Bronson “Invader” No.2600 Reel
The original Bronson No.2600 “Invader” was first introduced in the 1938 catalog. It would only sell through 1941, becoming just another casualty of WWII. These were jeweled, level-winding reels with the A-B-L knob on the face plate. The first photo below shows the reel in the earlier yellow Art Deco box. The later black Bronson box, used starting in 1940 or 1941, is shown in the second photo. These can be a tough find in nice condition, especially in the scarce boxes. The ad shown is from the 1940 catalog.
A later uncatalogued all-metal “tear drop” version, shown in the last four photos, was made sometime in the late 1950’s or early 1960’s. These should be considered scarce.
Bronson “Invader” No.26 Reel
The Bronson No.26 “Invader” was introduced in the 1964 catalog. Bronson marked the face of this free spool reel with either the “Bronson” or “J.A. Coxe” brand names (see the J.A. Coxe reels on a different page on this site), even though both reels were identical. We’re not sure if one came before the other, but the last listing for the No.26 was in True Temper’s 1971 catalog, several years after TT purchased Bronson. Both reels are highly desired by collectors. There was also a “trade” version made for the Montgomery Ward & Co., called the Hawthorne No.60-6316, which was virtually identical except for the color (see pictures of the Wards Hawthrone on the “Bronson Trade Reel” link). They should be considered scarce, especially the Ward’s version. Boxed reel pictures below are courtesy of Paula Sandholdt.
Bronson “Junior” No.2700 Reel
The No.2700 “Junior” was a 60 yd. single action side mount utility reel that first shows up in our 1929 catalog, selling by the dozen only, but we’re not sure when it was first introduced. It would sell at least through 1935…for 15 to 20 cents! Described as a “reel for the boy”, they had holes drilled in the feet so that it could be fastened to a pole with nails. Few of these have survived and we’ve only seen the single example shown below, courtesy of Jim Shottenham. The 1934 catalog listing is also shown below.
Bronson “Lashless” No.1700 and No.1700-A Reels
The first Bronson “Lashless” model was the No.1700, introduced in 1940. It was the first Bronson model to come equipped with the “new” tail plate-mounted tension control (A-B-L) knob, a feature that would be seen on many Bronson models for the next 30 years or more. An example can be seen in the first three photos. The tension control on this earliest model, from 1940-1941, was not removable. After the war, it was redesigned so that it could be removed for servicing and this version is shown in photos #5 and #6. The tail plate of both versions are shown below in photo #4, for comparison. The last photo shows what is believed to be the rare “Intro” box. It is the only example of that box that we’ve ever seen. The reel would be fitted with an aluminum spool shortly after WWII, although it would still be referred to as the No.1700 through the 1954 catalog.
Sometime after 1954, the Lashless would come with a stronger aluminum spool and be re-designated the No.1700-A. An example is shown in photo #7. They would only sell for a few more years, gone from catalogs by 1959.
Sometime after 1954, the Lashless would come with a stronger aluminum spool and be re-designated the No.1700-A. An example is shown in photo #7. They would only sell for a few more years, gone from catalogs by 1959.
Bronson “Lashless” No.1710 Reel
The No.1710 “Lashless” was a lightweight, green anodized aluminum version of the No.1700. It was introduced in the 1951 catalog and would sell into the mid 1950’s. A nice example is shown below with the original box.
Bronson “Levelite” No.752 Reel (See The “Meisselbach-Catucci” Section)
Bronson “Lion” No.1800 and No.2900 Reels
The No.1800 “Lion” is another model believed to be a member of Bronson’s original lineup in the early 1920’s. This level-winding reel would sell virtually unchanged through 1933. It would be found in the maroon box until 1929. After 1929, it was housed in the Art Deco box shown in the first photo. The No.2900 “Lion” is simply the Anti-Backlash version of the No.1800. They were available from the early 1920’s until 1932.
Bronson “Lion” No.1900 and No.3400 Reels
The No.1900 and the No.3400 “Lion” models were the jeweled versions of the No.1800 listed above. This model was known as the No.3400 from the mid-1920’s through 1930. In 1931, for whatever reason(s), the model number was changed to No.1900. It would sell through 1933. Both versions can be seen below, with the later “Art Deco” box. The earliest boxes would have been the maroon style.
