Reels with security number engraving- worthless?

[Paul M]

I recently got several common reels in a trade and subsequently discovered the prior owner had inscribed a security number onto the foot of each reel. Does that make these reels worthless and untouchable? Would any of you knowingly accept a reel that has someone else's SSN roughly scribed on the foot?

[wrong99]

I don't think it makes a reel worthless at all, especially if it's UNDER the foot. However, if the SSN was scratched into one of the side plates, I personally wouldn't touch it.
Mark

[john elder]

Can it be removed? If you are not wiping out factory info on foot bottom, then you may be able to get it out with a bit of time and grit. Some folks won't mind...others can't even deal with mild filing to make the reel useable on a modern rod! But if common reels dancing around 20-30 bucks value, i wouldn't worry about it and just move them on.

[Paul M]

Thanks for the comments and suggestions. All have security marks scribed under the foot. The one that bothers me the most is this NIB Bronson 700, pictured below. At least this one has a smooth foot and perhaps I can carefully polish off the engraved security mark without touching the "USA". I would rather leave it untouched but since the prior owner already marked it, perhaps my removing the mark makes it no worse than it is. I think it may be untradeable with this mark. Also I would only consider doing that on the basis that I trust the person that gave it to me and that he was not trying to pass me stolen goods.

At least one of the other 2 marked like this has highly polished grip patterns on the foot so there would be no way to remove the scribed number without completely smoothing the base of the foot. Also, one had the engraving right over the original Made in USA stamping so I would have to scrub the foot completely bare to remove the mark. Fortunately the other 2 are very common used Pflueger level winds or something like that in the $10 range (excluding the impact of the security mark).

[jimbofish]

Hey, that's my DL number! Please return it, post-paid, ASAP!



No?



How about 'it's absolutely worthless but I'll pay the shipping for you to send it to me'?


Still No?


IMO if I were offered two identical reels for the same price, one marked and one not, I'd probably choose the unmarked one. However, if the marked one was $1 less, I'd pick that one. It's academic though, I probably couldn't afford that reel either way.

[nomdeplume57]

Well besides being illegal to remove identity markings in many states in USA (don't know bout Canada)you are risking your good name in doing so . It does hurt the value as a collector piece but not a working reel unless the ss number belonged to John Wayne and you have a bill of sale signed from him .
With that said I would ask the seller you got those from for a Bill OF Sale just to be on the safe side .
I am not a policeman but I read Dick Tracy magazines .

[Paul M]

These are not worth any effort. Instead I'll ask him to take them all back. If he won't they'll go into the bottom of my box of mistakes.

[Midway Tommy D]

they'll go into the bottom of my box of mistakes.

Paul,
Make sure you put the boxes & papers up in a safe place, you never know what may come around the next bend.
Tom

[wrong99]

I'd buy that Bronson any day, if you're selling. I don't think that's a SSN, either.

[Mike N]

I'd buy that Bronson any day, if you're selling. I don't think that's a SSN, either.

I agree. A social security number is 9 digits, and the second sequence of numbers appears to be 10 digits.

A domestic phone number with area code is 10 digits, but "640" is not assigned anywhere I could find as an area code.

I think the numbers add an air of mystery to the reel and do not detract from its value.

I had an old bachelor uncle -- a combat WW II vet -- who insisted on engraving his name on his personal belongings, too.

[nomdeplume57]

I'd buy that Bronson any day, if you're selling. I don't think that's a SSN, either.

I agree. A social security number is 9 digits, and the second sequence of numbers appears to be 10 digits.

A domestic phone number with area code is 10 digits, but "640" is not assigned anywhere I could find as an area code.

I think the numbers add an air of mystery to the reel and do not detract from its value.I had an old bachelor uncle -- a combat WW II vet -- who insisted on engraving his name on his personal belongings, too.

Those numbers are not necessarily a phone ,Social Security ,Dog Tag or any commonly used idents but may be used by a police unit or registry of theft identifiers for insurance or tracking etc. or a kid learning to use his grandpa's marking tool. (Definitely a Mystery as you say at this point).

However without all the facts like where did you buy these, who from , auction, yard sale ,guy at the carwash who had them stashed under his coat with some watches, ear rings,necklaces and cell phones, or a Guy named Guido with a scar on his cheek and sheepish grin ,etc. you might never know .
Sales receipts keep things in perspective on something like this .

All I was trying to convey is that the fact the Markings are there would indicate that someone wanted to be able to Identify something in regard to the items in future .

Call it a Blemish if you will and some blemishes add to value like the blemishes on some Super Models Bodies .On the other hand a Blemish that looks like a worm hole in a Peach greatly diminishes it's value in my opinion.
It is not not useless but would be less used .The Peach while most likely is still edible it is not totally usable for me in Canning or making Preserves.
I would opt to use a Peach with out Blemishes and or Worms in it .
Speaking of which I need to get back to my Fig Preserves in the making now.

a footnote to this I just found that 640 was a area code a few years ago although it is currently listed as unassigned .It's past usage can be seen in this link. Making it all the more a MYSTERY!

http://800notes.com/AreaCode.aspx/1-640

[Paul M]

Thanks, all. I arranged to redo my trade and get the reels exchanged for something else. Problem avoided.