South Bend 1131-A Reel

[$$$$robert]

Serial #9038. I was told it was made in 1914. I want to know when you think it was made and a ball park value. It is not for sale. It is part of a collection of a pre 1920 tackle box with contents plus pre 1920 rod and reel.
Thanks, Robert ClarK

[Eric J]

There are 1131 collectors here more knowledgeable than myself, but isn’t that a 1131-B?

[$$$$robert]

It is marked 1131-A on the side plate opposite the reel handle.

[Eric J]

Ha ha like I said, I’m no expert. But that’s no excuse for poor observational skills. The only A’s I’ve seen all had an A after the serial number. Len Sawisch is an expert on those reels.

[Teal]

There is any entire book written on the 1131 family available in the ORCA store. It should answer just about all your questions.

-- Dr. Todd

[Bill Sonnett]

Rest assured that with that serial number it dates well before your 1920 cut-off. As far as value goes, they made thousands of them and few seemed to have been thrown away--LOL. As an ex 1131 collector, I would say that if I were limited to $50 each purchase I could fill a 5 gallon bucket with them in short order. My personal record on the low end is $3 and that was from a seasoned collector who knew how common they were and how limited the market is.

[Ron Mc]

Mine is on a Cross South Bend Doublebilt.

[soreno]

Get the 1131 reel book in club store. Your reel is a 3rd or 4th generation reel. It has the 1912 Shakespeare end caps. South Bend used them in 1914. Measure the oval logo it should be 13/16. After this reel it gets confusing with serial numbers. Shakespeare must of found Nos parts or left over reels from first generation. In my collection reel 2516 to 6532 witch is left handed. They are 1st generation Arc logo 1131's. 2nd generation are mystery reels 6561,6567and6588 3 screw by an unknown maker of 1131a reels. 3rd generation like yours starts in my collection at 6705,6786,7371 and 8534 they have a 13/16 oval logo .Then reel 9681 back to arch logo with no knurled edge . 10092 Arc logo with knurled rim. If the oval logo is 13/16 it is 3 generation. 11/16 oval logo the earliest I have is 10447.1131a. I hope this helps. I have over 35 variations off the South Bend 1131 reel.

[$$$$robert]

Thank everyone for the answers.
Robert

[Teal]

have over 35 variations off the South Bend 1131 reel.

This is why I tell new collectors to consider collecting this reel. It's historically important, relatively common, inexpensive, high quality, aesthetically pleasing, and there are enough variations to keep you collecting for years. Just a really fun way to buy a German Silver reel you can actually still use with vintage tackle without breaking the bank. An old ORCA friend who passed years ago once told me he thought this reel was should be worth 10x its current value and nothing in the decade since he passed convinces me he was wrong. I own a dozen of them and do not for a minute regret buying any of them. But I've yet to get one for $3 like my friend Bill Sonnett.

-- Dr. Todd