Bronson “Master” No.3000 Reel
Believed to be a member of Bronson’s original reel lineup in the early 1920’s, the No.3000 “Master Reel” would sell through 1930. These were aluminum cast, with what Bronson called “Duraluminum”. This is a “take-apart” model, that can be disassembled for servicing by unscrewing the three thumbscrews by hand. These can be rather difficult to find in nice condition, as the aluminum side plates and spools did not hold up well. The maroon box would house the reel through 1929. The Art Deco box in the last photo was used for this reel in 1930. Pictures are courtesy of Mark Williams.
Bronson “Master” No.3100 Reel (With A-B-L Control)
The No.3100 “Master” was the A-B-L-equipped version of the No.3000 above and is believed to have been introduced around the same time. It was the same as the regular “take-apart” model above, but it would have the A-B-L bar at the level-wind (missing on the example below) and the tension adjusting screw on the face plate. It would also make its last appearance in the 1930 catalog. These are a tough find for the collector.
Bronson “Mercury” No.2550 (First Version, Geometric Design)
The first version of the No.2550 “Mercury” is believed to have been introduced in 1938. It is grouped in the 1938 catalog with all the other models that were “new” for that year. The possibility exists it was offered earlier than 1938, as no Bronson catalogs for 1936 or 1937 have ever surfaced and we have seen a couple of these marked with “37” under the foot (for 1937). These are stamped on the side plates with what Bronson called “an attractive geometric design”. This first version would sell through 1940 and is much harder to find than the second version with the fishing scene. The yellow Art Deco box shown below was used throughout the production of this first version.
Bronson “Mercury” No.2550 (Second Version, Fishing Scene)
This next version shown below, with the engraved fishing scene, was first seen in the 1941 catalog. They would be produced in staggering numbers. At one time Bronson was producing up to 9,000 reels a day, with its 300 employees, and a lot of them were probably this particular reel. There were two varieties of this reel. The earliest, with the jeweled oil caps that served as the bearing adjustment, was produced through 1949. Starting in 1950, the design was changed to include the Lashless-style A-B-L control on the tail plate and a chromed oil cap on the face plate. The ad shown below is from our 1941 Bronson catalog.
Bronson “Mercury” No.2551 (Narrow Spool)
The narrow spool No.2551 “Mercury” made its only appearance in Bronson’s 1941 catalog. Both the rare reel and catalog listing are shown below.
Bronson “Meteor” No.1400 Reel
The “Meteor” would return in 1958 or 1959, completely redesigned and made of anodized aluminum in teal green. These would only appear in the 1958 and/or 1959 catalogs (no 1958 catalogs have ever surfaced yet), so they can be a tough find. A silver, uncatalogued version has been discovered in late 2017. It’s shown below, with the original box.
Bronson “Meteor” No.1500 Reel
The “Meteor” was redesigned yet again in 1960 as the No.1500, this time in the “space age” direct-drive configuration, with red anodized side plates. An original example, with the black Bronson box and box catalog, can be seen in the first photo courtesy of Mark Williams. In 1966, a star drag was added to the No.1500 and it would go on to sell through 1973. Photos of this last design are courtesy of Wayne Benson. The last photo shows the reel with the blue box used in the late 60’s.
Bronson “Modern” No.100 and No.500 Reels
The No.100 “Modern” is another member of Bronson’s original lineup of reels. With “portholes” built into the bottom cross members, and a crank handle that resembled an airplane propeller, it probably did seem quite “modern” in 1923. The earlier models had a “free-standing” level-wind but, starting in 1929, it was lengthened so that it rode in the top grooved pillar. The Modern would sell through 1930, with Bronson proclaiming they had sold “hundreds of thousands of them”. They came housed in the earliest maroon boxes used by Bronson (shown below, with two different styles of box labels). The ad below is from the June, 1926 “National Sportsman” magazine, the oldest Bronson ad we have seen for any model.
