Who made me and when?

[David Lehmann]

Please see the reel below. It is a 2X top-hat multiplier. The bottom of the foot is stamped 60 YDS MADE IN U.S.A. The reel seems to have some H&I and some Bronson characteristics. Does anybody know who made this? Does the "Made in USA" labeling indicate that this was produced after the 1930 Tariff Act implementation?

Thanks, as always, for your knowledge?

[Steve]

I'll take a stab at Union Hardware.

[wrong99]

Union Hardware, for sure. One of their most popular trade models supplied to retailers.
Mark

[David Lehmann]

Good call! Foot is consistent with many Union Hardware reels. Did they make their own reels? Some parts of the reel are similar to Shakespeare, although this is clearly not a Shakespeare reel. Also, does anybody have any idea when the "Made in USA" labeling began? I know that Shakespeare (less expensive reels) and Bronson were both labeling reels in this manner by the early 1930s, but don't know when it started.

[wrong99]

Union Hardware Co. produced all of their own reels. No idea when the "Made In U.S.A." first showed up.
Mark

[David Lehmann]

Thanks Mark! Do you know when this reel was sold?

[wrong99]

Likely made throughout the 1920's, maybe even into early 30's. It was very similar to the No.250 "Samson" from their regular lineup, except a jeweled version.
Mark

[Don Champion]

They made two very similar models, one with the raised gear case as yours is & one that is flat on the cover plate. Both were jeweled and unmarked, sold as trade reels. Quite a few of them show up in the Chicago area.

[wrong99]

I've sold a couple of them, both jeweled and non-jeweled, both of which were sold through Montgomery Ward & Co. (based in Chicago).
Mark