I was digging around in an old barn today and came across this old reel. It was apparently my Grandfather's. Any idea what it may be worth? It still has the old cloth looking line on it.  I believe it was manufactured in 1951.

shakespere baitcast reel in rough condition:  $5.00

rummaging thru family barn: Free

finding your GRANDPA's Shakespere baitcast reel in rough condition... PRICELESS

that would be the centerpiece of my collection if I had my grandpa's reel

AL

I think thats an antique THAT WAS AVIDS FIRST REEL

Wow that thing is sweet!

Send a Email to BPS, they are buying vintage fishing gear. I saw a add in their catalog.

But if i where you i would keep that thing, put it in a steel reinforced bullet proof vacumed glass case, let it sit on the mantel for 60 years, then sell it for double!

Actually, I think my post was misleading.  I am far too sentimental to be rid of this rod and reel.  It is going on my son's wall.  I am just curious if it is valuable at all.  Probably not, in monetary terms.  We are remodeling the family home place that my grand dad built.  It was the house my dad was born in.  When we finish it, my son wants his room to have a fishing theme.  What better place to display this rig?!

go on ebay and check out all the antique shakespeare and pflueger reels they have on there site.

x-trued,

Shakespear 1924 Direct Drive Model FK = 1951. Worth, just sentimental value only.

It is going on my son's wall.

An excellent place for it.

I have a shinny new Shakespear 1902 Thrifty Model FE = 1956 in the box with carrying case, and spooled with black Dacron line. Worth, nothing just a conversation piece.

The really cool thing is, it is the only reel in my shop that has, "MADE IN THE USA" on the reel foot.

Tight Lines!!!

ReelMech, I was hoping you would chime in.  Do you know what kind of line this is on this reel?  Thanks for the responses.

x-trued,

It is hard to tell from the photo, but it looks like the blond dacron line. Mine has the original black Dacron (10lb test I believe). If that is the blond Dacron, it was a heavier test line (not sure how much). It also looks like some of the older lead core trolling lines, but if it was you could tell.

Tight Lines!!!

The truth is that in that condition it 's worth nuthin. But on the other hand, there 's an excellent winter project for you..... return it to it 's original condition, with modern techiques ( polishing, galvanizing, chroming, painting ) you can make a truely beautiful reel; it still may not be worth much ( you can spend a big ammount of dough in restoring it ) but still I look at it from the sentimental value, it 's still your grandpaw 's reel.