The No.500 was the A.B.L. (anti-back-lash) version of the Modern. It has the ant-backlash bar and the tension adjusting screw on the face plate. It’s not known exactly when these were introduced, but they also last appeared in the 1930 catalog. Unlike the very common No.100 model, the No.500 can be a tough find for collectors. The original box can be seen in one of the last photos. We’re still looking for a nice example to photograph.
Bronson “Newark” No.252 and No.257 Reels (See The “Meisselbach-Catucci” Section)
Bronson “New Deal” No.500 Reel
The Gold Seal No.500 “New Deal” was introduced in 1934. They would only sell through 1935 and are among the hardest of Bronson models to find. We know of only two unboxed examples. An economy level-wind, with brown Bakelite head plate and nickel over brass tail plate. The last photo shows the original box, courtesy of Mick on eBay. It’s the only example we have ever seen. Photos courtesy of Mark Williams.
Bronson “Newaygo” No.500 Reel
Thanks to Bronson collector Mark Bumgarner, we have our first discovery in several years of a previously unknown regular production Bronson model casting reel. The No.500 “Newaygo” is identical to the No.500 “New Deal” seen directly above, except for the black color and model name, of course. It’s believed to have been offered in 1936 or 1937, or both. There are no known Bronson catalogs for those two years, for whatever reason(s), so it’s safe to say these were offered during that time frame. It’s no surprise then that we’ve never seen one until now (Aug. 2018), as few likely sold without any catalog or advertising exposure. The only example known can be seen below, courtesy of Mr. Bumgarner.
Bronson “Peerless” No.700 Reel
Believed to be another member of the original Bronson lineup, the No.700 “Peerless” level-wind would make its last appearance in the 1929 catalog. This model was an early Bronson “Take-Apart” design. Removing the two thumbscrews on the face plate and one on the crank handle by hand disassembles the reel for servicing. No tools needed. The reel carries two patent numbers on the foot, from 1923 and 1926. The ad shown below (cropped in three segments) is from a July, 1927 “Field and Stream” magazine, one of the earliest Bronson ads we have. Photos of the reel and of the original maroon box are courtesy of Mark Williams and Dean Smith.
Bronson “Popular” No.2600-S Reel
The Bronson No.2600-S utility reel was introduced in the 1931 catalog, selling for 25 cents. It was identical to the No.2600 “Trout” model, but without the built-in line guard. This cheap, single action reel would sell at least through 1935. Surviving examples are rather scarce but, thanks to ORCA member Kevin McJunkin, we finally have photos of an original example. A photo of the 1932 catalog listing is also shown below.
Bronson “Premier” No.400 Reel
The No.400 “Premier” is believed to be one of the models from Bronson’s original lineup in the early 1920’s. It pre-dates the 1929 catalog, the earliest we have. Similar in design to the No.100 “Modern”, but lacking the “portholes” on the bottom shroud and equipped with a pillared foot. Pictures below are courtesy of Rodger Dahl and Jim Powers. We do know it was at least sold through Thomas E. Wilson Sporting Goods in 1925, thanks to Jim Garrett and Skip Brooks, who supplied the catalog photos.
Bronson “Quad” No.250, No.254, No.255 and No.256 Reels (See The “Meisselbach-Catucci” Section)
Bronson “Reel-O-Mine” No.5000 and No.5000-A Reels
The No.5000 “Reel-O-Mine” was the “centerpiece” of the Gold Seal line of reels introduced by Bronson in 1934. Arguably, one of the finest-looking reels produced in the country and a tough find for the collector. Some consider this the “Holy Grail” of Bronson models. However, we’re finding out that some of other Gold Seal models from this period show up much less often, if at all. It was touted by Bronson as “America’s finest fishing reel”.
