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Ajax Nottingham Fishing Reels – History & Technical Information. Reelpedia® Page 60

Introduction:
The Ajax Nottingham wooden and metal ball-bearing reels were manufactured in Newcastle, Australia by reel maker Jack Richards, from the early 1940s through to the 1970s.

A notable feature of Australian-made wooden Nottingham reels—including the Ajax models—was the use of cone-adjustable ball bearings. To our knowledge, this type of bearing assembly was unique to Australian production, as English-made Nottingham reels were not manufactured with cone ball bearings. Instead, most English reels utilised a fixed centre-pin spindle within the drum assembly, and in some higher-end variants, ball bearing races.

The Australian use of cone bearings—often salvaged from bicycle pedals or front wheel hubs—reflected both ingenuity and resourcefulness during the post-Depression era and the material shortages of the 1940s. Ajax reels adopted this cost-effective solution, favouring cone-adjustable ball bearings over the traditional sleeve bearings used in earlier Australian Nottinghams.

While many Australian ball-bearing Nottinghams were custom-built ‘one-offs’ or workshop-crafted reels, Jack Richards set himself apart by producing a wide commercial range, from 3½" to 9" in diameter, spanning several decades. These reels were typically branded AJAX, with the name stamped on the bearing cover plate, cast brass cross back, or brass T-saddle neck support.

AJAX reels featured spools (drums) and backplates primarily made from teak—often salvaged from shipwrecks along the Hunter River. Laminated wood and other timber types suitable for marine use were also used in production, depending on availability or, in some cases, the customer's personal preference. A newly designed back made from cast aluminium was also introduced, incorporating a brass T-saddle semi-strap back. Handle knobs were originally turned from cow horn, then later produced in wood or aluminium—materials used across both the earlier brass cross-back models and the later cast aluminium back reels, depending on availability at the time. 

As noted by Bob Dunn in Australian Fishing Reels (page 22): “The AJAX reels seem to have been promoted and sold virtually by word of mouth. No brochures have been discovered. No advertisements appeared in fishing magazines of the period. No tackle catalogues carried the reels – or at least by name.”

Depicted below are 17 distinct AJAX reel models, presented with full technical specifications and detailed photographic documentation. (B L. 2025)

ReeLpedia® -  Ajax fishing reel models a work in progress

 (Ax 1)  AJAX Metal and Wood 9-Inch T saddle shaft bracket Nottingham Fishing Reel – Maker: Jack Richards, Newcastle NSW

2-AJAX DSCF8036_edited.jpg
3-Ajax 9 inch game reel-001_edited_edite
4-Ajax 9 inch game reel-002_edited.jpg

Ajax Teak Wood and Brass Light Game Boat Fishing reel maker Jack Richards Newcastle NSW. Teak back plate diameter 9", Teak drum (Spool) width 1 1/4". T saddle bracket of cast brass. Bulbous black painted wooden handle knobs. Dual knurled brass drum (Spool) spring tension nut.. Ajax stamped on tension nut and T saddle bracket. Ajax stamped in 2 places on the drum face -c. 1950. Collectbility: Rare. 

(Ax 2)  AJAX Metal and Ventilated Wood 9-Inch T saddle shaft bracket Nottingham Fishing Reel – Maker: Jack Richards, Newcastle NSW

Ajax Ventilated Teak Wood and Brass Light Game Boat Fishing reel maker Jack Richards Newcastle NSW. Teak back plate diameter 9", Teak drum (Spool) width 1 1/4". T saddle bracket of cast brass. Bulbous black painted wooden handle knobs. Dual knurled brass drum (Spool) spring tension nut.. Ajax stamped on tension nut and T saddle bracket. Ajax stamped in 2 places on the drum face -c. 1950. Collectbility: Rare.

ReeLpedia® & Reelman's Rare Reels-  Ajax Brass Cross Back models

(Ax 3)  AJAX Metal and Wood 4-Inch Rare Early Cross Back Nottingham Fishing Reel – Maker: Jack Richards, Newcastle NSW.

