VARIETY OF A MEISSELBACH #15 ?????

[Jack S]

OK Phil and you other Meisselbach experts, I could use some help! Here's a reel that for all practical purposes is an Amateur #15. But there are some subtle differences (and one no-so-subtle).

The spool measures a little over 4 9/16 inch in diameter and is stamped with the "Feb.23-86" patent date. The knobs are typical early Meisselbach except they are narrower than any I have seen. They measure 7/16 inch in diameter. The spool shaft measures about 5/32 inch in diameter (also smaller than I have seen) and does not have a female thread for a spool screw.

The spool shaft may be treaded into the stanchion but is peened on the back side to prevent removal.

Now for the not-so-subtle difference. As you can see, there is a type of "pin drag" on the back side of the reel. The reel seat and stanchion is a one-piece brass casting that is drilled and tapped for a screw to adjust the drag. Turning the screw in will tighten the drag.

If this is a modified Amateur #15, someone spent a lot of time at it. Everything fits well - mechanically it is a 9. I would be happy to answer any questions (and would be grateful for any ideas).

Thanks for looking...Jack

[Reel Geezer]

Jack: several of us watched you buy that reel last week. Most observers thought it was some sort of aftermarket drag. I really couldn't make up my mind and didn't get sufficent information from the seller. I thought it looked neat, anyway. Your head on photo answers some of my questions, but brings up another. How wide is the spool? Mine all seem to be 1" + a hair. One other question I have is about the plating on that questionable part. There appears to be none. Was there any plating?
Incidentally, the knobs on my early reels measure 1/2".

It probably was William Meisselbach's son's (William Jr.) personal reel.

[Jack S]

Hi Phil!

The spool width is 1 1/16 inch wide and the reel seat /post is unplated brass. I have another #15 that has that part unplated as well (but appears more of a bronze color).

Thanks for your reply.

PS - If you could send me confirmation of William Jr's reel I'd appreciate it!

Jack

[Reel Geezer]

Considering that William never married, and lived with his family all his life, I'd have a hard time finding a William Jr. for you. Even though you do find that name on a couple of patents. I imagine that Carl Caitti can find you some William Jr. documentation for your reel.

[Jack S]

What a great idea! I had completely forgotten about our foremost authority. Next time you see CC maybe you could show him the pics and get some ideas.

Seriously, it doesn't appear as tho we're going to come to any concrete conclusions on this reel. As much as I would like to see a Meisselbach connection, I knew when I bought it that it would be a long shot. So for now I'll just call it an interesting conversation piece and await further developments. Thanks to everyone that showed an interest. If something does come to light, I'll post it here first (and I hope you'll do the same).

Thanks again...Jack

[Dale Noll]

Jack:

Maybe your reel is an Austrailian type. There is an item on eBay 7133928231 due today which looks like it has the same type drag button.

Note: I tried to copy photo, but cant put on this page. Webmaster: What do you need to do to copy and paste photos here? Thank you.

[Harvey]

Here is your picture Don.

[Dale Noll]

Harvey: Thanks for posting photo.

Dan Homel has photo of this identical reel in the very opening page of his "Collectors Guide to Old Fishing Reels". He further describes this reel on pg 74 as English made Nottingham type. Guess I'm not making the case for Meisselbach. K White's book has photo on pg 325,326.

Dale.

[Reel Geezer]

Dale, those buttons on those Nottingham reels are simply click buttons connected to a pawl.