Made of nickel silver throughout. Reel has engraved fishing scenes on the side plates, each side being different than the other. It is plated with what Bronson called a “Silverlite” chrome finish. It has the mottled black and white “ribbed” Bakelite head and tail plate spacers, jeweled hexagonal end caps and a spool tension lever, with a dial on the head plate. Has the black and ivory marbled crank knobs, with no engraving on the crank handle. These are marked Bronson No.5000 on the inside of the head plate ring, above the spool. The feet were marked “Pat. App. For”. The 1934 catalog states the reel was furnished with a “zippered buckskin bag”. We have yet to see an example of this bag or of any box it might have come in. The No.5000 “Reel-O-Mine” would be produced through 1938. Below is the original Design patent for the Reel-O-Mine, issued Jan.8, 1935.
There is a second version of the “Reel-O-Mine”, which was designated model No.5000A. The only known listing for the “A” variety is in the 1938 catalog. We don’t know yet if it was offered in either 1936 or 1937, but it is even harder to find than the regular model. It has the “black” designed side plates, which the catalog describes as “Aluminum end plates and black silhouette engraving”. These were not marked with the model name or number. The example shown below has a faded tail plate, which is why it appears brown. Also shown is a lovely group of these reels, from the original Robert Ellis collection.
Bronson “Retriever” No.2900 Reel
The No.2900 “Retriever” was a 150-yd. size level-winding reel that was introduced in 1938. A slightly larger reel, with side plates that are 2 5/8″ in diameter and with jeweled oil caps. The Retriever would sell through 1941, only to be bought back again in 1951 and sell through 1953. The first three photos, with the original black Bronson box, show the model from 1941 to 1953. These had the bridge riveted to the face plate. Just discovered in 2018 is the earliest model, with a previously unknown maroon “intro” box. On this model, the bridge is screwed to the frame. This combo is shown below in the last three photos.
Bronson “Rogue” No.3000 Reel
The No. 3000 “Rouge”, a 150 yard, chromium plated level-wind, made its only appearance in Bronson’s 1938 catalog. With only a one year production run these should be considered rare. It was until, January of 2024, fellow ORCAN David Sherman provided us photos of this rare reel and even rarer box. A detailed description of the reel can be seen in the last photo of the 1938 catalog listing.
Bronson “Safari” No.4800 Reel
The No.4800 “Safari” was another one of Bronson’s “space age” design reels (which early Bronson catalogs termed the “forward look”). These first appeared in Bronson’s 1959 catalog and were last seen in the 1964 edition. They seldom are offered for sale. Beginning in 1961, the Safari would come equipped with a star drag. These came in the low profile black box, with yellow and white trim. Box pictures are courtesy of Henry Miller.
Bronson “Silver King” No.300 and No.3700 Reels
The Bronson “Silver King” remains one of the biggest mysteries of all the models produced by the company. There is an early and a late version of the Silver King. Both appear to be regular members of Bronson’s line of reels, in every respect. However, it “appears” they were never marketed that way, with both versions ending up as a “trade” reel sold through a certain retailer and never appearing in a Bronson catalog. The earliest version is the No.300, produced from some time in the mid-1920’s until 1930. It was identical in every way to the No.100 “Modern”, but marked as the “No.300 Silver King”. It’s shown in the first photo below. It was sold at least by the Thomas E. Wilson Sporting Goods Co. of Chicago, the forerunner to today’s Wilson Sporting Goods. . The 1930 Wilson ad is shown below for the Silver King No.300 in photos #2 and #3 (and which clearly describe it as a “Bronson” reel), courtesy of Skip Brooks and Jim Garrett.
The second version is the Gold Seal No.3700 and was likely introduced in 1931. Reel carries the same model number as the “Silver Princess No.3700” described in the next listing and is housed in a seemingly regular Art Deco Gold Seal box (shown below). This version was sold by Shapliegh’s Hardware Co. of St. Louis and even marketed through them as a “Gold Seal” model. We have not found any information suggesting it was sold through anyone else. The ad picture is from a 1932 Shapliegh’s catalog. It’s unclear how long these were produced and sold, but they tend to be rather scarce. The last 3 pics show the different stamped feet found on this reel, with the last suggesting it was made in 1941. Another mystery we can assign to this reel.