The Ajax model shown in detail below is believed to be, or is very likely, the first version produced by Jack Richards. It features ball bearing races supporting the drum (spool) shaft, which Richards later replaced with a stronger, more suitable, and easier-to-service system using adjustable cone ball bearings—a design adopted in all subsequent ball bearing models. Another interesting feature of this reel is the cast brass T-saddle, which is attached to the cross-back neck (stem) with a brass slotted screw. Later models were produced with the cast brass T-saddle cross-back integrated as a single piece, further suggesting that this reel represents an early design stage before full-scale production of the later adjustable cone ball bearing models.

RARE AJAX ball bearing Wood and brass fishing reel
Rare AJAX wood and brass ball bearing fishing reel
AJAX  ball bearing wood and brass fishing reel
AJAX fishing reel ball bearing races image

Specifications: The backplate is made of teak wood, 4 inches in diameter, with a teak wood drum (spool) measuring 1 7/8 inches in width. It features a cast brass T-saddle, which is attached to the cross-back neck (stem) with a brass slotted screw. The spool shaft is supported by ball bearing races with a brass bearing cover stamped "AJAX". The handle knobs are twin elongated (tapered) cow horn, secured with brass slotted screws and collets. Circa early 1940s. Collectibility: Very rare

(Ax 4)  AJAX Metal and Wood 6 1/8-Inch Wide Drum Cross Back Nottingham Fishing Reel – Maker: Jack Richards, Newcastle NSW

Specifications: The backplate is made of teak wood, 6 1/8 inches in diameter, with a teak wood drum (spool) measuring 2 1/4 inches in width. It features a T-saddle stamped "AJAX" semi Cross Back in cast brass. The spool shaft is supported by adjustable cone ball bearings with a brass bearing cover. The handle knobs are twin elongated (tapered) cow horn, secured with brass slotted screws and collets. A brass optional check button is fitted to the cross back. Circa 1940s. Collectibility: Rare

(Ax 5)  AJAX Metal and Wood 4 1/2-Inch Cross Back Nottingham Fishing Reel – Maker: Jack Richards, Newcastle NSW

Specifications: The backplate is made of teak wood, 4 1/2 inches in diameter, with a brass backed teak wood drum (spool) measuring 1 3/4 inches in width. It features a nickle plated T-saddle semi Cross Back in cast brass. The spool shaft is supported by adjustable cone ball bearings with a plated brass bearing cover. The handle knobs are twin elongated (tapered) cow horn, secured with brass slotted screws and collets. A plated brass optional check button is fitted to the cross back. Circa 1940s. Collectibility: Rare

(Ax 6)  AJAX Metal and Wood 4 1/8-Inch Cross Back Nottingham Fishing Reel - (aluminium lined inner back) Maker: Jack Richards, Newcastle NSW

Specifications: The backplate is made of teak wood, 4 1/8 inches in diameter,  inner lined with aluminium.  A brass backed teak wood drum (spool) measuring 1 inch in width. It features a nickle plated T-saddle semi Cross Back in cast brass stamped "AJAX". The spool shaft is supported by adjustable cone ball bearings with a  brass bearing cover. The handle knobs are twin elongated (tapered) cow horn, secured with brass slotted screws with gunmetal collets. A brass optional check button is fitted to the cross back. Circa 1940s.

(Ax 7)  AJAX MINOR Metal and Wood 3 1/2-Inch Cross Back Nottingham Fishing Reel – Maker: Jack Richards, Newcastle NSW

The 3½-inch Ajax model shown in detail below is the smallest version produced and is referred to, for reference purposes, as the AJAX Minor.

Specifications: The backplate is made of teak wood, 3 1/2 inches in diameter, with a teak wood drum (spool) measuring  3/4 of an inch in width. It features a T-saddle semi Cross Back in cast brass. The spool shaft is supported by adjustable cone ball bearings with a plated brass bearing cover. The handle knobs are twin elongated (tapered) cow horn, secured with brass slotted screws and collets. A plated brass optional check button is fitted to the cross back. Circa 1940s. Collectibility: Rare

(Ax 8)  AJAX stamped Reg. A. Baker Pty Ltd Metal and Wood 5-Inch Cross Back Nottingham Fishing Reel – Maker: Jack Richards, Newcastle NSW

The two different Ajax-type models shown in detail below were made by Jack Richards around the 1940s. He produced these reels for the Reg. A. Baker Pty. Ltd, a retail sporting goods company 291-293 Hunter St, Newcastle N.S.W. The brass cross-back is stamped 'Reg. A. Baker Pty Ltd.'

