Game Fishing Reels made in Australia. Antique Vintage Fishing Reels. The game reels featured in this segment : Acme, Atalanta, Barrier, Bourke, Emperor, Harrradine, Jenkin, Marlin, Montague, Neptuna,Tarpon, Sea King, Landem, Makoora, Sil Rohu, Ormiston, Samson, Seaspray, SFTS, Sword Fish, Roberts, Hall,Tasman, game reels. Australian made game fishing reels form an interesting part of Australian manufacturing history, and keenly sought by collectors the world over. ReeLpedia® by Bernie Ladd, 2009.
ATALANTA game reel. Made in Australia by Frederick Smith, Sydney NSW -c 1938. Nickle plated bronze construction; Bakelite end plates; non-reversing star drag, Lever optional check; brace lugs; spindle supported by 2 ball bearing races; diameter 6''; drum (spool) width 2 1/2''; (frame width 4 1/4'') counter balanced crank-handle; leather storage case. Rare. Many of the Atalanta reels were custom made to individual order and included the owners name on the end plate - with this particular version, there is no owners name on the end plate.
ACME single action game reel maker Dyne & co, Brisbane, Qld. ACME stamped on back -c 1920. Chrome plated brass body, perforated drum sides, star crank drag, wood handle knobs; anti-reverse -pin; optional check; bikerdyke line guide; diameter 7'', drum (spool) width 2''. Very rare.
BARRIER 6 1/2'' single action game reel. Maker E. W. Fitch, for Sydney retailers Cowells & Dunn."Barrier" Cowles & Dunn Sydney engraved on back plate -c. 1930. Rare.
BOURKE J.W. Bourke designed and made 5'' size Latrobe Valley Multiplying Game reel. Machined from solid aluminium alloy bar. Side plate Diameter 4 1/2 ''; Spool width 3'', overall side plates frame width 4 9/16''; main spindle supported by front and rear ball bearing races; Needle roller bearing crank spindle; stainless steel lever cam operated 3'' dual disc drag-brake system ; 2 : 1 gear ratio. Engraved J. W. Bourke on back plate. Only 6 made -c.1973. Very rare.
John Bourke, retired Tool Maker and a well known fishing guru from Lakes Entrance, Victoria. Presenting here his Bourke Aluminium Alloy Game reel.
EMPEROR 6'' single action Game Fishing reel. Era 1920s. Aluminium and brass construction. Designed and made by Nick Kross , Brisbane Australia. Back diameter, 6''; overall reel width 5 3/4''; drum (spool) width 2 1/4'' . Aluminium alloy body and drum. Brass foot (saddle); brass star drag wheel; brass crank handle; wood handle knobs . Ball bearings spindle supported; optional check-anti-reverse option. Only known example in the hands of a collector. Extremely Rare.
MARLIN 7" single action Game reel -c 1932. Aluminium and brass construction. Brass optional check lever; cast Brass crank handle, Ebony handle knobs. Unique Anti reverse Bearing crank assembly; brass star drag wheel. Back plate diameter 7''; drum (spool) width 3''. MARLIN stamped on back. Made in Australia by E. G. Bush, Sydney, NSW. Rare.
MARLIN 5" single action Game reel -c 1932. Aluminium and brass construction. Nickel plated brass optional check lever; Nickel plated cast brass crank handle, Ebonite handle knobs. Unique Anti reverse Bearing crank assembly; nickel plated brass star drag wheel. Back plate diameter 5'';
drum (spool) width 2'' . MARLIN stamped on back. Made in Australia by E. G Bush, Sydney. Hard to find with original nickle plating still intact! Rare.
MARLIN (Super) 7'' multiplying Game reel -c 1937. Aluminium and brass construction. Nickel plated brass optional check lever; Nickel plated cast metal crank; ebonite knob. Anti reverse bearing crank; nickel plated brass star drag wheel. Back plate diameter 7''; drum (spool) width 3 3/4''; leather thumb brake. SUPER MARLIN stamped on front and back side plates. Made in Australia by E. G Bush, Sydney. Hard to find with original nickle plating still intact. Rare.
HALL 'Albert' 6'' Threadline Casting Game Reel -c 1950. Rare. Aluminium rotor diameter 6 5/16''; drum (spool) width 6'' machined of aluminum stock bar. Mahogany handle knob; 316 stainless steel crank handle; 316 stainless steel auto bail action; optional check - anti reverse lever; stainless steel foot-saddle; Catalina gear box housing of cast aluminum alloy. One 6'' model made, several versions produced in the 5'' rotor size.
Bob Dunn AFR segment about Albert Hall made fishing reels.
Albert Hall pictured fishing with his 6'' game reel and split cane game rod.
Photograph featuring three
Hall fishing reel models.
