Johnson Website Updated

jc04008 · Post by **jc04008** » Mon Feb 13, 2006 1:00 pm

Hey guys,

For those interested, I've completed cataloguing the Johnson Century model 100 and 100A for all variations of reels and packaging. I'll be working on the 100B and the 110's next.

www.vintagejohnsonreels.com

As always, if you've got any Johnson related stuff, email me.

Justin

Reel Geezer · Post by **Reel Geezer** » Mon Feb 13, 2006 1:37 pm

Nice work Justin. You've really been busy. I hope you'll share some of that information with ORCA members through an article for The Reel News.

jc04008 · Post by **jc04008** » Mon Feb 13, 2006 1:39 pm

I'll give it some thought Phil. I'm on the cusp of a major coup as far as info goes and we'll see what comes from that.

I should probably also actually join ORCA here pretty soon. I'm such a dunderhead sometimes

Thanks for the compliment. I really appreciate it.

Justin

Teal · Post by **Teal** » Mon Feb 13, 2006 2:30 pm

Hi Justin,

I have an obit for one of the founders if you are interested. Drop me a PM with your email.

You really should write a nice history of Johnson as they just celebrated an anniversary. And you should join ORCA!

Cheers,

Dr. Todd

Harvey · Post by **Harvey** » Mon Feb 13, 2006 3:41 pm

Great Site! Now you should join ORCA and start a SIG.
keep up the good work.
Harvey

Reel Geezer · Post by **Reel Geezer** » Mon Feb 13, 2006 4:24 pm

Harvey: If he started a SIG he'd have the only active SIG in ORCA. Ben Wright was the only person who ever had a successful SIG.

Don't start SIGs, write information down and send it to Richard Lodge, Editor The Reel News.

jc04008 · Post by **jc04008** » Tue Feb 14, 2006 11:49 am

Okay you guys, I signed up. I really was meaning to anyway, so I just gave myself an early birthday present.

This reminds me of the discussion elsewhere about treating new people to the ORCA boards etc. My personal experience here has been outstanding and I'm deeply indebted to people like Harvey, Phil, and Steve, who have freely taught me as much about reel collecting in general (grading, estimating prices) despite the fact that the reels I collect are not among the norm here or elsewhere.

There's others here that have been great, Keith comes to mind, but the point I want to stress is that you never know when that newbie knocking on the door can be a real addition to the ORCA party.

From someone who collects something other than the big guns, I appreciate, and I know others will/do, a non-elitist attitude among the reel collecting community.

So thanks you guys.

JC
www.vintagejohnsonreels.com

Harvey · Post by **Harvey** » Tue Feb 14, 2006 12:08 pm

Justin,
Welcome aboard!
Look, just because you have an interest in Johnson reels and you feel that they are not the norm for ORCA doesn't mean your research isn't important. A good example of that is the time and effort that Ben Wright put into collecting and reseaching spinning reels. When I first got involved with ORCA, Ben was the only spinner collector that wasn't afraid to show his hand. Now there are a lot of guys that collect them and we all depend on Ben for information. The same thing could be easily said about Johnson reels in another fifty years. It is good that you have that interest and that you are willing to collect and research something that may seem trivial now. Keep up the good work and we are looking forward to having you as a member for years to come.
"H"

jc04008 · Post by **jc04008** » Tue Feb 14, 2006 12:32 pm

thanks H

that post is exactly the point i was trying to make. It's great that you guys are so ecouraging and helpful. I don't remember the exact conversation, just that it involved some sort of initiation for guests etc. I just wanted to throw my opinion in that it wouldn't be a good idea if you wanted new members.

Thanks for all your help man.

Justin

p.s. I forgot to thank Brian for all his help too. Thanks Bri.

Ben · Post by **Ben** » Wed Feb 15, 2006 7:34 am

Hi Justin,
First Welcome to ORCA and thats a great website!
keep on with your reseach, I know for a fact that it can be as much
fun as collecting the reels. If I find any new info on Johnson I will let you
know.
Thanks Geezer and Harv for the kind words.
Ben

jc04008 · Post by **jc04008** » Wed Feb 15, 2006 12:05 pm

Hey thanks a lot Ben, I appreciate any help or info you can pass on.

Jim Schottenham · Post by **Jim Schottenham** » Wed Feb 15, 2006 6:41 pm

Justin,
I'll join the others here and welcome you to ORCA! That is a great site you have there, easy to navigate, great information and pictures, well done!
I've got a Johnson that I think is really cool:

Maybe you'd share with us the story behind the the "Demonstrator" markings on some model Johnsons. I know I'm not at all sure what it means, but I'd sure like to learn!
Thanks, and again, glad to have you as a member!
Jim S

Gabby · Post by **Gabby** » Sun Feb 19, 2006 2:48 am

It's about time I got to take one out of the closet

jc04008 · Post by **jc04008** » Mon Feb 20, 2006 9:47 am

Jim,

In the 50's, Johnson sold most of their reels through distributors, Ace and True Value hardware, Montgomery Wards etc. The had some travelling salesmen that would go to these distributors and set up displays, fill inventory, the usual travelling salesman bit. These "Demonstrator" reels were what the salesmen carried around in their ultr-hip Johnson duffle bags, (Nope don't have one-yet) and either set up as a store demo, used as a sales prop, or let customers try out. I've yet to confirm how that actually worked out.

There are plenty of Mod. 80 "Demonstrator"'s like yours out there. I have 2 Model 100's (You can see an example on the Century 100 page of our website), and see model 120 versions a lot.

My thinking is that "Demonstrator"'s were only used after there were enough sales to allow the company to dedicate a set number of reels for demo, and when there was a new "technology" to display. This is why you see some demo Century's, but no Citation's. They work exactly the same. Though now that I say that, I seem to remember seeing a Citation. Will check on that.

They are either engraved or stamped "Demonstrator" or "Demo". Sometimes, the box is stamped. I've heard, though have yet seen that on some, the crank handle nut is white plastic, with no other markings.

Gabby,

Haul that right out of there. That's a great Princess version. quite sought after actually in that box shape.

JC