New appreciation for a lowly old reel

[Eric J]

I’ve had this Shakespeare Service No. 2L in my collection for a long time. I can’t remember where it came from, and I’ve just ignored it as one of the cheap grade Shakespeare’s until yesterday even though I knew it was a “pre-1910”.
A look through my catalogs confirms it is a 1902 because of the heavy bright nickel plating as described in the catalog. The 1903 Service reels are described as having a “contrasting” nickel finish which have the satin brushed swirl effect on the faceplate and back contrasted with the bright shiny nickel on the edge, pillars, handle, and screws.
Most early Shakespeare’s that have the click button on the backplate also show the two screw holes opposite the click button where the click spring attaches, but not on these Service reels. So…I had to open it up.
What I found was a unique set of three spring holding pins that I cannot find a patent for. The closest I can find is the Hendryx 478,326 patent. I’ll never look down on that reel again and have given it the proper spot next to my Rubber Standard.

[Paul Roberts]

That’s kindof cool. Neat, elegant, idea.

[john elder]

I agree and i wish more makers would have used that clicker spring! I’ve had to fix so many screwed or riveted click springs and they can be a pain and certainly more work than necessary, when you see one like this! I will have to keep this one in mind.

J

[Steve]

The Meisselbach Expert (1896) had a click spring anchored similarly, tho the wire was thinner.