Albert Hall hand made wooden fishing lures with original boxes.
Harradine 5'' Multiplying game reel. Maker Harradine (Robert) & wood, Engineers, Bondi, NSW -c. 1930. Rare.
Imperial Montague multiplying game reel, maker R.R. Taylor & Co, Sydney NSW. Aluminium alloy construction; non-reversing star drag, ball bearing spool spindle; gear ratio 2 : 1; single ebonite knob handle crank; diameter 6 1/2'', drum width 5 1/4 ''; over all width 11'' ; adjustable check. IMPERIAL ' MONTAGUE ' NON CORROSIVE engraved on end plate -c.1936. Rare.
Jenkin Bros Game Reel. Australian Vintage Fishing Reel History & Information, by Bernard (Bernie) Ladd, 25/3/2012.
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Jenkin Brothers Engineers Melbourne, Victoria Australia. Three brothers, Graham [engineer], Bob [sheet metal technician] and Bruce [engineer] began their engineering factory in Bayswater Melbourne, in 1974. Over the years, the Jenkin Brothers achieved various awards for excellence in their engineering production.
They were also known as Big Game fishermen who were frequently using a Kenworth prime mover to tow their 36' Bertram boat and 4-wheel drive, to various fishing locations in NSW and Victoria.Their enthusiasm for Game fishing, led them to design, in 1981, a heavy duty Big Game ball bearing reel, consisting of aluminium alloy body and a twin disc clutch drag system.
When I interviewed the Jenkin brothers in March 2012, I noted Bob Jenkin commenting: "You could drop it in a bucket of water and the drag system would still work perfectly with out sticking! " Bob and his brothers manufactured six Game reels in total. Production was discontinued, as it was deemed to be not cost effective. The limited manufacture of the reel, was followed by yet another project that Jenkin Brothers embarked upon. In 1982, they designed a Big Game Salt-water Fly reel, which is rumored to have taken a 400lb Dog Tooth Tuna! Production costs incurred in the manufacture of this reel were also deemed as not feasible. Only five of these Salt-water Fly reels were manufactured at the Bayswater engineering plant.
Sometime during 1983, the design prototype of the Jenkin Brothers Big Game Salt-water Fly reel was was taken up by another engineering company, which aimed to mass-produce it. The company tried to cut production costs by reducing the thickness of the alloy body and crank, the foot was also changed to Aluminium. Soon into production, it was realized they could not compete with the international market. Only 20 of these reels were manufactured. I have allowed my enthusiasm to propel me to seek further information about those involved in this particular project. At this stage, I have not been able to come across any one who knew any thing about this endeavour, other than Jenkin Brothers themselves.
The Jenkin Brothers engineering company was sold to the current owners in 2005. Graham, Bob and Bruce are now enjoying their retirement at their large picturesque property near the Victorian Dandenongs. Ladd B. 2012.
Jenkin Bros Engineers, Melburne, Australia. Magnum H D - 15 Twin Drag Game reel. -c 1981. Machined, aluminium alloy bar; Gold anodized side diameter's 10cm; width 13cm; spool 8cm. Twin non stick drag; free spool & drag lever. S/S one way crank ball bearings, optional check; knurled secondary drag set; stainless steel crank and saddle. JENKIN BROS - AUSTRALIA and Magnum H. D. 15 TWINDRAG engraved on frame. Information courtesy Jenkin Brothers Melbourne, Victoria.
Engineer Graham Jenkin, presenting here 1 of 6 Big game reel's designed & made by Jenkin Brothers Engineering -c 1981.
NEPTUNA Narrow drum multiplying game reel made in Australia by L T Willis, Sydney NSW -c 1950. Fairly rare.
NEPTUNA 10/0 multiplying game reel made in Australia by L T Willis, Sydney NSW. -c 1950. Very hard version to find in un-fished order.
SUPER TARPON single action game reel made in Australia. Distributed by Sydney Fishing Tackle Supply -c 1938. Rare.
TARPON MINOR multiplying ball bearing game reel made in Australia. Distributed by Sydney Fishing Tackle Supply -c 1938. Rare.
SEA KING single action ball bearing game reel made in Australia. Distributed by Sydney Fishing Tackle Supply -c 1948. Rare.
SEA KING
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MAKOORA 6'' single action ball bearing game reel made in Australia by L. T. Willis, Sydney for fishing tackle retailer SIL ROHU -c 1930. Rare.
MAKOORA 5'' single action ball bearing game reel made in Australia by L. T. Willis, Sydney for fishing tackle retailer SIL ROHU -c 1930. Rare.
