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Surfmaster, Australian Collectable Vintage Fishing Reels, Historical Information & Reference.

Reelpedia® by Bernard (Bernie) Ladd, 10/1/2023. SURFMASTER Multiplying Revolving Drum Overhead Fishing reels, a work in progress.

Surfmaster History Introduction.
The SURFMASTER history below, is an extract from  ‘Australian Fishing Reels: A Collector’s Guide Book’, pages 42, 44, and 45, by Bob Dunn, 1994.

  “ Gordon Lewis, like many of his counterparts in 1946, was inspired to produce a multiplying reel by the shortage of imported reels. Newcastle had always been a strong saltwater angling area, being blessed with magnificent beaches and an abundance of rocky headlands. Tom Baker, of the well known local tackle shop Reg A. Baker, encouraged the project, and an employee of Baker’s, Bill Gallagher, provided the home workshop and lathe on which the first six prototypes were made. Lewis set out to produce a light weight free spool  multiplying surf reel which was resistant to corrosion, was easily dismantled on the beach and had a inbuilt backlash control. The lightness and resistance to corrosion, were achieved through the use of anodised aluminium. Backlash control was assisted by incorporating large bearings at one end of the spool and using variable grades of oil. The free spool mechanism was provided by a dog clutch which allowed the spool to be alternately engaged or disengaged from the handle, the clutch being operated from a cam lever mounted on the end plate.

  Initially called SURF  MASTER, the name was later streamlined to SURFMASTER and under this brand was to become one of Australia’s most successful production reels.  It was unashamedly inspired by the popular American multipliers, in particular the Ocean City, but Lewis was still able to successfully  apply for patent protection in 1946. The six prototype reels are distinguishable by the single crossbar construction . The first  production batch of  50 reels in 1946 came supplied in a blue leather drawstring bag. Like the prototype, they were unbranded and incorporated anodised royal blue end plates. Unlike the prototype, the first production batch featured double rather than single cross bars as well as dismantling screw retainers and a redesigned dog clutch to facilitate quick spool removal.

  In the course of his duties as an aeronautical inspector with air force during the war, Gordon Lewis had met up with a welding  engineer, Dalkeith or “Keith” Hilder, who was one of the air force contractor. Holder shared Lewis’s enthusiasm for the SURFMASTER project and the two men went into partnership trading as Halcyon Products.  Six months later Lewis sold out his interest including the patent rights to Hilder.  By the early 1950’s Hilder had in turn sold out to Bob Conagan from Sydney. Under Conagan’s stewardship over 50,000 SURFMASTER reels are made and sold in the decade from 1950 to 1960. 

After operating for a period in a disused church at New Lambton, a second factory was started in 1951 in Sydney at the Haymarket. This boosted production to around 500 reels per month.

  Although not the actual originator of the SURFMASTER, Conagan became identified with the reel and he took every  opportunity to promote it. He was a keen game fisherman and his 36-foot Halvorsen cruiser, appropriately called Surfmaster, was reputed to be one of the best equipped on the coast. 

The pipe smoking Conagan was even said to have been the model for the angler on the SURFMASTER box.
  Over its 25 year lifetime the SURFMASTER underwent a number of changes. The single crossbar of the prototype was replaced very early by the now familiar double bar construction.  A star drag was introduced in the early 1950s as was the wider spool 3-0 model and heavier gearing.  The four-colour option for the anodised end plates and the optional MASTER anti backlash device appeared in 1954.  In 1956 yet another anti-backlash mechanism was introduced,  together with a strengthened winch fitting, a hardened and ground spool axle and heavy anodised spool. Finally in 1960 a completely revamped version of the reel, christened AVOCA, appeared. The AVOCA featured American-style plastic end plates with reinforcing steel rims, an improved drag system and stronger gearing.. Later the AVOCA offered an optional 4 : 1 gearing together with an extra-length crank handle.

  Bob Conagan’s fiercest competitor was Ken Bennett of Bennet Engineering. Bennett told the story that he had originally tried to use the SURFMASTER brand for his own reel but when he tried to register the name he found he had been beaten to it. Looking around for an alternative, he decided on the name GRAEME after son.” 

1-Surfmaster Bob Dunn A F R book

First surfmaster one of 6 prototypes (single crossbar) No markings by Gordon Lewis, 1946. [Sr 1]  Courtesy Bob Dunn, AFR book.

1-Surfmaster vintage reel Bob Dunn book
1-Surf King vintage fishing reel
15- Surf King vintage fishing reel.

