I have a 1980 silver anniversary, pistol grip Zebco 33. It is on the original rod with none of the decals missing from either the rod or reel.

I do NOT want to sell it, it belonged to my now deceased great grandfather and was in awful condition when I found it. After some cleaning and oiling it works perfect and I use it often.

My question is what on earth is this thing worth? I've had some friends tell me it has some good value due to it's age and style, but I'm just not sure.

Some help here please?

After a quick search...not a whole lot. $15-$40 bucks.

Probably $20. 

Thanks for the info guys, I am going to be keepin this for years to come and hopefully I I ever get in a bind it will be worth a little more by then.

Cleaning it up and using it probably diminished what little value it may have or build up to.  Most collectors want the original finish and patina that is built up over the years.

Use it and enjoy it for what it is. I don't see a used 1980's Zebco 33 ever having anything but sentimental value.

In the 70's they sold on end caps for 19.95, today at Cabela's the 33 classic is 27.99
For them to be worth anything, Zebco would have to STOP production on the reel/s.   

Cleaning it up and using it probably diminished what little value it may have or build up to. Most collectors want the original finish and patina that is built up over the years.

I was very careful cleaning it, it retained the patina, the only thing I really spent time on was a dirt dobber nest that was inside the reel. I used no chemicals, just water to get the dirt and sand out.

They built so many of these reels Anniversary or regular production,,,,there just what they are, and likely always will be, use it or if it has sentimental value,,,,find a place in the man cave to enjoy it!!

They built so many of these reels Anniversary or regular production,,,,there just what they are, and likely always will be, use it or if it has sentimental value,,,,find a place in the man cave to enjoy it!!

 

Hey Capt.!,

That's exactly what I would do. If it belonged to my Great Grandfather, no one would get their hands on it..

Of course, if it belonged to my Great Grandfather, it would probably be 200 years old....lol.

I'm as old as dirt.

 

Hootie