Pflueger Summit 1st or 2nd version

[Reelman2]

I just picked up a Pflueger Summit with patent dates of 23 & 26. However the rear plate has the first version wave pattern and the front plate has the second wave pattern. Any chance this was done in the factory with left over parts or do you think an individual did it? Do I leave it like it is or do I try to get a new front or rear plate?

[Paul Roberts]

In the thread below, Bill Sonnett mentions the change in wave pattern occurring "from '27 to '28".
viewtopic.php?p=121065&hilit=summit#p121065
So, I wouldn't think the factory could have used a part prior to its release date -the second wave pattern on a first version reel. But, who knows how things actually happened so many yers ago.

A reel could have had parts cobbled together at any time. You may need to run through all the Summit articles and posts and go through the dating clues offered to see just what parts might or might not be original to the 1st (2nd namesake version) Summit. Tally up and see what best information story you can come up with that might explain what you have, knowing that: dating info isn't always completely accurate; the factory makes use of older parts, or newer parts if for a repair; and that reel owners may swap parts.

I recently did this kind of research with an older Pflueger Akron I picked up. Have a pad and pencil handy when you start. I found my Akron was a '41 model with a pre-'40 tailplate; Likely factory, but could have been an angler job. I can see tail-plates in particular being swapped bc clickers can wear out and it can be easier to screw on a replacement tail-plate than peen a new clicker tongue in place. I've done both!

As to restoring it to original... not my call. Others may pipe in to say your reel may not have been cobbled? Otherwise, if the rest checks out as original "1st version", you could restore it.