I'm wondering if anyone knows where you can find, online, a photo'ed history of all the reels made by shimano (such as the entire curado line, for example)? 

Not sure about an on line location.

 

However, judging by the size of the "Posse" here on BR, I'm willing to bet there's a member or two who probably have exactly what your looking for in their own collection.

 

A-Jay

http://bit.ly/1DlGZM9

 

Here's a couple sites I found quickly....

 

http://www.oldreels.com/original_bantams.htm

 

http://fishinglurecollectibles.net/Vintage_Shimano_Fishing_Reels.html

I remember bassmaster had an ad in their magazines last year that showed the evolution of the curado first to newest.