ambidex
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Ron Mc
- Star Board Poster
- Posts: 3401
- Joined: Thu Apr 29, 2004 7:49 am
- Location: downtown Bulverde, Texas
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It's a shame that the JW Young & Sons website went down last year. So much information was lost, including online pages from the 1959 catalog that included the Ambidex.
The Ambidex was first made right after WWII. Earliest models have a half-bail. The size you have is the smallest spool. I think they came in 4 sizes.
Later models have a full bail. I can estimate value at $15 to $35+, very dependent on condition and vintage - the half bails are usually worth more.
One of the last Ambidex models was a "Match" grade and should bring more, especially in the UK - they're keen on collecting these. The last models, Mk V (? c. 1970?) also have some pretty bright colors and this can bring much more in EX condition.
Beaudex went into production about the same time; although, Young was making reels under contract to Allcocks (and later Milwards) in 1905 up to WWII. The "narrow drum" reels of the 30s are the direct predecessors to the postwar Young fly reels. (There were reels marked "JW Young & Sons Fishing Reel Specialists" before WWII; however these are much more rare than the same reel marked as Allcock, Milward or with a merchant's mark.)
I have high resolution photographs of the papers that accompany a 1959-ish Beaudex and I can forward to you - send me an e-mail.
With all these reels, value is very dependent on condition. Wide range in value on the Beaudex, $40 to $100+.
Mint in box reels are bringing $150+ on ebay.
(Us) Cane and vintage fiberglass flyrodders love these reels.
With the Beaudex, size and LH/RW reversible wind are important.
note that the flyline sizes in the chart are UK, NOT AFTMA.
Grade 3 is about AFTMA 6-wt.
1957-ish Pridex----------------------------------------1935-ish Narrow Drum
(this beauty's for sale)
Before WWII, Allcock/Milwards was the giant tackle house (really wholesaler) in the UK. Young contracted to them. After the war, Young became the major player, selling reels marked for both, and outlasting them by 20 years or so.
The last vestages of J.W. Young & Sons was sold to Masterline about 2000 (?), and they still make the high-range trotting reels
http://orcaonline.org/images/pixel.gif?jwyoungs.htm
If you want to know about James William himself, Sefan has a good article on line.
http://orcaonline.org/images/pixel.gif?youngs.htm
Stefan, your photos are falling off the server.
The Ambidex was first made right after WWII. Earliest models have a half-bail. The size you have is the smallest spool. I think they came in 4 sizes.
Later models have a full bail. I can estimate value at $15 to $35+, very dependent on condition and vintage - the half bails are usually worth more.
One of the last Ambidex models was a "Match" grade and should bring more, especially in the UK - they're keen on collecting these. The last models, Mk V (? c. 1970?) also have some pretty bright colors and this can bring much more in EX condition.
Beaudex went into production about the same time; although, Young was making reels under contract to Allcocks (and later Milwards) in 1905 up to WWII. The "narrow drum" reels of the 30s are the direct predecessors to the postwar Young fly reels. (There were reels marked "JW Young & Sons Fishing Reel Specialists" before WWII; however these are much more rare than the same reel marked as Allcock, Milward or with a merchant's mark.)
I have high resolution photographs of the papers that accompany a 1959-ish Beaudex and I can forward to you - send me an e-mail.
With all these reels, value is very dependent on condition. Wide range in value on the Beaudex, $40 to $100+.
Mint in box reels are bringing $150+ on ebay.
(Us) Cane and vintage fiberglass flyrodders love these reels.
With the Beaudex, size and LH/RW reversible wind are important.
note that the flyline sizes in the chart are UK, NOT AFTMA.
Grade 3 is about AFTMA 6-wt.
1957-ish Pridex----------------------------------------1935-ish Narrow Drum
(this beauty's for sale)
Before WWII, Allcock/Milwards was the giant tackle house (really wholesaler) in the UK. Young contracted to them. After the war, Young became the major player, selling reels marked for both, and outlasting them by 20 years or so.
The last vestages of J.W. Young & Sons was sold to Masterline about 2000 (?), and they still make the high-range trotting reels
http://orcaonline.org/images/pixel.gif?jwyoungs.htm
If you want to know about James William himself, Sefan has a good article on line.
http://orcaonline.org/images/pixel.gif?youngs.htm
Stefan, your photos are falling off the server.
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spey_chucker
- Big ORCA Fan
- Posts: 23
- Joined: Fri Jun 17, 2005 11:24 am
- Contact:
Beaudex
Amen on the comment about cane and beaudex. A truly fantastic value compared to many of the more well known models. I have a 4w that has lived on my Cross double built for over twenty years and while the Perfects and the Thompson ARE better built they are over built and 4 times the money...more for the Thompson. A great reel to fish or collect.
The first spey rod I fished was a 13 farlow and that same beaudex served well on that rod and accounted for several striper and steelhead on that rod.
Best regards,
Sean
The first spey rod I fished was a 13 farlow and that same beaudex served well on that rod and accounted for several striper and steelhead on that rod.
Best regards,
Sean