The prototype Surfmaster depicted below was made in 1946, by Gordon Lewis from New South Wales, and the only one produced featuring side plates, drum (spool), and crank handle made from 316 grade stainless steel.
It is evident that Lewis experimented with stainless steel because of it’s corrosion resistance and superior durability, especially for salt water fishing applications. This stainless steel Surfmaster prototype, is also heavier (542g) than its counterpart made from Aluminium alloy (400g). Aluminium alloy became the material of choice for all production models, with the exception of the improved version of Surfmaster Avoca, produced in the 1960s, that came with moulded plastic side plates and brass metal chrome plated external components.  Another factor, the extra cost of stainless steel, tooling and machining costs would have also prevented the stainless steel prototype coming to fruition as a suitable production model for the retail market. Hence aluminium was used on production models because of lightness, ease of machining, and more economic production costs. The only negative aspect of utilising aluminium as the material of choice was its lower durability and the potentiality to corrode if aluminium or anodised aluminum models were not properly maintained .

SURFMASTER  Stainless Steel Double Cross Bars Prototype. Gordon Lewis, 1946. (Sr 2)

1-Surfmaster vintage fishing reel Prototype specfications. 2
2-Surfmaster vintage fishing reel Prototype. 2
3-Surfmaster prtotype vintage fishing reel internal mechanism. 2
4-Surfmaster  vintage fishing reel Prototype. 2

SURFMASTER: Revolving Drum Multiplier Prototype Specifications.
Stainless steel side plates, diameter 2 15/16’’; stainless steel drum (spool) width 2’’; stainless steel crank handle, counter balanced; plastic type handle knob; cast brass saddle (foot) nickel plated; double cross bars (pillars) brass nickel plated; gear ratio 3 : 1; knock-on free spool;  quick take apart slotted screws; sliding button, optional check adjustment; hardened steel spool spindle and pinion gear; helical main gear of manganese bronze. No markings -c. 1946. This particular prototype, is the only one made. Extremely rare.

SURFMASTER Aluminium, one of only fifty double crossbars version by Gordon Lewis, 1946. (Sr 3)

1-SURFMASTER vintage fishing reel. 1
2-Surfmaster Surfmaster vintage fishing reel prototype. 1
3-Surfmaster vintage fishing reel prototype. 1
4-Surfmaster vintage fishing reel prototype internal view. 1

SURFMASTER: Revolving Drum Multiplier Specifications.
Aluminium royal blue anodised side plates, diameter 2 15/16’’; Aluminium drum (spool) width 2’’; brass nickle plated crank handle, counter balanced; plastic type handle knob; cast brass saddle (foot) nickel plated; double cross bars (pillars) brass nickel plated; gear ratio 3 : 1; knock-on free spool;  quick take apart knurled screws; sliding button, optional check adjustment; hardened steel spool spindle and pinion gear; helical main gear of manganese bronze. No markings -c. 1946. This particular version, is one of only fifty made by Gordon Lewis on Bill Gallagher’s home lathe.

SURFMASTER new design, front side plate stamped '' SURFMASTER ''.  Produced by Halcyon products, Newcastle NSW -c 1950. (Sr 4 )

1-Surfmaster red anodised vintage fishing reel specifications, made in Australia
4-Surfmaster vintage reel new design internal mechanism. 3.
3-Surfmaster vintage reel new design with box. 3.
2-Surfmaster vintage fishing reel new design with box. 3.
1-Surfmaster vintage fishing reel first  box design. 3.
2-Surfmaster vintage fishing reel new design with box. 3_
2-Surfmaster vintage fishing reel first box design . 3
3-Surfmaster vintage fishing reel first design user guide booklet. 3.

SURFMASTER: Revolving Drum Multiplier Specifications.
Aluminium red anodised side plates, diameter 3''; Aluminium drum (spool) width 2’’; brass nickle plated crank handle, counter balanced; red plastic type torpedo handle knob; cast brass saddle (foot) nickel plated; double cross bars (pillars) brass nickel plated; gear ratio 3 : 1; knock-on free spool;  quick take apart knurled screws; sliding button, optional check adjustment; hardened steel spool spindle and pinion gear; helical main gear of brass. Stamped ''
SURFMASTER '' on front sideplate  -c. 1950. This particular early factory production Surfmaster over head fishing reel model, with the first design box and specification user guide booklet, is very rare in such original order.

