Hi folks. Shameless almost-new-poster asking for help! I'm about to tackle converting my granddad's old reel into LHW by modifying the spring and potentially the pawl, but prior to any work I'd quite like to date the reel, if possible. I've had a rummage around previous posts but thought asking outright might also produce some wisdom from you lot, as well as giving me the opportunity to share a couple of pics of this very pretty reel.
Wishing you all a peaceful weekend,
Paddy
Trying to date granddad's old St John
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- SpringCreek
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Re: Trying to date granddad's old St John
#2It would be helpful to see the interior of the reel for any makers initials, however the reel was made between 1927 and WWII. It has circular stamping on the back and a ribbed foot. The ribbed foot was used from 1927 on, and the circular writing was used through World War II.
Jim
Jim
Then as it was, then again it will be. Though the course may change sometimes, rivers always reach the sea. - Led Zeppelin, 10 Years Gone
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http://www.splittingcane.com
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Re: Trying to date granddad's old St John
#4Thanks for sharing the additional photos. The "32" is simply a part stamp used to keep specific parts identified through the building process. Unfortunately it doesn't help date it.
Best of luck
Jim
Best of luck
Jim
Then as it was, then again it will be. Though the course may change sometimes, rivers always reach the sea. - Led Zeppelin, 10 Years Gone
http://www.splittingcane.com
http://www.splittingcane.com
Re: Trying to date granddad's old St John
#5Welcome to the forum, Paddy. Regarding the line groove, it looks like the reel was fished “rings up” (i.e., with the rod held so that the reel and line is above the rod, rather than hanging below), still reeling right-handed….Monte
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Re: Trying to date granddad's old St John
#6Thanks Jim! Shame about the lack of detail. You'd have thought they could have a least put a QR code on it somewhere, but I can't seem to find it. Not to worry. It's a very satisfying piece of machining to hold in the hand. I'm worried this might grow into a collection.SpringCreek wrote: ↑10/23/21 10:19Thanks for sharing the additional photos. The "32" is simply a part stamp used to keep specific parts identified through the building process. Unfortunately it doesn't help date it.
Best of luck
Jim
Paddy
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Re: Trying to date granddad's old St John
#7Funny how pretty much everything's changed in the ensuing 80 years. Rings down, line running to other side of reel, dominant hand holding the rod rather than winding. I wonder what other bizarre stuff they got up to...
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Re: Trying to date granddad's old St John
#8well, some brave souls attempted to drive their XK 120's after dark.PaddyontheMask wrote: ↑10/23/21 23:24Funny how pretty much everything's changed in the ensuing 80 years. Rings down, line running to other side of reel, dominant hand holding the rod rather than winding. I wonder what other bizarre stuff they got up to...
regards, jim w
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Re: Trying to date granddad's old St John
#9It is a more desirable model as well - due to the addition of a brake.
That brake is the drag system.
That brake is the drag system.
" There's no such thing as a fly fisherman wholly satisfied with his casting performance. " ~ Jim Green (1971)
" Just once I wish a trout would wink at me. " ~ Brian Shaffer
You either like cane fly rods - or you don't.
" Just once I wish a trout would wink at me. " ~ Brian Shaffer
You either like cane fly rods - or you don't.