Keith Virden just sold this Shakespeare reel on Joe’s. I’ve seen military survival fishing kits, but don’t recall ever seeing a quality trade reel marked “Property U.S.M.C.” Have you?
Unusual reel marking
Unusual reel marking
Mike N.
ORCA Founder, 1990
ORCA Founder, 1990
- Rick H
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Re: Unusual reel marking
Mike...Don't know for sure, but here's another one I found on the "net". Looks to be the same model (which makes sense) but also looks to be a different reel based upon, the screw and the end-cap.
Rick Heitman
- Bad Casts, backlash, no bites? Check the Nut holding the rod !! -
- Bad Casts, backlash, no bites? Check the Nut holding the rod !! -
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Re: Unusual reel marking
Rick Heitman
- Bad Casts, backlash, no bites? Check the Nut holding the rod !! -
- Bad Casts, backlash, no bites? Check the Nut holding the rod !! -
- Midway Tommy D
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Re: Unusual reel marking
Maybe I'm missing something, but I'm confused? How does a distinctly labeled Shakespeare Direct Drive fall into the "trade reel" category?
Love those Open Face Spinning Reels! (Especially ABU & ABU/Zebco)
Tom DeLong, NE
ORCA Member - 2027
Tom DeLong, NE
ORCA Member - 2027
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Re: Unusual reel marking
I've owned several Pflueger Capital reels marked similarly. They would be from the late 30s to 50s. People have said the reels were part of the Morale, Welfare and Recreation programs. I don't know if they did that into later years but imagine so.
Aloha
Brian F.
_________
ORCA Member 1997
Got a spare reel stamped "Pflueger" or a Montague Imperial?
"Caution, objects in reel view mirror are older than they appear."
Brian F.
_________
ORCA Member 1997
Got a spare reel stamped "Pflueger" or a Montague Imperial?
"Caution, objects in reel view mirror are older than they appear."
- Rick H
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Re: Unusual reel marking
Brought into existence during the early 1900's it appears each Branch of Service has their own MWR program, still very active today. So the Shakespeare "factory stamped box" in the pictures above, now make sense. Especially noting the USMC Contract Number. It appears these were Factory "special orders" from the Marine Corp. Nice To Know !!!
Rick Heitman
- Bad Casts, backlash, no bites? Check the Nut holding the rod !! -
- Bad Casts, backlash, no bites? Check the Nut holding the rod !! -
Re: Unusual reel marking
That’s a really interesting point, Brian. Each branch of our armed forces, including the Marine Corps, has a Morale, Welfare and Recreation (MWR) program for soldiers and their families. I checked on line line, and the USMC does rent fishing tackle to eligible participants, so it only makes sense to mark government-owned property, such as fishing reels.
Mike N.
ORCA Founder, 1990
ORCA Founder, 1990