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The Take Apart Reel
Take-Aparts, Takaparts, and more Takaparts
In 1902 August and William Meisselbach applied for a patent for a multiplying
reel with an adjustable headplate, allowing the handle to be placed in various
positions. Both head and tail plates were held in place by screw-on rings. The
patent was granted on Dec 8, 1903. A flurry of patents followed, leading to the
development of a classic in American reel making - the Takapart baitcasting
reel.
After some trials and errors, the classic Takapart reel evolved. The reel
swept the country by storm. At a price of $5.00 a reel of this quality had few
competitors. In its early days the Take-Apart reel was endorsed by Dr. James A.
Henshall, and Ans. B. Decker of Decker Bait fame. An off the shelf Take-Apart
was used in 1905 by a Doctor from New Jersey to outcast the most famous
tournament casters of the day in head to head competition at Madison Square
Garden in New York.
The Takapart reel was produced in several versions, and manufactured from
1902 until 1930. It is truly one of the great classic baitcasting reels. Some of
the Takaparts from my collection are shown below. Just click on any photo to see
an enlarged version of the photograph
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The 1st Take-Apart. (1902-04) German silver
and hard rubber. Here are two slightly different versions in their
original boxes. This is one of the most beautiful Meisselbach reels, and
is rare. |
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The 2nd Take-Apart. (1903-1906). This
version is made of nickel plated brass, but still has round pillars,
rather than the famous tube frame. These reels were made in 60-80-100 yd
sizes, and with a standard or automatic click. |
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The 3rd Takapart. (1905-06) This was the
first tube frame version, and the first to use the contracted name
"Takapart". The reel with the box is a rubber veneer model,
which is quite rare. These reels have two narrow bands of knurling on
the rings. |
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The final Takapart form was reached in 1907.
This reel was available in many configurations. Free spool (after 1909),
double handle, jeweled, German silver, and combinations of any and all
of these features. This classic reel was finally dropped from production
in 1930. |
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Notes |
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is one of my favorite Meisselbach reels. There are undoubtedly far
more Milam #2 reels known than there are examples of Meisselbach's
first Take Apart. It is a truly rare reel.
Here are two in the box, and one
has the papers.
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