Antique Shakespeare Reel question

[chaplainsteve]

Anyone have some insight into an antique reel my son found. It appears to be brass and has the following info written on it:

WM Shakespeare Jr
Kalamazoo, MICH
HandMade
Pat. Oct 5. 97
Style C

Also, written on the rod plate are the numbers: 309

Thanks in advance for your assistance.

[Robyn Summerlin]

The Style C was Shakespeare's first model and the low serial number makes it even more valuable. You have a real collectable there.

Gabby Talkington's website has an interesting history of the Shakespeare Co. and the life of WSJr. himself, written by his relative Eric Jeska.

http://www.antiquelures.com/Shakehistory.htm