Approx. date of manuf. for Pflueger Progress 60.

[Northeast Brookie]

Greetings, orca;
I’m looking to get an approximate date of manufacturer/range for my Pflueger progress 60 yard all nickel reel with a black wooden handle.
I believe that if it’s all nickel, it’s model 1793.


Appreciatively ~

[Kevin McJunkin]

Hi, I've been researching Progress fly reels for an article I am writing for ORCA's Reel News (see post below), so I have some thoughts on this matter.

First of all, an all nickel plated 60 yd. Progress is an 1193 model.

Please look very carefully at the black knob. Are you sure it is wood (is the wood showing through, or can you see the grain?) and not black hard rubber or black celluloid (a translucent dark brown "root beer" color)? A photo may be helpful.

The reason why I ask this is that I have only seen one all nickel Progess with a wooden knob. I suspect the original celluloid root beer or amber knob deteriorated and was replaced by a wooden knob nickel spool from a two-tone (gun metal frame, nickel spool) 1783 model.

Also, does the foot have a Made in U.S.A. stamp? If the original knob is wood, it would, ha, ha.

If you respond then I can give you a date range.

- Kevin

[Northeast Brookie]

Kevin;
Alas, I wish I saw your post before I posted, for I would have come to you direct.
Thanks for the model number correction.
From my photos hopefully attached, it looks like it’s the black celluloid…. To me, this looks like it wood if I had to guess, attributing the brown lines as wood grain showing through from wear…but I’m no expert.
It doesn’t have the consistency of a hard rubber…

I remain in your good hands as to try to determine a date range.
Best~
Rob

[Northeast Brookie]

Pictures here??

[Kevin McJunkin]

Rob, I can't see your photos but it sounds like a wooden knob. Are the brown wood grain lines vertical? Does the foot have the "Made in U.S.A. stamp?
Kevin

[Northeast Brookie]

Yes -lines are definitely vertical throughout the handle. I’m going with wood. I thought the other type of handle was a Bakelite (amber translucent appearance)??
Sorry about the stamp (and photos not going through…). . Yes; bulldog with a small head, and stamped Made in USA.

Thanks for your patience!

Best ~

Rob.

[Kevin McJunkin]

Ok, Rob, I believe that your reel was probably made between about 1933, when they started putting wooden knobs on the Progress reels, and the mid 1930's. Wooden knobs were cataloged until 1940, but I have seen very few on all nickel plated reels, so I think they may have been using up old nickel frames. Hard to know for certain without a date stamped original box. Hope this helps.
- Kevin

[Northeast Brookie]

Kevin;
Wonderful!!! Letting you know that I’ve got this reel set up with white backing, and orange fly line -2 weight. Looks beautiful!! Still going strong. When I purchased it, I left the patina on the reel itself, which adds character, and tells a story of its history.
I put the reel on a 5 foot 2 weight rod from JP Ross, and chase after wild Brookies in the White Mountains of NH & VT.
When people see my set up, they’re always curious.
Now thanks to you, I have more information to provide!!
I’ll keep my eye out for your documentation on Orca!
Appreciatively ~
Rob

[Kevin McJunkin]

My pleasure, Rob. The Progress are well made little reels, suitable for fishing today. Hope you catch a bunch!

Kevin