip for a wrench. Carefully use a tool with plastic covered jaws.
Your reel is probably 55-60 years old -- depending on a few factors.
I do have an extensive inventory of NOS parts for the Quick Standards if you might need something.
In my opinion, one of the foremost experts on the older DAM Quick reels is a friend of mine by the name of Roland P. Lindenbergh, from the Netherlands. He has a excellent website dedicated to these reels, and has done an extensive amount of research. Roland states:
The Quick Standard - stationary drum bait casting reel
History
The history of the Quick Standard spinning reel (according to D.A.M. ‘the oldest German spinning reel’) began as far back as 1937 with the introduction of the first prototype of the ‘Quick-Rolle’ (Quick reel). This prototype was not marked with a brand name and the housing was made from a solid piece of metal.
In the year 1939 the first production model of the Quick reel appeared with a housing made from cast aluminium. On the side cover of the housing it had the marking ‘Stationär Rolle Quick D.A.M. Berlin SW68’ in relief lettering. Just as the 1937 prototype, this reel had a half bail arm and did not incorporate an anti-reverse system. The Second World War brought an end to the production of this reel.
In 1949 D.A.M. resumed production of the Quick reel with the introduction of the Quick model 49. This reel also didn’t incorporate an anti-reverse system, but it had a full bail arm (according to D.A.M. ‘The first German reel with the really perfect automatic line pick-up.’). In 1950 D.A.M. released a version of this reel with a manual pick-up which was called Quicki model 50.
In 1950 the Quick model 50/51 was introduced with a full bail arm and for the first time an anti-reverse clutch. This model became the Quick Standard № 250 (which had been the catalogue number since 1949).
In 1954 the Quick Standard № 250/A, model 54 was introduced. This model had the marking ‘Stationär Rolle Quick Standard D.A.M. Berlin SW68’ in relief lettering on the side cover. The last version of the Quick Standard reel was produced in 1956/57. This reel was a variation of the Quick Standard № 250/A with a plastic brake nut.
For a collector it is interesting to see the development of the Quick Standard reel from the first prototype from 1937 to the last version in 1957.
In 1957 the Quick Standard was succeeded by the Quick Finessa 280, which was followed by the Quick Finessa 285. The Quick Finessa 285 eventually became the Quick Finessa 330, which was the basis of the famous Quick Finessa 110-550 series from the sixties.
Rolands website is: http://orcaonline.org/images/pixel.gif?404
Good luck & keep looking for Quicks!
Best, Fred
-
Jim Wiegner
- Advanced Board Poster
- Posts: 358
- Joined: Fri Feb 24, 2006 5:52 pm
- Location: Washington
Good morning Quick fans:
Excellent run down on the evolution of the early Quick spinning reels. Thank you Fred. My first Quick was a 280 Finessa, and a D.A.M. fine reel, no pun intended. While I often used a Mitchell 300, which is a bit smaller than the 280, the Finessa was...and is still a favorite, as it is both smoother and much quieter than the 300, and for that matter my 300C, which is also a favorite.
On a trip up to the Klamath River for fall steelhead in 1968, when the bail spring broke on the 300, I switched to the 280 Finessa, and caught some fine steelhead, and a very nice fresh run salmon with my "backup" reel. And the 110 series Quicks are still a favorite of many trout fisher folks today.
Jim
Excellent run down on the evolution of the early Quick spinning reels. Thank you Fred. My first Quick was a 280 Finessa, and a D.A.M. fine reel, no pun intended. While I often used a Mitchell 300, which is a bit smaller than the 280, the Finessa was...and is still a favorite, as it is both smoother and much quieter than the 300, and for that matter my 300C, which is also a favorite.
On a trip up to the Klamath River for fall steelhead in 1968, when the bail spring broke on the 300, I switched to the 280 Finessa, and caught some fine steelhead, and a very nice fresh run salmon with my "backup" reel. And the 110 series Quicks are still a favorite of many trout fisher folks today.