The second version is the Gold Seal No.3700 and was likely introduced in 1931. Reel carries the same model number as the “Silver Princess No.3700” described in the next listing and is housed in a seemingly regular Art Deco Gold Seal box (shown below). This version was sold by Shapliegh’s Hardware Co. of St. Louis and even marketed through them as a “Gold Seal” model. We have not found any information suggesting it was sold through anyone else. The ad picture is from a 1932 Shapliegh’s catalog. It’s unclear how long these were produced and sold, but they tend to be rather scarce. The last 3 pics show the different stamped feet found on this reel, with the last suggesting it was made in 1941. Another mystery we can assign to this reel.
Because I personally believe the Silver King was originally meant to be (and still could have been) a regular member of Bronson’s lineup, it’s being included on this page. Why it perhaps never was, remains a mystery. Ad pictures are courtesy of Jim Garrett and Skip Brooks.
Bronson “Silver Princess” No.3700 Reel
The original version of the No.3700 “Silver Princess” was introduced in the 1931 catalog, along with the rest of the new Gold Seal line of reels. For whatever reason, it carried the same model number as the “Silver King” listed above. This original model, made with plain side plates of chromium plated brass with the ebony Bakelite head plate spacer and jeweled oil caps, seen in the first three photos, would sell through 1934. In photo #4, it shows two Silver Princess models with the face plate markings in different positions. The reel on the left is older. For the reel on the right, they moved the markings below as to not get in the way of the newer bridge screws. In late 1934, the reel was completely redesigned with very highly engraved chromium plated end plates and crank handles in a beautiful geometric Art Deco design. They were also equipped with the adjustable drag on the face plate and the “Duo-Click”. These versions of the No.3700 were only available for a very short time in late 1934 or very early 1935, because they were renumbered the No.3720 in the 1935 catalogs. Like all other Gold Seal reels from the mid 1930’s, these ornate versions would be housed in the “silver” Art Deco boxes.
Bronson “Silver Princess” No.3720 Reel
The No.3720 “Silver Princess” simply picked up where the No.3700 left off in 1935, with no visible difference. They can be found in both the chrome plated or satin “Silverlite” finish. They would sell unchanged through 1939. In 1940, Bronson went back to the regular style button clicker, probably having too much trouble with their Duo-Click, which had been used from 1934 to 1939. For whatever reason(s), the No.3720 can also be found unmarked as to model. This is only found in the pre-1940 versions. In late 1940, the ebony Bakelite head spacer was changed to the scalloped black and ivory marbled spacer, like those seen on the earlier Reel-O-Mine models. They would sell through 1941. With a short run, this “scalloped” variety should be considered scarce. The “silver” Art Deco boxes were used from 1935-1939, while the black boxes housed the 1940-1941 redesigned versions, both seen in the last two photos.
Bronson “Sparton” No.2200 Reel
The earliest model “Sparton” was the No.2200, which was introduced in 1933. It was made with transparent amber side plates and crank handles that Bronson called “Brontex”. The reel is very similar to Bronson’s No.4100 “Warrior”, except these had the pillared foot and the Anti-Back-Lash control at the level-wind. The resin material “Brontex” was well known to shrink with heat and age, causing the reels to bind badly. It can be tough finding a smooth-running example today. These would sell through 1935 only. The listing shown below is from Bronson’s 1934 catalog.
Bronson “Sparton” No.3500 Reels
The “Sparton” No.3500 is believed to have been introduced in 1936 and would sell through 1941. It would eventually come in numerous versions. The First Version was a plain chromium over brass reel, with the A.B.L. adjustment on the face plate. It’s seen with the Art Deco box in the first photo.
The Second Version of the No.3500 resurfaced in 1951, this time with round bronze anodized aluminum sideplates, as seen in the #6 and #7 photos below. It would have been housed in Bronson’s black box. This version is somewhat scarce, as it would be gone from catalogs by 1954. A maroon example of this Second Version has been found and can be seen in photo #8. These are quite rare.
Bronson “Sparton” Reel (Uncatalogued)
The Third Version of the “Sparton” is a much cheaper tear-drop shaped bronze anodized aluminum model, without any A.B.L. adjustment. They were not numbered, nor can they be found in any catalog. “Bronson Sparton” is embossed into the face plate. It’s believed they were produced for a short time in the late 50’s or early 60’s. They have so far been found in two colors, shown below. The black boxes were still being used for these. However, in the area on the box that normally shows the model number, there is simply a “$6.95” price instead.
