I picked up a very clean Bronson Lashless levelwind reel at a yard sale, haven't run acrossed this model before, can anyone tell me how old it may be or if it is of any value? Or, is it a common reel?
It looks to be all Stainless Steel, with no antireverse, has a spool tension adjustment, and two white marbleized plastic handles. It's a pretty small reel, about 150 yds of 8lb test or so. Model No. is 1700-A.
It came to me on a steel rod, about 5' 6" long, with a straight wood grip. The rod looks more like an old car antenna with one molded on middle guide, and a brazed on tip. The tip has a brass insert. The whole set up looks almost new, and is spooled with black braided line, and it came with a small leather belt pouch with a few wooden lures and some what looks to be homemade minnow shaped spoons.
I am curious as to how old this combo may be? I mostly see old saltwater gear here, it's not often I stumble into something so clean.
I only gave a couple of dollars, so I'm not out much either way.
Bronson Lashless Model N. 1700-A Levelwind Reel?
The Bronson 1700 reel was pictured in an Ad in the Sat Even Post in May 1954. So I would expect the 1700-A would have been available near that time also. The 1700-A is not listed as a separate reel in my replacement parts catalogues # 60 and #61, so I would expect parts would be interchangable with a few exceptions.
I have both reels. I don't see any differences in the frame or plates. The 1700-A has a cork arbor, and the 1700 has none. The spool tension control nobs are definetly different designs, but both are very effective and provide good spool control. Both reels are nonmagnetic except for the spool arbor. I expect brass with some type of plating - don't think it is nickel or chrome -no shine, but it is a silver gray color- maybe stainless? Too heavy to be aluminun. There is no rust on these reels.
Plenty of reels out there, so reel is not uncommon. It is a smooth running reel. Would probalby not bring more than $20 unless mint mint. I expect that Bronson used this basic design for other reels also.
Would like to know what materisls were used also. Any metal experts out there?
Hope this helps. Dale.
I have both reels. I don't see any differences in the frame or plates. The 1700-A has a cork arbor, and the 1700 has none. The spool tension control nobs are definetly different designs, but both are very effective and provide good spool control. Both reels are nonmagnetic except for the spool arbor. I expect brass with some type of plating - don't think it is nickel or chrome -no shine, but it is a silver gray color- maybe stainless? Too heavy to be aluminun. There is no rust on these reels.
Plenty of reels out there, so reel is not uncommon. It is a smooth running reel. Would probalby not bring more than $20 unless mint mint. I expect that Bronson used this basic design for other reels also.
Would like to know what materisls were used also. Any metal experts out there?
Hope this helps. Dale.
Bronson 1700-A Reel
This came on a steel rod. Do you think the reel is newer than the rod? When were steel rods common? Both the reel and the rod look like new, no scratches, just some dust. Even the wood handle on the rod is mint. It also looks to be made of stainless steel to me. The rod may well be too, it's not magnetic either.
I also got a JC Higgins rod and reel from the same yard sale, the rod is bamboo, and in near mint condition other than a damaged eye at the tip. The eyes are SS. This rod looks a bit heavy for the Bronson, but that rod came with an old Penn with no model numbers, it just says Penn Fishing Tackle Mfg. Co. Phila. PA. The Penn reel has no levelwind and no antireverse. It's marroon with a plastic or bakelite spool. It's in decent condition, but the chrome plating has faded or worn to a dull sheen. I've seen lots of this type of Penn reel, this one just looks a bit older. It has the same black braided line on it. It's about the size of a newer Penn #9.
When were wood rods last common place?
Joe
I also got a JC Higgins rod and reel from the same yard sale, the rod is bamboo, and in near mint condition other than a damaged eye at the tip. The eyes are SS. This rod looks a bit heavy for the Bronson, but that rod came with an old Penn with no model numbers, it just says Penn Fishing Tackle Mfg. Co. Phila. PA. The Penn reel has no levelwind and no antireverse. It's marroon with a plastic or bakelite spool. It's in decent condition, but the chrome plating has faded or worn to a dull sheen. I've seen lots of this type of Penn reel, this one just looks a bit older. It has the same black braided line on it. It's about the size of a newer Penn #9.
When were wood rods last common place?
Joe