SURFMASTER green anodised model. Front side plate stamped '' SURFMASTER '' .  Produced by Halcyon products, Newcastle NSW -c 1950. (Sr 5 )

1-Surfmaster green anodised vintage fishing reel specifications
2-Surfmaster  green anodised vintage  fishing reel
4-Surfmaster  green anodised fishing reel internal view
3-Surfmaster  green anodised fishing reel internal mechanism
5-Surfmaster  green anodised fishing reel box & user guide

SURFMASTER: Revolving Drum Multiplier Specifications.
Aluminium green anodised side plates, diameter 3’’; Aluminium drum (spool) width 2’’; brass nickle plated crank handle, counter balanced; red plastic type torpedo handle knob; cast brass saddle (foot) nickel plated; double cross bars (pillars) brass nickel plated; gear ratio 3 : 1; knock-on free spool;  quick take apart knurled screws; sliding button, optional check adjustment; hardened steel spool spindle and pinion gear; helical main gear of brass. Stamped ''
SURFMASTER '' on front side plate, W 911 on saddle and stamped HP on inner back plate  {see image 3] -c. 1950. This particular early factory production Surfmaster over head fishing reel model, with the first design box and specification user guide pamphlet, is very rare in such original order.

SURFMASTER new design twin handle knobs model. Front side plate stamped '' SURFMASTER '' Produced by Halcyon products, Newcastle NSW -c 1950. (Sr 6 )

1-Surfmaster black anodised vintage fishing reel specifications
4-Surfmaster Black anodised twin handles model internal mechanism
2-Surfmaster Black anodised twin handles model vintage fishing reel
3-Surfmaster Black anodised twin handles model vintage fishing reel
5-Surfmaster Black anodised twin handles model - internal image
1-Surfmaster Black anodised Twin hadle knob model vintage fishing reel

SURFMASTER: Revolving Drum Multiplier Specifications.
Aluminium black anodised side plates, diameter 3’’; Aluminium drum (spool) width 2’’; brass nickle plated crank handle, counter balanced; black erinoid handle knobs; cast brass saddle (foot) nickel plated; double cross bars brass (pillars) nickel plated; gear ratio 3 : 1; knock-on free spool;  quick take apart knurled screws; sliding button, optional check adjustment; hardened steel spool spindle and pinion gear; helical main gear of brass. Stamped ''
SURFMASTER '' on front sideplate and R 1416 HP on saddle -foot  {see image 6] -c. 1950. Hard to find in good condition.

SURFMASTER red anodised twin handles model. Front plate stamped '' SURFMASTER '' . Halcyon products, Newcastle NSW -c 1950. (Sr 7 )

1-Surfmaster twin handle knobs, red anodised vintage fishing reel specifications
2-Surfmaster red anodised vintage fishing reel
3-Surfmaster red anodised vintage fishing reel
4-Surfmaster red anodised vintage fishing reel internal mechanism

SURFMASTER: Revolving Drum Multiplier Specifications.
Aluminium red anodised side plates, diameter 3’’; Aluminium drum (spool) width 2’’; brass nickle plated crank handle, counter balanced; black erinoid handle knobs; cast brass saddle (foot) nickel plated; double cross bars (pillars) brass nickel plated; gear ratio 3 : 1; knock-on free spool;  quick take apart knurled screws; sliding button optional check adjustment; hardened steel spool spindle and pinion gear; helical main gear of brass. Stamped ''
SURFMASTER '' on front sideplate and L 1698 on saddle -foot, {see image 6] -c. 1950. Hard to find in good condition.

The Surfmaster reel was produced with a four-colour option for the anodised end-plates.  But, there were also two different early un-anodised versions that were designed for production.  Depicted below (Sr 8 & Sr 9) are two different factory versions produced with a polished finish, utilising a time consuming buffing process on the Aluminium surface. Upon careful examination of the end-plates on Sr 8 and Sr 9, it is clear that the aluminium is un-anodised. There is no official Surfmaster factory documentation, to my knowledge, stating that aluminium was produced in un-anodised form on any of the Surfmaster reels end-plates. It was decided to seek further expert opinion to confirm my observation, and to officially validate my conclusion about these two particular reels. I personally held a meeting with a highly experienced anodic treatment specialist, Garth Collins, of Collins Anodic Treatment Anodising Specialists Vic. Pty. Ltd., based in Blackburn, Melbourne. Garth Collins kindly conducted tests on these two reels end plates and confirmed that  they are indeed un-anodised, commenting the aluminium contained “ very little additional alloys” and that it was “nearly pure aluminium, polished.’’  Hence, because these two reels were nearly of pure aluminium, aesthetically they survived the harsh fishing environments, seemingly better, than anodised versionsReeLpedia ® Ladd B, 24/3/2023.