SIL ROHU 6'' single action ball bearing game reel made in Australia, L.T. Willis -c 1930. Rare. Diameter of aluminium back plate 5 3/4''; drum (spool) width 2 1/2'' ; brass single action one way ball bearing drag - crank handle; plastic type handle-knobs, optional check , black painted finish aluminium; twin ball bearing races, spindle supported. Sil Rohu Gun Smith Sydney stamped on crank and Pat. App. P5195-31 stamped on crank and back plate. (this is the actual reel depicted in Bob Dunn, AFR Book, S62 )
LANDEM 6'' single action ball bearing game reel made in Australia by L. T. Willis, Sydney -c 1930. Rare. Diameter of aluminium back plate 5 3/4''; drum (spool) width 2 1/2'' ; brass single action ball bearing drag - crank handle; plastic type handle-knobs, optional check , black painted finish aluminium; twin ball bearing races, spindle supported. Made in NSW Landem Registered stamped on crank and back plate and Pat . App. 5195-31 stamped on crank. (this is the actual reel depicted AFR No. 7, L18 )
LANDEM 5'' single action ball bearing game reel made in Australia by L. T. Willis, Sydney -c 1930-c 1930. Rare. Diameter of aluminium back plate 4 5/16''; drum (spool) width 1 3/4'' ; brass single action one way ball bearing drag - crank handle; plastic type handle-knobs, optional check , black painted finish aluminium; twin ball bearing races, spindle supported. Landem and Pat 5195-31 stamped on crank.
(this is the actual reel depicted AFR No. 7, L19)
ORMISTON 6'' Direct wind ball bearing game reel made in Australia by E. G. Bush, Sydney -c 1930. Rare. Diameter of aluminium back plate 5 5/8'' ; Drum (spool) width 2'' rim-mounted brass lever drum brake (drag); ebonite handle-knobs; Silver anodised aluminium; cone adjustable twin ball bearings, spindle supported; Saddle (foot) of nickle plated brass.
ROBERTS 5 1/2'' Direct wind game reel made in Australia -c 1940. Rare. Diameter of polished aluminium back plate 5 9/16''; polished aluminium drum (spool) width 1 5/8'' ; Teflon handle-knobs; Bronze bush bearing spindle supported; Saddle (foot) of gunmetal.
SAMSON, game fishing reel reference information by Bernie Ladd, 16/4/2017.
The earliest known SAMSON game reel advertisement, as documented by Bob Dunn (1994; p.61) dates back to 1937. The advert, published in the October Issue of Angling and gun Sport magazine, informs of the seven models being available for purchase, two of which are depicted pictorially within the add. It is more than probable that the early production SAMSON models commenced in the early 1930s. It its accepted, anecdotally, that there were 13 different reel models produced in total. To this day, however, there is no conclusive evidence pertaining to the maker of the Australian-made SAMSON fishing reels, but interestingly Dunn, made a supposition that a Sydney-based reel maker, Leo Willis “"probably made" the SAMSON Game reels” (Dunn, 1994; p.61).
Furthermore, a bakelite and brass Nottingham direct wind reel, which does not appear to be referenced in any existing documentation or available literature, features the SAMSON brand, and from its features it seems aesthetically belonging to the 1930s era of reel production in Australia.
Specifications SAMSON vintage multiplying game fishing reel wide drum model, referenced in this segment, comprises: * End plate diameter measuring 6 1/2 inches and manufactured of aluminium alloy; * Drum-spool also of aluminium alloy, width measuring 5 1/2’’; * Carbon steel drum spindle, mounted on ball bearings; * Manganese bronze gears engage a hardened steel pinion gear (ratio 2:1); variable check; * Crank-handle is of cast bronze; * Cast bronze non-reversing star drag wheel for smooth heavy duty triple clutch control; * Rod saddle of cast bronze, stamped (branded) underneath “SAMSON Model 3 Guaranteed”; * The bulbous tapered handle-knob crafted of ebony wood; * Weight of reel 8.2 lbs. All metal components nickel plated in order to make reel impervious to salt water and galvanic corrosion. Interestingly, as a rule nickel plating is not efficacious method of preventing salt water and/or galvanic corrosion. It seems that the nickel-plating was done more for aesthetic reasons rather than durability and longevity of function.
Samson Model No. 3 Multiplying Game reel -c 1930. Diameter 6 1/2"; Aluminium alloy construction; non reversing star drag wheel; dual drum ball bearings; ebony wood handle-knobs; harness lugs; optional check.
Angling and Gun Sport October, 1937, SAMSON advertisement.
Samson Model 1 single action narrow drum (spool) Game reel -c 1930. Aluminium alloy construction; diameter 6 1/2'' drum (spool width 3 3/8'' non reversing star drag wheel; dual drum ball bearings; ebony wood handle-knobs; harness lugs; optional check.