Bronson “Sport-Pal” No.4900 Reel
One of the new line of Gold Seal reels introduced by Bronson in 1934. The original model that year had plain side plates, with no engraving (shown in the 1934 magazine ad in the next to last photo). Starting in 1935, they came out with ornate side plates with the highly-engraved geometrical design. Made of nickel silver through out, with the black and white scalloped mottled bakelite head plate spacer. Reel shown has what Bronson called a Silverlite chrome finish. One of the most elusive of Bronson models. We know of only one example, although there are surely others. They would have been housed in the silver, red & black Art Deco boxes. The last photo is an ad from a 1934-1935 Janney, Semple, Hill & Co. catalog, showing an illustration of the Sport Pal with an “octagonal” spacer. At this time, we don’t know if this style ever existed as such. Hard to know how accurate the ad was, as they also state that the reel weighs “9 pounds”. The Sport Pal was offered in catalogs from 1934 through 1938.
Bronson “Superlite” No.1001 Reel (See The “Meisselbach-Catucci” Section)
Bronson “Symbol” No.4700 Reel
This direct-drive, green anodized aluminum “space age” designed model was introduced in 1959 and would sell through 1963. These were equipped with either smooth white or ribbed ivory colored spacers, with matching handle grips. The three photos at the bottom show the difference.
The three photos above those are of two Japanese copies, which are only marked “Japan” on the bottom of the feet. However, the paperwork for those Japanese reels showed they used the identical “No.4700” model number as Bronson.
The correct box with its instructions are also shown below, along with a listing for the reel from Bronson’s 1962 catalog.
Bronson “Trout” No.2600 Reel
The No.2600 “Trout” was introduced sometime in the 1920’s. Another of the cheap single action utility reels, but equipped with a metal line guard. Selling for 50 cents in 1929, they would last be seen in the 1933 catalog. These are rarely seen and should be considered scarce. The catalog listing shown below is from 1932. Click on photos to see entire image.
Bronson “Veteran” No.1010 Reel 1937 Factory Prototype
Here is another one of the prototypes we acquired. This is a hand-built one-of-a-kind factory prototype of a No.1010 “Veteran”, with an experimental level-wind assembly. It is very intricate. Of course we took it apart to see how it works. The photos below show a break down of it. The L-W pawl is fitted into another sleeve that is pressed in. Apparently, the designer was trying to make a non-repairable L-W assembly that would last the life of the reel. A person would not be able to change the pawl, unless you were a machinist or a reel smith.
Comes with a notarized factory tag stating that R. P. McMahon Jr. (the son of E.J. McMahon Sr., the president and founder of the Bronson Reel Co.) invented the mechanism and that the reel was built by O. George and W. Kline Jr. on Oct. 4, 1937. The tag is also signed by R.P. McMahon, who was the factory manager at the time. A very historical and rare prototype. Reel is courtesy of Joe Klaus.
Bronson “Veteran” No.1010 Reel
The first versions of the Gold Seal No.1010 “Veteran” were introduced in 1931. They came housed in the larger green Art Deco design box with black stripes and had a nickel plated finish over brass. There were two versions in the early 1930s, both having markings in different areas of the face plate. The one that is marked above the end cap is older and can be seen in the first three photos. The one with the markings down and to the left, was done to the later versions because the new bridge screws and center pin bottoms were in the way to mark them above the end cap. It can be seen in photos #4 and #5. The two designs can be seen next to each other in photo #6.
The next reel shown is from 1937, which has some engraved design around the head plate rim and has the jeweled oil caps, with the “silver” Art Deco box. It now came with the brake adjustment on the face plate. The last photos are of a rare ornate No.1010 Veteran with the engraved Art Deco leaf design and marked inside the head cap with the model name and number. We have only seen two of these ornate versions and none has ever appeared in a catalog. Possibly made in late 1941 or early 1942, before Bronson started “war” production? That would mean the black and yellow box (shown with it) would be correct.
