Gotta laugh at myself...what a moron! Just picked this basket-case up for $21. The odds on an ROI would have been better, if I just tossed the $21 off the top of the Space Needle. I'll post the "afters" once it arrives depending whether the jack-hammer and Aluminum colored Rust-o-leum, works well.
(I'm pushin' the envelope Dean!)
Last edited by Rick H on Sun Nov 07, 2010 7:30 pm, edited 1 time in total.
Never mind the vinegar, soak it in Hydrochloric Acid for a month and there will be no problem (and no reel) That spool looks bad . If we hear you screaming we'll know you've had enough.
I'm much less pessimistic about this one...lob that in 2:1 vinegar:water overnight...whole thing...that will not only cut thru lots of that oxidation, but help loosen the screws...I have faith in you, Rick!
Nothing better for a crusty ol' reel than a good...Hydro (cloric acid) bath. I'm thinkin' Ray's got the right idea! BUT...if I cast it and make a mold first, I can also use Steve's idea...make a plaster/plastic reproduction and paint it!
There's only two possibilities. 1) It's either going to come out fine, because it's German Silver. Or...2) it's gonna end up being a shiny BRASS non-conventional conversation piece.
What a downer. I was hoping to be wrong.Thankfully you did not pay $210.00 . Some reels were chrome plate over german silver as i found with a very early 30's Penn Senator spool (to my surprise) . It can be left as is to highlight your better reels or if you get stuck into it , shiny brass instead of silver.
As usual, Vernon made the call...sorry to hear, Rick! you could make it into the reel version of a 'nekked lure' and head for the polishing reel...nothing much prettier than brass when shined up!
Just in time for a Christmas tree decoration. It is as bright as a Star . I thought you'd missed a spot but it is only your relection HA! Top marks for a fantastic revival job. Is it a Monty or a Pflueger or ?.
AH HA! A paper-weight AND a Tree Topper! I KNEW this one was a good investment...
No idea Ray, on the maker. She's marked only "Atlantic" "Surf Casting" with a 200 on the foot. She'll now pass as a "shiney object" on the shelf and has a potential use as a back-up reel since she's fully functional and really quite smooth. I'll take 'er for $21.
Here's your reel, Rick, from a 1917 Wilson catalog:
they sold several brands of reels, from Meek to South Bend to Meisselbach to Rochester. Most of these were announced as such. This reel, along with others on this page, were not...I'm going to take a wild guess and say the reel was made by Montague.
Careful guys...This one had to be taken down to original brass. The nickel plating was so far gone, there was nothing else to do. I bought it HOPING that it might be German Silver. In that case, would have cleaned up nicely! But it wasn't so. The reel in the pics is of zero collector value. It's only good as a User and/or a Shiny Ornament. Don't ruin a good collector reel...because of what I did here.
Rick H (AutoFly) wrote:The reel in the pics is of zero collector value. It's only good as a User and/or a Shiny Ornament. Don't ruin a good collector reel...because of what I did here.
- Full Disclosure Imperative -
Good point. That said, it should also be pointed out that there is nothing wrong with a user reel/ornament. That, too, is part of the collecting game.
Know before you dive in, but once that is settled, dont be timid.
Gotta laugh at myself...what a moron! Just picked this basket-case up for $21. The odds on an ROI would have been better, if I just tossed the $21 off the top of the Space Needle. I'll post the "afters" once it arrives depending whether the jack-hammer and Aluminum colored Rust-o-leum, works well. 
