SHAKESPEARE TRADE REEL Project!!

Harvey · Post by **Harvey** » Tue Dec 14, 2004 10:57 am

OK, Guys,
Here is the deal.
Jim Madden is always wanting to research something and now he has delegated me to start this project. Being as dumb as a stump in the woods, I agreed to do it! (See how easy I am?)
Here is what we need:
1: Information on Shakespeare trade reels.
a:This should include any reel that you think was made by them.
b: definition of the reel such as markings, names, Similarities to the Shakespeare marked reel, bearing caps, handle or anything that will connect the reel to Shakespeare.
c: Boxes. Any box that would lend the idea that it housed a trade reel. Such as the Kalamazoo Tackle Co. stripe, printing that would give you that impression etc.
d: Catalogue entries. Things like entries from catalogues from Sears, Monkey Wards, Firestone etc. or any other entries that you think was a Shakespeare trade reel.

Now for the task at hand: PICTURES and INFORMATION! I will keep all the pictures and information and put them together in a form of a web page. When and if we can get enough together to make this a worth while project, we will present it to Phil to do what ever he wants. (maybe an article or a series of articles for the "Reel News") Lets start out with names. Once we get this started, I will direct you on what we need. 10-4?
What about putting a limit on the project as to bait casters only with a cut-off point of, say 1950 or there about?
Now for an opinion! Should we include Kalamazoo Tackle Company in this project or limit it to just reels sold my other companies other than Shakespeare and KTC?
If you agree to help on this project. just send me a list of names of what you got and we will start from there.
Thanks for looking and helping to get this off the ground.

Harvey and Jim. (by proxy)

or

BY THE WAY, CREDIT WILL BE GIVEN WHERE CREDIT IS DUE!

Harvey · Post by **Harvey** » Tue Dec 14, 2004 11:06 am

Here is an example of the printing from an "H&I" box compared to a KTC box.

reel4me · Post by **reel4me** » Tue Dec 14, 2004 11:23 am

Hi Harv--All(?) Southbend, Eppinger,Fernwood (Toledo?) Off the top
of my pointed head. I know you`ll find tons more. LOL

SWIM JIG · Post by **SWIM JIG** » Tue Dec 14, 2004 5:41 pm

Harvy, I am going to make you a offer you may want! Now if you will come to my shop in OHIO, I will 1 give you access to all my factory manuals going int the 20s, all access to my parts inventory , use of tooling ie electronic Micrometers dial indicators electronic scales, and other tools to take specs with, our boxes of reels with Shakespere likeness, use of a desk, cannon pc720 copier, color fax, scaner (i dont know how to use it) telephone line for your computor, have a fridge and coffee maker in the (RAT HOLE)! and You can put in some 19 hr days as this is winter work time for me, yup charter boat reels to do! In serious thoughts you most likly will have 18 to 28 days if you work 12 hrs a day. You can take photos, I have a sony 3&1/2 floppy camera or a digital that downloads to this or other computors. It would be a way to spend the winter yup the heat is paid for , no I dont shovel snow and I dont cook meels! Thats what eateries are for. Rooms are resonable a few blocks away , Motel SIX so you get some privicy. and when your done with what you already have , well I think the search will be compleated. OFFER is good forever however I want a signed copy of one
of the first 100 books thats printed , and please wipe off the tools and put them back. Harvy or others this is not a joke I am very serious! as My material is very extensive ! Col. Milton Lorens aka SWIM JIG your OHIO Conection

Harvey · Post by **Harvey** » Tue Dec 14, 2004 7:09 pm

Milt: Thanks for the offer but if it gets below 60 degrees at anytime of the day, don't look for me.
and:
Reels4me: Those name don't mean a thing unless I can get discriptions or pictures. Also, why not an e-mail address so we can contact you. Thanks anyway, to both of you!
harvey

Dale Noll · Post by **Dale Noll** » Tue Dec 14, 2004 9:38 pm

Hi,
Several yr ago I obtained 200-300 NOS shakespeare spools. Some had tags, some marked, many unmarked. In order to classify these, I tabulated many attributes in an EXcel file. I have used this info to ID some reels and upgrade some clunkers. A list of these attributes is as follows:

Base Dimensions: Arbor Length,Dia., Crank Side Pin Dia., Clicker side
Pin Dial, Sidewall Width & Dia.
Materials: Arbor- Magnetic,Brass Plated,Aluminum
Sidewalls - Magnetic,Brass Plated, Aluminum
Spool Assembly: Line ring, Pin Hole.
Line Saver: Plastic Arbor, Snap On, Solid, Cork.
Pinion Gear: Assembled- yes/no
TypeA (Std), TypeB(.12SQ), TypeC(.12RD).
Clicker Gear: None,Close,Extended,Large(.50),Small(.375)

If part numbers are not available, these Spool attributes may be of help
to ID reels as being made with Shakespeare specifications. I only have spools for the normal size freshwater reels, but this may be a starting place. Sorry, don't have photos.

