Collectibles
While everyone has their own tastes, some vintage reels have certain features that collectors gravitate toward. These include brass handles, all-silver construction, S handle and ball-handle counterbalances.
Handmade vs. Manufactured
Most handmade reels generally contain better quality materials than those that were mass manufactured. Many handmade reels were also made in limited quantities, making them more valuable.
Year Made
For a reel to be considered vintage or antique it would likely have been made or manufactured before 1950.
Grading
How a reel is graded will often determine its current worth. A flawless, unused vintage reel will be worth more than one that contains wear, pitting, chips, scratches, gear noise, broken or worn gear teeth or missing parts.
Manufacturers
Certain manufacturers tend to have reels that are notably more valuable than others. Some of these include; Benjamin, Conroy, Cozzone, Farlow, Stevens, Talbot, Thompson. Walker and Zwarg.
Article Written By Julie Boehlke
Julie Boehlke is a seasoned copywriter and content creator based in the Great Lakes state. She is a member of the Society of Professional Journalists. Boehlke has more than 10 years of professional writing experience on topics such as health and wellness, green living, gardening, genealogy, finances, relationships, world travel, golf, outdoors and interior decorating. She has also worked in geriatrics and hospice care.