SEASPRAY 6" Multiplying game reel made in Australia -c 1940. Rare. History: This is an extremely rare, high quality Australian made Game Reel; notably to this day, after an extensive research, we still have not been able to properly identify its maker. Interestingly, in September 2013 when interviewed Jack Crouch Jr, who thoroughly inspected the reel. Jack commented: "I don't think this Seaspray was made by my father (Jack Crouch Sr), because he never did Game fishing''. Enquiries are still continuing. Specifications: Machined (lathe) aviation grade aluminium alloy; diameter 6''; turned drum width 1 15/16''; bronze bush bearings; multiplying action ratio 2 1/2 : 1; TAYLOR style anti-reverse, free spool levers & optional check; milled brass claw drag wheel; solid brass milled saddle; wood handle knobs; brass screws & nuts; and threaded knurled edge CROUCH style removable side plate. Note a 7 inch diameter Seaspray was also produced.
S F T S 6'' Direct wind ball bearing game reel made in Australia. Sydney Fishing Tackle Supply -c 1938. Rare. Diameter of aluminium back plate 5 3/4''; Drum (spool) width 2'' rim-mounted nickle plated brass lever drum brake (drag); ebonite handle-knobs; Silver anodised aluminium; cone adjustable twin ball bearings , spindle supported; Saddle (foot) of nickle plated brass. (this is the actual reel depicted in Bob Dunn, AFR book S43 )
SWORD FISH 6'' size multiplying game reel, L. T. Willis, Sydney NSW. -c 1930. Rare. Diameter of nickle-plated metal back plate 6 1/4''; drum (spool) width 4 1/2'' ; nickle-plated bronze non-reversing star drag; counter balanced crank handle; ebonite handle-knob, optional check; twin ball bearing races, spindle supported. Sword Fish Multiplying Big Game Reel Sil Rohu Sydney stamped on front side face.
S E C Latrobe Valley vic, workshop 8'' size multiplying big game reel. Diameter, 7 3/4'', overall width 5 5/16'',drum (spool) width 4 5/8''; stainless steel cross bars; aluminium star drag wheel; stainless steel crank; Teflon handle; brass nickel plated acorn-domed side plate nuts; brass domed crank nut; aluminium harness lugs; machined aluminium-saddle, rod clamp screws stainless steel; sealed ball bearings spindle supported; crank bearing cover stainless steel; bronze type gearing; stainless steel drum arbor - aluminium drum sides screwed to stainless steel-arbor; multiplying action ratio 3 : 1. -c. 1940. Very rare.
This impressive Big Game fishing reel described below deserves a special introduction. This unique reel was designed with much deliberation aimed to create a reel that would meet all the ergonomic demands and stand up to the harsh environmental forces at play when it comes to big game fishing. This highly engineered reel was made at the Latrobe Valley Vic, S E C Workshops in the 1960s.
In particular the Dual Drag - Disc Brake configuration, which incorporates metal components that are machined from 316 grade stainless steel, offers the most powerful drag - disc brake system we have seen. The reel has a solid main gear made of Manganese bronze; with hardened steel pinion gear; and spindle supported sealed stainless steel bearings. The reel is fitted with massive front and rear brass anti-reverse - check cogs. The designer purposely chose 316 grade stainless steel for the body. The internal mechanism also features parts of stainless steel. The rod - saddle assembly, and frame side edge rims are of machined aluminium. The designer of this superbly crafted reel, featured in detail below, has cleverly designed a powerful heavy duty Big Game reel. It is clearly easy to service; impervious to any potential salt water contamination or corrosion; and it will last through many generations of fishing! ><))))*> Ladd B. 17/7/2021.
S E C Latrobe Valley vic, workshop 7'' size, ' Dual Drag - Disc Braked ' multiplying big game reel. Diameter, 6 1/2'', overall width 5 1/2'',drum (spool) width 4''; stainless steel cross bars; stainless steel star drag wheel; stainless steel crank; Teflon handle; brass nickel plated acorn-domed side plate nuts; plated brass domed crank nut; stainless steel harness lugs; machined (milled) aluminium-saddle, rod clamp screws stainless steel, brass wing nuts; sealed ball bearings spindle supported; crank bearing cover stainless steel; Manganese bronze gearing; pinion gear and spindle of hardened steel; stainless steel drum; stainless steel ventilated disc brake mechanism; multiplying action ratio 3 : 1. -c. 1960. Very rare.
TASMAN 6'' size multiplying game reel, L. T. Willis, Sydney NSW. -c 1950. Rare. Diameter of nickle-plated metal back plate 6 1/4''; drum (spool) width 4 1/2'' ; nickle-plated bronze non-reversing star drag; counter balanced crank handle; ebonite handle-knob, optional check; twin ball bearing races, spindle supported. L. T. WILLIS TASMAN SYDNEY stamped on front side face.
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