Bronson Production Reels – Page 1 – Aetna to Green Hornet

Bronson Production Reels – Page 1 – Aetna to Green Hornet

On this page you will find reels that were regular Bronson production models, including a few rare prototypes. In most cases, both the reel and box are Bronson-marked.  So, if you do not see your reel on this page, you might find it under one of the other links on the right.

Starting in 1947, the Altoona was renumbered the No.4250, with the only difference being the handle grips were changed from white to maroon. The No.4250 would sell until about the mid to late 1950’s. Some of No.4250 models can be found in a host finishes, including black, brown, walnut, green, camouflage and even a reported “frog skin”.

Bronson “Fleetwing” No.2475 Reel

  The No.2475 “Fleetwing” was one of Bronson’s longest-selling models, from its introduction in 1938 to its final appearance in the 1973 (True Temper) catalog. Interestingly, the 1938 catalog lists the Fleetwing as just a footnote under the “Flyer”, simply calling it the “jeweled” version of that model. The jeweled end caps on this first version were strictly cosmetic, with no function whatsoever. There is no manual spool adjustment and the reel has to be disassembled to oil it. We do not see very many of these first versions. The yellow Art Deco box for this early version is shown below, along with a nice example of the reel (first four photos).
By 1949 or so, the Fleetwing was equipped with the Lashless-style A-B-L control on the tail plate and the fixed head plate end cap. These would be housed in the black Bronson box, shown in the second set of photos, and much later (late 60’s, early 70’s) in the blue boxes. These were produced in staggering numbers and are one of the most common models. The 8th photo is of one of the last Fleetwings, with its original box, sold through True Temper in the early 1970’s, while the last photo shows the last style box used by Bronson reel Co. Photo courtesy of Scott Truex.