Don Champion · Post by **Don Champion** » Thu Dec 16, 2004 11:05 am

reel4me - Do you mean the Fernwood marketed by American Swiss of Toledo, OH? I have a nice one & it doesn't look Shakespeare to me. I could be wrong. There is also a Fernwood made by Montague. If you still think the American Swiss Fernwood is Shakespeare I can take photos of it & take measurements, etc.
Don

Harvey · Post by **Harvey** » Thu Dec 16, 2004 11:21 am

Don,
Please send me pictures just in case.
Thanks, harvey

Don Champion · Post by **Don Champion** » Thu Dec 16, 2004 8:04 pm

Harvey,
Will do. It may take a few days. I'll also take a few deminsions.
Don

Dale Noll · Post by **Dale Noll** » Thu Dec 16, 2004 8:50 pm

Harvey/Jim
I have a Fernwood, but don't know if it is Shakespeare type. It has two raised rims on headplate side. Headplate comes off, but to get the spool out you need to unscrew the tailplate.

If this is Shakespeare type I have also found a St Clair, a Winasioo, a Royal with the same raised rims. Than I also have a Pennell Peerless which also has raised rims, but different foot design.

Don't have photo ability, but will see if Don photos are similar.

Regards, Dale.

Harvey · Post by **Harvey** » Thu Dec 16, 2004 9:32 pm

Guys,
I have a feeling that once we get into this we will find a limited number of reels Shakespeare reels that were converted into what we call "TRADE" reels. Off the top of my head, I can think of a few that would be candidates. The True Blue, the Criterion, the Leader, the Favorite, the Ideal, just to name a few. There may be more but those seem to be the most common. It is highly unlikely that we will find a quality reel like the Marhoff or the Professionals being sold under other people’s names. The ones they converted are among the cheaper line of reels. Of course we could add the Kalamazoo reels to that list but they were sold under the banner of Shakespeare. It is really hard to tell just who and what reels they let slip out the doors. I have a couple Criterion type reels that are not marked in any way except for maybe the patent marks on the foot. These reels could have been sold by someone else or assembled by someone at the factory for their own use.
I also have a ‘True Blue” that was sold by Montgomery Wards in 1928 that is in a special box but the reel is identical to the standard “True Blue” that was sold by Shakespeare and marked as such. The only reason I know it is a MW reel is the box is different and the guy it came from told us he bought it himself. Another puzzling thing that the sams boxes have turned up in a couple diffrent colors and nobody knows where they came from. Not to sound like I am spoiling the soup but every reel that we don’t know what it is can’t be a Shakespeare trade reel. Look at the discussions we have about Montague and their reels.
Just my thoughts after getting a bunch of E-mails asking about different reels that the owners want to know if they fit the class.
Another thing, a picture is worth a thousand words. It is like trying to explain a beautiful lady when in reality she is as ugly as a frog!
harvey

Jim Madden · Post by **Jim Madden** » Thu Dec 16, 2004 9:46 pm

Don, Dale, Milt, Merv, Phil and All: Thanks for jumping in. I know Harv would like to blame me, but I believe he's had his sights on this for years. Keep the pictures coming even if you aren't sure. There are so many SP made reels out there with obscure names from short lived companies that this will be a huge task to be sure. The goal is to make one big group of them all with company names and dates to see what the entire scope is. I suspect it is larger than anyone thought. We'd like to give some background on the companies' connection and choice picture examples from each. Let us know what you have - boxes too. Thanks!

Harvey · Post by **Harvey** » Thu Dec 16, 2004 9:51 pm

Blame you Jim? Naw, Not me!
(By the way, did you notice the bulls eye on your forehead when you shaved this morning?)
"H"

Jim Madden · Post by **Jim Madden** » Thu Dec 16, 2004 10:15 pm

Don Champion · Post by **Don Champion** » Fri Dec 17, 2004 10:20 am

Dale,
All five of those are Montagues. I have all but one.

Ed Clark · Post by **Ed Clark** » Sat Dec 18, 2004 5:57 am

Was the WLS (world's largest store) reels sold through Sears a Shakespeare product?

Jim Madden · Post by **Jim Madden** » Sat Dec 18, 2004 8:32 am

Ed, I've seen two models. One is chromed and is not made by SP, but the other has that satin nickled look and is definitely a SP trade reel. That will go on the list. I think the reel was a slight modification of the Criterion.

Harvey · Post by **Harvey** » Sat Dec 18, 2004 11:33 am

Ed,
Here are two diffrent rels that were sold by Sears. The one on the right is a "WLS" reel while the left one is a "Wyndlevel". Both are cut from the 'Criterion" mold but with some changes.

The "WLS" has Jeweled bearing caps and the standard foot attached to two pillers. while the 'Wyndlevel" has solid caps and a stamped foot. It also has a "not seen before" (By me anyway.) ridge around the headplate. Both are in the polished nickle over brass finished. Neither are dated on the foot or by any other means.
Enjoy!
"H"

clinton_beeler · Post by **clinton_beeler** » Tue Dec 21, 2004 10:47 pm

I have a nice example of a Firestone reel that looks just like my SB reels. Does that count? I'll get a picture if you like.

Regards,
Clinton

Don Champion · Post by **Don Champion** » Fri Dec 24, 2004 12:11 pm

Harvey, I tried sending you some photos and other information but it would not go through. Have you changed your e-mail address?

Harvey · Post by **Harvey** » Fri Dec 24, 2004 12:24 pm

Clinton, The only Firestone that I have other than an Automatic is one that looks like the KTC Bal-Cli 20.
Don, My e-mail address is

"H"

SHAKESPEARE TRADE REEL Project!!

SHAKESPEARE TRADE REEL Project!!

Shakes. Trade

research project

Project

Trade reel trio

WLS