I've seen the term "push button" reel. Exactly how is this defined? Was the Zebco model 33 the first? My problem with the 33 right now is that although I have 14 of them, I can only be certain that two of them are production. The rest are prototypes etc. I'm still trying to figure out when the cover lock was introduced.
By the way, they stopped putting the words "Zero Hour Bomb Company" on the foot of the reels in 1950.
Thanks in advance,
Clinton
First "push button" reel?
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clinton_beeler
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Push button reels
Not familiar with Zebcos but Pflueger made the Capitol, a line of surf/boat reels with a push button release freespool mechanism. The button, located on the rim of the head plate, was depressed to engage freespool. It automatically disengaged when you cranked the handle. They were first listed in catalogs in 1937.
As I understand it, the key function of the button in what we usually refer to as a "pushbutton" reel is to hold the line until it's released during the cast. Folks were using thumb buttons for various functions on reels from 1864 on, but the buttons were used for brakes, drags, and freespool clutches until closed-face spinning reels were reinvented after WWII. These reels required some means of keeping the line from slipping out while you raised your arm to cast.
Push Button
I'll learn one of these days: "Objects in reel view mirror are older than they appear."
To the best of my knowledge, the term "push-button reel" was popularized, if not coined, by the Shakespeare company. Basically, the definition of a push-button reel is a closed-face spinning reel which sits on the top of the rod and for which the line is released by pushing a button with your thumb. Generically, these reels are called spin-casting reels.
I suppose Shakespeare may have created the term to differentiate the reels from their line of closed-face spinning reels which hang under the rod and which do not have a push-button line release.
Of course, there is also such a thing as an open-faced push-button reel as shown in the prototype reel below, but I don't know if it ever made it to production.
I suppose Shakespeare may have created the term to differentiate the reels from their line of closed-face spinning reels which hang under the rod and which do not have a push-button line release.
Of course, there is also such a thing as an open-faced push-button reel as shown in the prototype reel below, but I don't know if it ever made it to production.
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Guest
Clinton,
Don't know if it's a Shakespeare or not. It did not appear in any Shakespeare catalogs and does not seem to have any resemblence to any other Shakespeare reels.
It appeared in a couple of Gadabout Gaddis films from the late 60's time frame. He described it as a "hand made sample" and fished it with 4# test line. That is all I know. I have not seen copies of this reel turn up anywhere and it is quite possible that it never made it to production.
Don't know if it's a Shakespeare or not. It did not appear in any Shakespeare catalogs and does not seem to have any resemblence to any other Shakespeare reels.
It appeared in a couple of Gadabout Gaddis films from the late 60's time frame. He described it as a "hand made sample" and fished it with 4# test line. That is all I know. I have not seen copies of this reel turn up anywhere and it is quite possible that it never made it to production.
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Harvey
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Gadabout,
I am with Clinton. I am impressed also. Do you have that reel or is it a picture taken from one of his videos? I would sure like to see how it works. I am with you also on not ever seeing anything like that in any catalogues or anywhere else as far as that goes.
I have a box for a Zebco "33" with the paper work inside so I took a look to see if Zebco used the name 'Push Button"any where on it. Nope. But I did get a good laugh when I read where you could send in a card for the registration of your reel. It is addressed to "P.O. Drawer 270". I guess they didn't have P.O. Boxes in Oklohoma!
"H"
I am with Clinton. I am impressed also. Do you have that reel or is it a picture taken from one of his videos? I would sure like to see how it works. I am with you also on not ever seeing anything like that in any catalogues or anywhere else as far as that goes.
I have a box for a Zebco "33" with the paper work inside so I took a look to see if Zebco used the name 'Push Button"any where on it. Nope. But I did get a good laugh when I read where you could send in a card for the registration of your reel. It is addressed to "P.O. Drawer 270". I guess they didn't have P.O. Boxes in Oklohoma!
"H"
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clinton_beeler
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Harvey
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Clinton,
Maybe they used Drawers before they used Boxes. I have no idea about the year of production. All I have is the box and the paper work. Some of it does list the address as Box 270. I have the warranty card, the instruction booklet and a paper that advertizes "Feathertouch" control. if you want all this stuff, just e-mail me your address.
"H"
Maybe they used Drawers before they used Boxes. I have no idea about the year of production. All I have is the box and the paper work. Some of it does list the address as Box 270. I have the warranty card, the instruction booklet and a paper that advertizes "Feathertouch" control. if you want all this stuff, just e-mail me your address.
"H"