Help with recent reel purchase..msg.

[Dr. Ed Haith]

Recently bought an old sidewinder reel. Markings: OK MACHINE FORT WAYNE IND MONARCH PAT. JUNE 27, 1911. Can email photo. Any information appreciated.

(moderator note: Here's Ed's reel)

[Jim Schottenham]

Ed, the reel you have is known as an Indiana style reel, and was made, as you can tell from the patent, in Fort Wayne, Indiana. This is the same company that made the Wawasee reel for Creek Chub. These reels were sold with different markings, from plain (no name at all) to OK Machine Works, to Monarch and also as mentioned above, Wawasee. The reels were produced into the late 40's and perhaps the early 50's, though I have no catalog evidence into the 50's. The Wawasee is tops in value, and can bring as much as $750 in pristine condition, while the other marked versions are in the $75 to $150 range, without a box. Boxes for any Indiana reel really can boost the price. Here's what they look like:

Handles can vary a bit too, with some models having a bulb style, and others a straight cylinder style.
Hope that helps some,
Jim

[Brian F.]

There you go, Dr. Haith! Better than any book you'll find out there!

[Dr. Ed Haith]

Knowing more about history of my reel makes it even more enjoyable. Isn't just a Monarch, but has personality. Again thanks to you both. Dr. Ed.