SURFMASTER updated twin handles model. Front plate stamped '' SURFMASTER ''. Back plate stamped PAT. 89152.

 Halcyon products, Newcastle NSW -c 1952. (Sr 8 )

1-Surfmaster vintage fishing reel specifications
3-Surfmaster vintage fishing reel updated model made in Australia
4-Surfmaster vintage fishing reel updated model internal mechanism
2-Surfmaster vintage fishing reel updated model  inscription

SURFMASTER: Revolving Drum Multiplier Specifications.
Polished aluminium side plates, diameter 3’’; Aluminium drum (spool) width 2’’; brass nickle plated crank handle; twin black erinoid tubular handle knobs; cast brass saddle (foot) nickel plated; double cross bars (pillars) brass nickel plated; gear ratio 3 : 1; knock-on free spool;  quick take apart knurled screws; sliding button optional check adjustment; hardened steel spool spindle and pinion gear; helical main gear of brass. Stamped ''
SURFMASTER '' on front sideplate and PAT. 89152  on back plate {see image 4] -c. 1952. Rare.

SURFMASTER new design featuring anti- reverse; star drag clutch and a newly designed ergonomic torpedo handle knob of erinoid that became a standard fitment on all future Surmaster models produced. Front plate stamped '' SURFMASTER ''.  Halcyon products, Newcastle NSW -c 1952. (Sr 9 )

1-Surfmaster vintage fishing reel Star drag specifications
3-Surfmaster vintage Star drag -anti reverse fishing reel made in Australia
2-Surfmaster vintage Star drag -anti reverse fishing reel internal mechanism
4-Surfmaster vintage Star drag -anti reverse fishing reel internal gearing
1-Surfmaster vintage fishing reel Star drag original box identification serial number
2-Surfmaster vintage fishing reel Star drag original box
1-Surfmaster fishing reel early spare spool storage  box
2-Surfmaster vintage fishing reel rare spare spool and storage box
3-Surfmaster vintage fishing reel spare spool information document

SURFMASTER: 2/0 Star Drag Revolving Drum Multiplier Specifications.
Polished aluminium side plates, diameter 3’’; Aluminium drum (spool) width 2’’;star drag clutch; anti-reverse pawl;  brass nickle plated crank handle; new style erinoid torpedo handle knob; cast brass saddle (foot) nickel plated; double cross bars (pillars) brass nickel plated; gear ratio 3 : 1; knock-on free spool;  quick take apart knurled screws; sliding button optional check adjustment; hardened steel spool spindle and pinion gear; helical main gear of brass. Stamped ''
SURFMASTER '' on front sideplate -c. 1952. This reel is in mint condition, complete with original storage box, paper work and the Surfmaster spare spool box.  Extremely rare in such order.

SURFMASTER 3/0 new design featuring anti- reverse; star drag clutch and a newly designed ergonomic torpedo handle knob of erinoid that became a standard fitment on all future Surmaster models produced. Front plate stamped '' SURFMASTER ''.  Halcyon products, Newcastle NSW -c 1952. (Sr 10 )

1-Surfmaster early 3/0 vintage fishing reel specifications
2-Surfmaster early 3/0 vintage fishing reel
3-Surfmaster early 3/0 vintage fishing reel

Surfmaster 3/0 Specifications. Polished Aluminium side plates, diameter 3’’; Aluminium drum (spool) width 2 5/8 ’’; star drag clutch; anti-reverse pawl;  brass nickle plated crank handle; olive green erinoid torpedo handle knob; cast brass saddle (foot) nickel plated; double cross bars (pillars) brass nickel plated; gear ratio 3 : 1; knock-on free spool;  quick take apart knurled screws; sliding button optional check adjustment; hardened steel spool spindle and pinion gear; helical main gear of brass. Stamped ''SURFMASTER '' on front sideplate -c. 1952. Hard to find.

