Any Congress Reels out there?

Teal · Post by **Teal** » Fri Feb 03, 2006 11:14 am

Hi everyone,

Trying to finish a history of Congress reels (Supplee-Biddle Hardware, both as individual companies and as the hyphenated amalgalm) for Richard and the Reel News. I need to take stock on what people have out there for Congress reels, so if you have any in your collection (and they are pretty common so you should) drop me a note and let me know what you have. If you have any catalog materials, that would be a huge bonus.

Got about seven myself and have pics from Jim Garrett's collection, so I have identified about 20 different models. I know there are many, many others out there (especially in the box). Would love to see a reel marked either Supplee, Biddle or any combination therein.

Thanks in advance! You can PM me or email or post, whatever is easiest.

Cheers,

Dr. Todd

Dale Noll · Post by **Dale Noll** » Wed Feb 08, 2006 9:30 pm

Dr Todd,
I have one reel marked Congress , and also Chief on the headplate[/b]. The reel has a Montague foot marked 40.
Also has a deep red jewel bearing cap on the tailplate. No headplate bearing cap. Reel is raised pillar type with diameter of 1-3/4 diameter by 1-3/8" wide. Reel is plated brass, and quite well built. Screws which hold the reel together are round head. Pillars are rivited on tailplate side.

Know that I have others, but just cannot find yet. Let me know if this is the marking style you are looking for.

Regards

Dale.

Teal · Post by **Teal** » Thu Feb 09, 2006 11:36 am

Hi Dale,

Thanks a bunch. This is exactly what I am looking for. Email me a pic when you get the chance! I appreciate it.

Cheers,

Dr. Todd

Reel Geezer · Post by **Reel Geezer** » Thu Feb 09, 2006 9:24 pm

Todd: There is an Ocean City Fortescue marked "Anglesea Congress".

Teal · Post by **Teal** » Fri Feb 10, 2006 7:21 am

Phil,

Thanks for posting on this. I noticed you had referenced this in your great article on Fortescues and so I referenced your note in my article. I have not seen a picture of one, though. There was a nice Congress Catalina on eBay recently that closely resembled the Fortescue.

Cheers,

Todd

Don Champion · Post by **Don Champion** » Fri Feb 10, 2006 10:25 am

I have a Horrocks-Ibbotson reel marked Congress. It is a 60 yd raised pillar, plain brass model. It has a black wood knob.

Dale Noll · Post by **Dale Noll** » Wed Feb 22, 2006 10:05 pm

Todd:

Thought I would post photo of the Congress/Chief reel.

I found one other Congress reel, not raised pillar, but good only for parts.

Enjoy.

Dale.

joe klaus · Post by **joe klaus** » Fri Feb 24, 2006 5:57 pm

the reel has a couple of problems but is pretty neat. Currently on ebay -- item no. 7220454425. A little Congress Freespool.

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Sat Feb 25, 2006 5:14 pm

Dear All

Now that I think I have the pictures sorted out it have a question on reels of this type and period. It seems like a lot of the end plate are the same on various reel of this period. I am wondering if the end plates were made by one manufacturer and sold to the various other companies to be finished with there own feet and handles and finishings. Or were these reels made by one manufacturer to the various customer requirements. Here is a picture of a Pflueger Cascade Portage with what appears to be the same end plate. Or is it different?

Bill Turnbull

Any Congress Reels out there?

Any Congress Reels out there?

Thanks Dale

Hi Phil