|
|
Spiral Wind Reels
These interesting reels were
patented in 1934 by Hyla F. Maynes of N. Tonawanda, NY. They are noted for
their unusual level wind mechanism, unusual crank knobs, jeweled crank knob
nut, and tastefully decorated plates on their higher grade reels. These
reels were manufactured from the mid-1930s until the World War II era.
There were two different versions of the level wind. The earliest bar was
round, but apparently the company found that a flat bar produced a more
reliable method of level spooling. There were four different models of reels
produced, which were all basically the same reel, varying in decoration and
materials. The following pictures show the four models in descending order,
with the highest priced ($15 in 1936) to the lowest ($10).
 |
Tru Cast. This was the highest priced reel in the
line with beautifully decorated end plates. This reel was available in
four colors. The two shown here, and also in red and green. |
 |
Long Cast. This plain looking reel is the Long
Cast of late production. The earlier reels had the "thumb space" on the
inside of the end plates, but this later version does not. |
 |
Free Cast. This is the reel shown at the left.
The rims and face plate are decorated with nice patterns. This reel was
originally only made as a black reel, but after a couple of years a
clear or plain aluminum version was added. |
 |
Spot Cast. This
reel is the lowest priced Spiral Wind reel. It came in satin finish with
lightly decorated plates. |
Spiral Wind was warned by South Bend in 1938 that they had to stop using
the term "Anti-Back-Lash" as it was a registered South Bend trademark. They
had been using the term to describe their unusual shaped crank knobs, which
they claimed reduced backlash. |
|
Notes |
| If any of you readers
have a red or green Tru Cast Spiral Wind reel you would like to part
with, I'd like to hear from you. Note the oil can in
the top photo. This is a standard Spiral Wind oil can supplied with
every reel, and is marked on the bottom. These cans seem scarce. The
reels were also packaged with a wrench that is also marked.
|
|
