Carlton Rochester reels handle question

[fishbugman]

I thought all Carlton reels had black handle knobs, but maybe I am wrong (there is a first time for everything... I am interested in a reel on EBAY #190008985548, but am 99% sure the handle on it is from an Ocean City E-Z-2-Part reel and not original to the Carlton. The seller, in a very sure of himself way, claims he has had and sold over 35 Carlton reels and more than 25 of them had white handle knobs...OK? Can anyone please confirm or deny the white knobs? Thanks...

[Reel Geezer]

Richard: That is not a "Carlton" Rochester reel. Rochester labeled reels were not made by Carlton. As of this date, I don't believe we know who made "Rochester" reels. I still believe they were a contract reel made by Meisselbach, but still have no proof, and probably never will have any. There were some reels that were manufactured by "The Rochester Reel Company" of Rochester, NY, but they were based on Carlton's patents, not the Wollensak patents used on the reel on eBay.

As to the eBay reel, it is a reel that was contracted for Frost, and is based on the Wollensak patents. I believe that crank and knob are correct. I have one 4X reel that has an identical handle, and have seen others. They were probably reels manufactured around WWI. Most of the earlier "Rochester" reels that I have seen do not have black knobs, but have knobs that appear to me to have been made from horn. They are a streaked brown. Carlton made reels had black checkered knobs, but I have never seen any on a "Rochester" reel.

Added Note: The Ocean City reel is nickel plated brass, and the "Rochester" is German silver, so a crank swap would really stand out.

[Jim Schottenham]

Richard,
Not that Phil needs anyone to confirm his findings , he's done much more research than I on these Rochester reels, but I can tell you I've seen a few reels like this with that same handle grasp. I agree with Phil that it's correct for that reel - for whatever that's worth!
Jim

[fishbugman]

Thanks Phil and Jim...