Specifications: The backplate is made of teak wood, 5 inches in diameter, with a teak wood drum (spool) measuring 1 3/4 inches in width. It features a T-saddle Cross Back in cast brass stamped "Reg. A. Baker Pty Ltd." The spool shaft is supported by adjustable cone ball bearings with a brass bearing cover. The handle knobs are twin elongated (tapered) cow horn, secured with brass slotted screws and collets. A brass optional check button is fitted to the cross back. Circa 1940s. Collectibility: Rare

(Ax 9)  AJAX stamped Reg. A. Baker Pty Ltd Metal and Wood 4 5/8-Inch Cross Back Nottingham Fishing Reel – Maker: Jack Richards, Newcastle NSW

Specifications: The backplate is made of teak wood, 4 5/8 inches in diameter, with a brass backed teak wood drum (spool) measuring 1 3/4 inches in width. It features a T-saddle Cross Back in cast brass stamped "Reg. A. Baker Pty Ltd". The spool shaft is supported by adjustable cone ball bearings with a brass bearing cover. The handle knobs are twin elongated (tapered) cow horn, secured with brass slotted screws and collets. A brass optional check button is fitted to the cross back. Circa 1940s. Collectibility: Rare

ReeLpedia® & Reelman's Rare Reels Ajax Aluminium Back models

AJAX Nottingham Cast Aluminium Backplate Models

 In the early 1950s—or possibly the late 1940s—Jack Richards made the decision to redesign his AJAX fishing reels by replacing the wooden backplate with a cast aluminium version. Interestingly, he retained the wooden drum (spool) from the earlier cross-back models for use in the new aluminium-backplate design.
The wooden backplate models had several drawbacks. If not properly stored after use—particularly in wet or hot climates—the wood was prone to cracking, shrinking, or, in some cases, swelling. This could cause the spool to jam within the backplate. In addition, the outer rim of the wooden backplate was easily damaged or broken if dropped on its edge. Richards may also have encountered difficulties sourcing suitable timber for reel production.
It is therefore plausible that, in response to these issues, Richards chose to manufacture reel backplates from aluminium rather than wood.

(Ax 10)  AJAX Metal and Wood 4 3/8-Inch Aluminium Back Nottingham Fishing Reel Grease Bearing Cup – Maker: Jack Richards, Newcastle NSW

Specifications: The 4 3/8-inch diameter aluminium backplate is stamped AJAX and paired with a brass-backed teak wood drum (spool) measuring 1 1/8 inches wide. The reel features a T-saddle semi-strap back made of cast brass. The spool shaft is supported by adjustable cone ball bearings, protected by a bicycle-pedal–style threaded removable grease cup. Twin elongated (tapered) cow horn handle knobs are fitted, secured with brass slotted screws and collets. An optional aluminium check button is fitted to the backplate. Circa: 1950s, possibly late 1940s 
Collectibility: Rare

(Ax 11)  AJAX Metal and Laminated Wood 4-Inch Aluminium Back Nottingham Fishing Reel – Maker: Jack Richards, Newcastle NSW

Rare Ajax  wood and metal fishing reel
AJAX MARINE PLY wood fishing reel
AJAX MARINE PLY wood fishing reel

Ajax Laminated marine ply

Specifications: The 4 -inch diameter aluminium backplate is finished in gold paint and paired with a Laminated wood drum (spool) measuring  3/4 inches wide. The reel features a T-saddle semi-strap back made of cast brass, gold painted. The spool shaft is supported by adjustable cone ball bearings with Aluminium bearing cover stamped AJAX. Twin elongated (tapered) wooden handle knobs are fitted, secured with brass slotted screws and collets. Circa: 1950s 
Collectibility: Rare

(Ax 12)  AJAX Metal and Wood Wide Drum 6-Inch Aluminium Back Nottingham Fishing Reel – Maker: Jack Richards, Newcastle NSW