SURFMASTER First Design Anti-Backlash System. New lettering style in the name. The brand name is inscribed in stylazed incursive script in this model, which was introduced around 1952.  Prior to this, the lettering was stamped in capital letters.  Front plate inscribed Surfmaster

Halcyon products, Newcastle NSW -c 1952. (Sr 11 )

1-SURFMASTER Vintage Fishing Reel Anti-Backlash Specifications
4-SURFMASTER Vintage Fishing Reel Anti-Backlash mechanism
2-SURFMASTER Vintage Fishing Reel Anti-Backlash operation
3-SURFMASTER Vintage Fishing Reel Anti-Backlash System
5-SURFMASTER Anti - Backlash vintage fishing reel internal mechanism

Surfmaster 2/0 Anti-Backlash Reel Specifications. Anodised aluminium side plates, diameter 3’’; Aluminium drum (spool) width 2’’; star drag clutch; anti-reverse pawl;  brass nickle plated crank handle; maroon erinoid torpedo handle knob; cast brass saddle (foot) nickel plated; double cross bars (pillars) brass nickel plated; gear ratio 3 : 1; high tensile steel wire backlash activating arm; Anti-backlash cam tension spring knurled adjusment knob; knock-on free spool;  quick take apart knurled screws; sliding button optional check adjustment; hardened steel spool spindle and pinion gear; helical main gear of brass. Inscribed Surfmaster in stylised letters on front sideplate -c. 1952. Rare in original condition.

IMPROVED SURFMASTER featuring a stronger designed saddle (foot) of pressed brass, nickle plated and a gear housing of pressed  brass also nickle plated. It is pertinent to comment that early versions were nickle plated before chrome plating was introduced around 1952. ( Sr 12 )

1-Surfmaster revamped model vintage fishing reel specifications
2-Surfmaster revamped model vintage fishing reel
3-Surfmaster revamped model vintage fishing reel
4-Surfmaster revamped model vintage fishing reel internal mechanism
5-Surfmaster revamped model vintage fishing reel drum view

Improved Surfmaster 3/0 Model Specifications. Black anodised aluminium side plates, diameter 3’’; pressed brass nickle plated gear housing; Aluminium drum (spool) width 2 5/8 ’’; star drag clutch; anti-reverse pawl;  brass nickle plated crank handle; black torpedo handle knob; Pressed brass saddle (foot) nickel plated; cross bars (pillars) brass nickel plated; gear ratio 3 : 1; knock-on free spool;  quick take apart knurled screws; sliding button optional check adjustment; hardened steel spool spindle and pinion gear; helical main gear of brass. Inscribed Surfmaster in stylised letters on front sideplate -c. 1952. Hard to find in good condition.

Lifetime Thread Line Surf Casting Fishing Reel History.
The Lifetime thread-line spinning surf fishing reel is believed to have been created around 1950 by C & R Carthew, Moonta, South Australia. After a careful examination of the LIFETIME components, it became evident that the maker had invested much ingenuity and creative engineering thinking into the task of designing, and producing casting moulds for the manufacture of this reel’s cast aluminium gear housing, rotor, crank handle, and it’s unique conical drag knob. The internal spindles are supported by sealed ball-bearing races; and the cast metal main drive gear is thoughtfully purpose designed. 

 

There is no doubt that the maker had in mind a mass production of this LIFETIME surf reel for the retail market, however this plan sadly had never crystallised. There are three LIFETIME surf reels today, in existence, but it is pertinent to state that it is unknown as to how many reels were actually produced around 1950, before a decision was made to abandon the LIFETIME reel's  full production. Why this decision was made, is yet another mystery.  ReeLpedia ® Ladd, B. 13/10/2021.

1-LIFETIME vintage surf spinning threadline fishing reel
2-LIFETIME vintage surf spinning threadline fishing reel
3-LIFETIME vintage surf spinning threadline fishing reel
4-LIFETIME vintage surf fishing reel made in Australia
5-LIFETIME vintage surf spinning threadline fishing reel
1-LIFETIME thread-line spinning Surf vintage spinning reel

Lifetime Thread Line Spinning Surf Reel. Cast aluminium and metal body; four sealed ball bearing races .

gear housing diameter 2 7/8''; rotor diameter 3 1/8''; drum (spool) width 1 13/16'', conical shaped clutch drag knob; manual pick-up line guide; die-cast aluminium crank; aluminium handle; cast metal straight bevel main gear, ball bearing supported; hardened steel straight bevel pinion gear; pinion spindle and rotor ball bearing supported; gear ratio 3 : 1; anti-revese pawl (dog); removable T saddle (foot) of aluminium; weight 642 grams.The Lifetime Surf reel  C & R Carthew Box 116 Moonta dymo-taped to gear housing plate -c. 1950. Extremely rare.

ReeLpedia ®  >< )))) * >  Page 23.

Old vintage fishing reels, Surfmaster, ReeLman's Rare Reels, R A page 23. ReeLpedia® Copyright © 2009-2023, reeLman Australia.com

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