This rare version of the No.1010 can be seen below.
Bronson “Veteran A-B-L” No.1100 Reel
Below, in the first four photos, is the first version of the Gold Seal Veteran No.1100 reel with the pink box with black stripes, first introduced in 1931. Reel is nickel plated, has the early plain end caps and is a version of the No.1010 Veteran above, with the A.B.L. bar. In the next five photos is a later version from 1937, with the foot carrying the “37” code date stamping for that year. The reel is shown with the 1936 Gold Seal “silver” Art Deco box. It is chromium plated over brass and has the ABL at the level wind and has the jeweled end caps. Next is a later tear drop-shaped maroon aluminum anodized reel, with the same model number, that only shows up in our 1959 catalog. It has the Lashless-style adjustment on the tail plate. The model number of these was changed to the No.1800 in 1960, so these are quite scarce.
Last is another scarce Veteran tear drop-shaped chrome over metal construction reel. Although obviously a member of Bronson’s regular reel line, we have yet to find any catalog listing for this “silver” example and assume it was made in 1959 or 1960. The rare black box for these later tear drop reels is shown in the last photo.
Last is another scarce Veteran tear drop-shaped chrome over metal construction reel. Although obviously a member of Bronson’s regular reel line, we have yet to find any catalog listing for this “silver” example and assume it was made in 1959 or 1960. The rare black box for these later tear drop reels is shown in the last photo.
Bronson “Veteran Deluxe” No.1400 Reel
This is a very hard to find version. Reel has grooved head plate rim and pillars to match. It came with a cork arbor on a aluminum spool with new refinements. These are very beautiful reels. First introduced in 1940, it would only sell through 1941. These should be considered very scarce.
Bronson “Veteran Deluxe” No.1401 (Narrow Spool) Reel
Rarer yet is the No.1401, which is the narrow spool version of the above reel. Only a couple are known. The only boxed example we’ve ever seen is shown below.
Bronson “Veteran” No.1800 Reel
Formerly the No.1100 (in 1959 only) the No.1800 “Veteran” reel is bronze anodized in color, having the same head plate shape as the later direct-drive Invaders, Safaris and Symbols (which Bronson called the “forward look” in early catalogs). The spool tension knob is smaller than the normal Bronson knob. Comes in the low profile box.
This last version of the Veteran was introduced in the 1960 catalog and sold through the 1964 season.
This last version of the Veteran was introduced in the 1960 catalog and sold through the 1964 season.
Bronson Victor No.1000 Reel
The first two reels pictured below are examples of the post-war No.1000 “VICTOR”, a member of Bronson’s regular line of reels, shown in the two available colors with their original boxes. The side plates were made of hi-impact polystyrene and the “space-age” direct-drive design imitated that of the more expensive Bronson “Invader” and other reels of the period. These were first introduced by Bronson in the 1960 catalog and would last sell in 1971 under the True Temper label, long after that company had acquired Bronson. Reel photos are courtesy of Mark Williams.
A “Pink” version of this reel was recently discovered by Scott Truex, seen in the #6 and #7 reel photos. The very last photo shows an example of the last box used for this model, just before the sale to True Temper.
Bronson also made a pre-war Trade version of the “Victor”. It can be seen under the “Bronson Trade Reel” link at the top-right of the page.
The following are examples of the rare Warrior Boxes……
Bronson “Wolverine” No.2700 Reel
Here is one that you do not see very often. There are two versions here. The earlier one in the first three photos is chrome over brass and has the name and model number on the reel. It is stamped “37” (for 1937) on the bottom of the pillared foot. It has no drag adjustment. The next version has the stamped pillar-less foot and is chrome plated over metal construction. It has the Lashless-type spool brake on the tail plate and with no model number. As with most other “Gold Seal” models, they are found in the “silver” Art Deco box (shown below). Bottom pictures are courtesy of Mike Ivanof. The Wolverine was introduced in 1937 and would disappear from catalogs after 1938. A tough two-year model. The last two photos show a different style boxed used. Not sure when this was introduced.
