Date For Meek & Milam No.3

[wrong99]

Need a date for a Meek & Milam No.3. Solid brass, 12 o'clock handle, pre-serial numbered and no numbered screws. Also, what is the significance of the three dots on every internal component? Can supply photos later, if needed.
Mark

[bettybarr]

The Meek and Milam stamp was used from 1853 to 1881. None had serial numbers. The early ones had plain face plates, little ornamentation. Pictures would definitely help. The 3 dots on every component is similar to a very early reel we have stamped Meek and Milam that looks like a prototype with screws holding the pillars to the tail plate. It has the number “2” on every internal part. My total guess and theory is - the maker was making several components at once - 3 or 4 tail plates or face plates and needed to match the other components to a specific part so the internal side was stamped with an ID like they did the screws that were numbered. I would love to hear what other collectors think about that idea.

[john elder]

I'll buy that, Betty!

[wrong99]

Here's photos, and does anybody know when meek & Milan stopped numbering the screws? Thanks.

[Mike N]

This handy Kentucky reel date chart was published 30 years in the first ORCA newsletter in January 1991. A lot of in-depth research has been done since then, and maybe we are ready for a more detailed update, including serial number start and stop dates etc.

[bettybarr]

[img]
Here is our early Meek & Milam. The number 2 is on the internal surface of the head cap, head plate, tail plate and the spool flange. These we think are ID numbers. At least I think that and Don agrees. It is an early reel because: The head cap is 2 piece. The click spring is pinned. There are 3 numbered screws on the head cap and 4 numbered screws on the tail plate.

We think your reel is circa 1875-1881 because there are no numbered screws and a one piece head cap (at least there is no seam visible in your photos). The chart that Mike posted is a great reference. 1881 is listed as the last date for the Meek & Milam stamp because BF Meek moved to Louisville in late December 1881. Vernon and Stewart’s book states that the reels “were available” until 1883 marked Meek & Milam.

[wrong99]

Is it safe to say they stopped numbering the screws during the Civil War?

[bettybarr]

BC stopped numbering all of the screws about 1875. He started using interchangeable screws early 1870’s beginning with the number 3. Can you imagine making all of the screws? Those guys could do anything. And did.

[wrong99]

Thank you, Betty, for all the info.
Mark