Unusual reel marking

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Mike N
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Unusual reel marking

Post by Mike N »

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?

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Rick H
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Re: Unusual reel marking

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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.
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Rick H
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Re: Unusual reel marking

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Yet....ANOTHER.
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Midway Tommy D
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Re: Unusual reel marking

Post by Midway Tommy D »

Maybe I'm missing something, but I'm confused? How does a distinctly labeled Shakespeare Direct Drive fall into the "trade reel" category? :?:
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Re: Unusual reel marking

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Cool!
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Brian F.
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Re: Unusual reel marking

Post by Brian F. »

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.
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Rick H
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Re: Unusual reel marking

Post by Rick H »

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 !!! :bow:
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Mike N
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Re: Unusual reel marking

Post by Mike N »

Brian F. wrote: Sat Jul 09, 2022 9:33 pm 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.

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.
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