norris level wind reel

camp · Post by **camp** » Thu Dec 29, 2005 8:12 am

I have a reel which was given to me in the early 1950's that I would appreciate info about. It is a norris level wind that has seen mostly fresh water use. Appreciate any feedback. Thanks.

Harvey · Post by **Harvey** » Thu Dec 29, 2005 8:50 am

Guest,
Without a name or number from the reel, it could be a lot of them A picture is worth a thousand words.
The name 'Noris" was contrived by Shakespeare to incorporate others divisions into their company. Noris, Japan in 1963 and Norris LTD, English, in 1965 are a couple. Please give us a better discription and a picture and I am sure we can tell you what you have.
Harvey

Harvey · Post by **Harvey** » Fri Jan 06, 2006 9:45 pm

Here is Bob's reel.

I have NO idea what you have nor where it came from. I would like a good picture of the headplate and tail and I will post them also. Maybe we can narrow it down in style. Have a feeling it came out of Fayettville but who knows. What seems puzzling is the name in relationship to the date you said you got it. The name 'Noris" wasn't around till the 60's (?)
Steve, Laurie: When did Shakespeare copyright the name "Noris"? Have any idea?
harvey

Ron Mc · Post by **Ron Mc** » Mon Jan 09, 2006 2:09 pm

There was a Noris reel company in Germany that goes way back - can't tell you too many specifics, but I've seen the marked reels, esp. crank-handle fly reels. It's my impression that Shakespeare took the name when they combined the remnants of the German company with the Samuel Allcocks company around 1965 - they had owned Allcocks for 3 years at this time. Maybe Allcocks had already owned Noris when Shakespeare bought them?

Harvey · Post by **Harvey** » Mon Jan 09, 2006 8:30 pm

Here are a couple more pictures of Bob's reel.

Nothing says Shakespeare. Bearing. clicker button and levelwind bearing on the back don't look Shakespeare to me.
Any suggestions to help Bob?
"H"

Dale Noll · Post by **Dale Noll** » Mon Jan 09, 2006 8:41 pm

Take a few measurements. Is the Crank socket square? If so, what is size? Measure Crank thickness and opening. Round, oblong, etc. Then compare with Shakespeare, Ocean City, etc. Also, check diameter of pillars. These few checks may narrow down ID to US make or not.

Hope this helps.

Dale.

Ron Mc · Post by **Ron Mc** » Mon Jan 09, 2006 9:25 pm

that is the correct spelling for the German firm, so at least that reel was stamped for Noris. I doubt if there was a direct connection between Noris and Shakespeare before WWII, and maybe not before 1965.

My '39 Allcocks Catalog has seven American-made multipliers, some with Allcocks-specific model names.
There is a model that looks very similar to Bob's reel that's called the Blackstone. They also sell a skeleton fly reel that looks like a Bronson.

If American Manufacturers did this for S. Allcock & Co. Ltd., they could have done this for German Noris, as well. In fact, given Allcocks penchant to monopolize or at least dominate wholesale, distribution and mark name in the between-the-wars UK tackle industry, Allcocks could have provided these reels to Noris.

Maybe I can get these pages photographed tomorrow morning; you guys will recognize some reels - even some names, Arrow, Altoona, Comet.

Ron Mc · Post by **Ron Mc** » Tue Jan 10, 2006 8:59 am

as promised
I think the 4700 Blackstone is essentially the same as Bob's Noris

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Pflueger? Ocean City?

I know I'm getting carried away here, but I thought you guys would like this.

Reel Geezer · Post by **Reel Geezer** » Tue Jan 10, 2006 11:35 am

Ron: Those are all Bronson reels. They even have the same catalog number as used by Bronson. That diamond vented fly reel in your other post is also a Bronson.

I don't believe that Noris looks like a Bronson, however.

Harvey · Post by **Harvey** » Tue Jan 10, 2006 12:17 pm

Thanks Phil.
I thought as such but didn't want to open my mouth with out knowing for sure. The spool bearings and the click button on the Noris should give the idenity away but I have no idea who's design that was. Never seen the pointed spool bearings that I can think of.
Harvey

Ron Mc · Post by **Ron Mc** » Tue Jan 10, 2006 12:36 pm

cool - I know the Young stuff, not so much the baitcasters.