Jim
Thanks for the outstanding rundown, thought it wreeked of the 30's, but D.A.M. it Bronco! Now I want a Half Bail Quick 'Stationary Drum Bait Casting Reel'! Looks like my recent find is '50-55 as it has aluminum "brake nut" full bail, AR switch & marked as '54. No sign of any of the model numbers, bet an expert can nail it from the s/n 023315.
This reel lost it's drag clicker from bottom of spool. It's AR is not working either. Will try again to loosen the domed screw at rear so I can access the AR. Used both leather protected plier jaws & oak block faced vise to try so far, but it has also soaked in BP Blaster. Have some plastic I use w/pliers buried on my work bench. Got drag clicker & AR parts?
This reel lost it's drag clicker from bottom of spool. It's AR is not working either. Will try again to loosen the domed screw at rear so I can access the AR. Used both leather protected plier jaws & oak block faced vise to try so far, but it has also soaked in BP Blaster. Have some plastic I use w/pliers buried on my work bench. Got drag clicker & AR parts?
Bronco,
Mr. Lindenbergh's D.A.M. website is terrific. Information there narrows my Quick down to pre'54, apparently the year they added "Standard" to the side plate. Wish I could read the whole site though.
The carbide line guide is also corroded on this reel. Will hit you up with a complete parts wanted list after I get the AR apart.
Thanks again.
Mr. Lindenbergh's D.A.M. website is terrific. Information there narrows my Quick down to pre'54, apparently the year they added "Standard" to the side plate. Wish I could read the whole site though.
The carbide line guide is also corroded on this reel. Will hit you up with a complete parts wanted list after I get the AR apart.
Thanks again.
The Quick Standard - stationary drum bait casting reel
Hi Araye50,
You are right. The low serial number on this old reel indicates one of the earler production runs.
If you want, just make a "laundry list" of needed parts along with a picture of the old parts. This way, we won't get confused by the proper name description of each part. I should have everything you need in inventory as new old stock. This reel takes (2) bail springs -- I'll throw in a new left and right.
email me at f_oakes[at]yahoo.com
Maybe when your done restoring this old Quick to working condition -- you might want to post a pic or two so everyone can see what we are talking about.
Best Regards, Fred
You are right. The low serial number on this old reel indicates one of the earler production runs.
If you want, just make a "laundry list" of needed parts along with a picture of the old parts. This way, we won't get confused by the proper name description of each part. I should have everything you need in inventory as new old stock. This reel takes (2) bail springs -- I'll throw in a new left and right.
email me at f_oakes[at]yahoo.com
Maybe when your done restoring this old Quick to working condition -- you might want to post a pic or two so everyone can see what we are talking about.
Best Regards, Fred
Thanks, will do as time permits. Been shut up for days with lousy weather & the sun finally popped out, may take awhile to get back to the Quick. Can I presume there were shims for under the rotor? Also have a Mitchell SaltWater Half Bail on it's way. My ebay victory unleashed a round of emails from jealous Mitchell fans, so I've spent some time sorting out the facts from fiction in 302 history.
The Quick Standard - stationary drum bait casting reel
Hi Araye50,
Yes, there is (1) washer under the rotor on this reel. It is made of a fiber or cardboard type material -- and is light tan in color. Part # is: 250/8. One is all it calls for. It is not really a shim -- it is more like a fiber washer allowing the spool to rotate without metal against metal. The engineering tolerances are so tight on these old Quicks -- that even after 60 years, they still don't need shims.
If you would like a schematic, just let me know -- and I'll email one to you.
Best, Fred
Yes, there is (1) washer under the rotor on this reel. It is made of a fiber or cardboard type material -- and is light tan in color. Part # is: 250/8. One is all it calls for. It is not really a shim -- it is more like a fiber washer allowing the spool to rotate without metal against metal. The engineering tolerances are so tight on these old Quicks -- that even after 60 years, they still don't need shims.
If you would like a schematic, just let me know -- and I'll email one to you.
