Wards fly reel

Teter · Post by **Teter** » Thu Aug 25, 2005 12:18 pm

I picked up a Wards Precision fly reel a few months ago; the model number is 6781. Can anyone tell me who made these and about when? This one is upainted, and looks to be about the same size as a Medalist 1495.
Great board. This is my first post here -- I've been an ORCA member for a year or so but had never noticed this forum.
Thanks
Lon Teter

Teter · Post by **Teter** » Thu Aug 25, 2005 10:15 pm

I edited my earlier post to correct a typo. The model number is 6781, not 6782.
Thanks

Teter · Post by **Teter** » Thu Sep 08, 2005 12:47 pm

There is a South Bend 1196 Oreno on Ebay that is identical to the Wards Precision 6781 am seeking information about. That would seem to indicate that South Bend made the reel for Montgomery Ward, but I'd still like to know approximately when, if anyone has any idea.
Thanks again
Lon Teter

Harvey · Post by **Harvey** » Thu Sep 08, 2005 2:33 pm

Lon,
Your reel was made by Shakespeare and is the same as the Shakespeare #1884 Russell as is the South Bend. Maybe Jim Madden can tell you more about the South bend Version.
harvey

Teter · Post by **Teter** » Thu Sep 08, 2005 8:07 pm

Thanks for the information, Harvey.

Jim Madden · Post by **Jim Madden** » Thu Sep 08, 2005 8:40 pm

Lon, welcome to the board! Harvey said it all on the fly reel in question. Shakespeare made that one for South Bend and Wards and probably a few more companies who left the reel unmarked for a cheaper rate. I think there's information on it in the September Reel News (which I haven't gotten yet). Good to have you aboard. Jim

Ron Mc · Post by **Ron Mc** » Thu Sep 08, 2005 9:53 pm

My '51 Ward's catalog lists this reel as the Sport King Model 53. 3" spool diameter, 7/8" width.

Interestingly, the Shakespeare reel with the cut-out frame and crank handle is is sold as the Kalamazoo version - Empress Model 1689. Sorry, I forgot the Shakespeare number - help me out here, Harv.

The St. Joe is there as the Sport King 88.

Hey Harv, while I've got your attention - is N170 a Shakespeare fly rod model?

Teter · Post by **Teter** » Fri Sep 09, 2005 11:56 am

Thanks, Jim.
Now I'm getting confused, Ron. My reel says Ward's Precision 6781, not Sport King, and it's 3 5/8" in diameter. Maybe it's the same design as the Oreno on Ebay not the same size. But it does indeed look like pictures I have seen of a Kalamazoo Empress.
Hope that copy of ReelNews comes soon!

Lon

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