Specifications: The backplate is made of Aluminium, 5 13/16 inches in diameter, with a brass backed teak wood drum (spool) measuring 2 1/4 inches in width. It features a T-saddle semi Strap Back in cast brass stamped "AJAX". The spool shaft is supported by adjustable cone ball bearings with a brass bearing cover. The handle knobs are twin elongated (tapered) cow horn, secured with brass slotted screws and collets. A brass optional check button is fitted to the back. Circa 1950s. Collectibility: Rare

(Ax 13)  AJAX Metal and Wood Wide Drum 5 5/8-Inch Aluminium Back Nottingham Fishing Reel – Maker: Jack Richards, Newcastle NSW

Specifications: The backplate is made of aluminium, 5 5/8 inches in diameter, and stamped "AJAX". It features a 316 stainless steel–backed teak wood drum (spool) measuring 2 1/4 inches in width. The reel has a T-saddle semi strap back in cast brass. The spool shaft is supported by adjustable cone ball bearings, with an aluminium bearing cover also stamped "AJAX". The handle knobs are twin elongated (tapered) cow horn, secured with brass slotted screws and collets. A brass optional check button is fitted to the back. Circa 1950s. Collectibility: Rare

(Ax 14)  AJAX Metal and Wood Wide Drum 5 1/2-Inch Aluminium Back Nottingham Fishing Reel – Maker: Jack Richards, Newcastle NSW

Specifications: The backplate is made of aluminium, 5 1/2 inches in diameter and stamped "AJAX". It features a brass–backed teak wood drum (spool) measuring 2 7/8 inches in width. The reel has a T-saddle semi strap back in cast brass. The spool shaft is supported by adjustable cone ball bearings, with a brass bearing cover also stamped "AJAX". The handle knobs are twin elongated (tapered) cow horn, secured with brass slotted screws and collets. An Aluminium optional check button is fitted to the back. Circa 1950s. Collectibility: Rare

(Ax 15)  AJAX Metal and Wood 5-Inch Aluminium Back Nottingham Fishing Reel – Maker: Jack Richards, Newcastle NSW

Specifications: The backplate is made of aluminium, 5 1/2 inches in diameter and stamped "AJAX". It features a brass–backed teak wood drum (spool) measuring 1 1/4 inches in width. The reel has a T-saddle semi strap back in cast brass. The spool shaft is supported by adjustable cone ball bearings, with a brass bearing cover. The handle knobs are twin elongated (tapered) cow horn, secured with brass slotted screws and collets. A brass optional check button is fitted to the back. Circa 1950s. Collectibility: Rare

(Ax 16)  AJAX Metal and Wood 4 7/16-Inch Aluminium Back Nottingham Fishing Reel – Maker: Jack Richards, Newcastle NSW

Ajax wood and brass nottingham fishing reel
Rare Ajax fishing reel specfications
3-Ajax nottingham fishing reel

Specifications: The backplate is made of aluminium, 4 7/16 inches in diameter, and stamped "AJAX". It features a 316 stainless steel–backed teak wood drum (spool) measuring 1 inch in width. The reel has a T-saddle semi strap back in cast brass. The spool shaft is supported by adjustable cone ball bearings, with a stainless steel bearing cover also stamped "AJAX". The handle knobs are twin elongated (tapered) Bakelite, secured with brass slotted screws and collets. A Aluminium optional check button is fitted to the back. Circa 1950s. Collectibility: Hard to find

(Ax 17)  AJAX MINOR Metal and Wood 3 1/2-Inch Aluminium Back Nottingham Fishing Reel – Maker: Jack Richards, Newcastle NSW

Specifications: The 3 7/16-inch diameter aluminium backplate is finished in gold paint and paired with a Teak wood drum (spool) measuring  3/4 inches wide. The reel features a T-saddle semi-strap back made of cast brass, gold painted. The spool shaft is supported by adjustable cone ball bearings with a convex shaped Aluminium bearing cover stamped AJAX. Twin elongated (tapered) Aluminium handle knobs are fitted, secured with brass slotted screws and collets. Circa: 1950s 
Collectibility: Rare

This Historical Ajax Fishing Reel information guide featured on reeLpedia® page 60, is work in progress and  near completion.

ReeLpedia ®  >< )))) * >  Page 60.

AJAX vintage fishing reel information, available at: reeLpedia® R A page 60. Copyright © 2009-2025 reeLmanAustralia.com  All Rights Reserved

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