Best, Fred
Thanks again, I'll take you up on the schematic offer when I have a Quick wish list put together. That missing "fiber washer" would take up space, as a shim. The simple bail trip post causes a click when reel is held pointing up, but when aimed down the rotor will fall forward & go silent. The design relies upon the rotor maintaining the tight tolerances you mentioned.
Still didn't get that early QUICK PRE-Standard apart, to figure out why the AR doesn't work, it just got back burnered by the flow of new toys. The recent acquisition of a QUICK Standard renewed my interest & lengthened my needed parts list. Thought I'd cannibalize & make 1 nice reel out of 2, but these little D.A.M. reels are too cute. When I reviewed Roland Lindenbergh's excellent website I came away wanting a Half Bail version again & completing both versions I have. Also realized my PRE-Standard should probably have a fixed knob handle & the folding knob should go on the 'new' reel, who's handle is missing the knob/screw/nut.
My apologies to Bronco for failing to follow through back in Nov. Perhaps we can try again in the New Year. Will send email.
My apologies to Bronco for failing to follow through back in Nov. Perhaps we can try again in the New Year. Will send email.
"D.A.M. Quick 'Stationary Drum Bait Casting Reel"
No apology necessary, Rob. We all get busy -- and there are many priorities besides fishing reels in our lives. Glad to help with schematics, parts and/or advice when your ready. Should be fun. All the Best, Fred
Re: "D.A.M. Quick 'Stationary Drum Bait Casting Reel&qu
Its definitely all of that. Its was "fun" combing the mammoth Webster, FL fleamarket on a busy & sunny MLK Day & meeting vendors from all over.
Still "fun" to figure out how to make these relics work again-to make them whole. The Ru-Mer I just salvaged had a knob 'cemented' to it's post, the 'worst stuck' clicker button I've ever seen & a broken, defective brazed connection, on the bail. Always "fun" to see an interesting old wreck running smoothly again.
The new D.A.M. Standard won't be as much "fun" since all it really needs is a folding knob for the bare handle & that washer/spacer/shim under the cup to stop it from ticking as it spins. Want to get the early black 'bobbin' knob, nonfolding handle & swap w/PRE-Standard.
Makes a nice pair, that will look even better IF I'm ever lucky enough to find a HalfBail to make three! Wouldn't that be "fun"? How hard are they to find?
Sent email.
Is always "fun" to find interesting old reels to restore & network with others who have an eye for old reels.Bronco wrote: Should be fun.
Still "fun" to figure out how to make these relics work again-to make them whole. The Ru-Mer I just salvaged had a knob 'cemented' to it's post, the 'worst stuck' clicker button I've ever seen & a broken, defective brazed connection, on the bail. Always "fun" to see an interesting old wreck running smoothly again.
The new D.A.M. Standard won't be as much "fun" since all it really needs is a folding knob for the bare handle & that washer/spacer/shim under the cup to stop it from ticking as it spins. Want to get the early black 'bobbin' knob, nonfolding handle & swap w/PRE-Standard.
Makes a nice pair, that will look even better IF I'm ever lucky enough to find a HalfBail to make three! Wouldn't that be "fun"? How hard are they to find?
Sent email.
"D.A.M. Quick 'Stationary Drum Bait Casting Reel"
The half bails are pretty tough to find -- I'll sell you the second one I find for just what I paid for it -- still looking for the first one! If you find an extra -- I'll take one also. Best, Fred
"D.A.M. Quick 'Stationary Drum Bait Casting Reel"
Hi Rob,
No, your email didn't come through. You might try it again, or try -- Best, Fred
No, your email didn't come through. You might try it again, or try -- Best, Fred
DAM Reel
Hi Rob --
One screwy thing about my email address is this:
Between the f & the O is an "underscore line -- this isn't always visible if you try to copy the address by hand -- instead of just clicking on it or doing a cut & paste. So try it again or call me.
All the Best, Fred
One screwy thing about my email address is this:
Between the f & the O is an "underscore line -- this isn't always visible if you try to copy the address by hand -- instead of just clicking on it or doing a cut & paste. So try it again or call me.
All the Best, Fred