Just returned from the bottom of the pile in the back basement room. Found a reel that I've had for many years, came from a long time South Bend lure collector. Didn't even know that I still had it, but at one time I was going to collect South Bend reels, until I discovered they had about a thousand different models, and on top of that they didn't even make their own reels. End of that idea. Anyway I was told, "If you want a tough South Bend reel, take this one, not many care, but it's hard to find." It's a # 20 Best-O-Luck, model A. Was he truthful with me?
Warren Platt
A scarce South Bend reel?
-
Warren Platt
- Advanced Board Poster
- Posts: 347
- Joined: Sun Oct 19, 2003 11:10 am
- Location: Kansas City
-
Jim Madden
- Super Board Poster
- Posts: 602
- Joined: Sun Sep 14, 2003 10:08 pm
- Location: Indiana
BOL
Warren, the reels are rare but not to the extent the old man claims. They show up occassionally. The boxes seldom surface, however. I only know of 2. As you probably know, SB presented a less expensive line of lures in the early 30's marked "Best of Luck" that came in the green boxes. The reels however are from the late 30's to early 40's but still represent a move to a cheaper line. There are two models: the first model #20 with the unmarked rod clip, and the second model (model A) with the "Made in USA, Patented" foot. Some of the first models have the hourglass-shaped gray knob as well. The first model is actually the toughest, but both are hard to find in great condition. They are heavily nickel plated creating a nice patina. Not a great pic, but here it is anyway.
-
Warren Platt
- Advanced Board Poster
- Posts: 347
- Joined: Sun Oct 19, 2003 11:10 am
- Location: Kansas City
Jim:
Two reels that I have been trying to ID may be of interest here. These two look like the Best of Luck reel in K White 256-0918. Except, I cannot ID the type of foot design in the Book reel. My two reels have a pressed foot plate design like the Shakespeare 1905 Deuce Model HD. However, my reels do not have the extra foot pillar support in the center of the pressed plate.
There are no markings, and one has handle missing. One unique issue is that both reels have Quick Apart screws on the Headplate. All parts are magnetic except the pillar, the line guide, and the carriage screw. One reel has excellent rotation and double black handle nobs.
I've read your book pg 68/69, for reference, but am not able to resolve.
Major issue is foot design. I have several #20's (Not BOL) and #20B's, and the rod clips are completely different from these pressed designs.
Dimensions of Deuce: Spool Arbor =0.405", Line Guide = 0.219".
Unmarked reels: Same Spool Arbor, Same Line Guide, Pillar = 0.185"
Wonder, could these reels be akin to the unknown first model BOL?
Dale.
Two reels that I have been trying to ID may be of interest here. These two look like the Best of Luck reel in K White 256-0918. Except, I cannot ID the type of foot design in the Book reel. My two reels have a pressed foot plate design like the Shakespeare 1905 Deuce Model HD. However, my reels do not have the extra foot pillar support in the center of the pressed plate.
There are no markings, and one has handle missing. One unique issue is that both reels have Quick Apart screws on the Headplate. All parts are magnetic except the pillar, the line guide, and the carriage screw. One reel has excellent rotation and double black handle nobs.
I've read your book pg 68/69, for reference, but am not able to resolve.
Major issue is foot design. I have several #20's (Not BOL) and #20B's, and the rod clips are completely different from these pressed designs.
Dimensions of Deuce: Spool Arbor =0.405", Line Guide = 0.219".
Unmarked reels: Same Spool Arbor, Same Line Guide, Pillar = 0.185"
Wonder, could these reels be akin to the unknown first model BOL?
Dale.
-
Jim Madden
- Super Board Poster
- Posts: 602
- Joined: Sun Sep 14, 2003 10:08 pm
- Location: Indiana
Better late then never!
Dale, sorry it took a month to dig in to my box of #20's. My schedule is a nightmare lately, but I do owe you a thanks for making me re-examine the #20's. The first model Best-O-Luck #20 does have a pillar under the stamped foot, but the #20 BOL model A does not. I didn't include that detail in the book. All the twenties (both the BOLs and the later ones) have 2-screw takedown on the headplate. I assume that's what you mean by "Quick Apart." The unmarked ones you have would not be South Bend, but would be a trade reel that Shakespeare offered some other small company. The 20's (not BOL) all have "regular" feet supported by 2 pillars. The reel that I don't believe exists is a #20 with fixed oil caps (not BOL) that wouldn't have a model suffix. Again, sorry about my tardiness! At least I got it in before year's end. Jim
-
Alan Baracco
- Advanced Board Poster
- Posts: 327
- Joined: Fri Jan 16, 2004 1:52 pm
- Location: Shingle Springs CA
-
Jim Madden
- Super Board Poster
- Posts: 602
- Joined: Sun Sep 14, 2003 10:08 pm
- Location: Indiana
Clarification
Ya know, Dale. These retired guys like Alan have time to investigate the smallest details. Thank God for them. I only hope I can join them in a year or too, and there's going to be some serious editing! Jim