Bronson’s Regular Production Reel Models
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 above.
Bronson “Aetna” No.2300 Reel
The Bronson No.2300 “Aetna” was an economy level-wind that was introduced in 1937 or 1938. Catalogs simply listed it as a variety of the Altoona with a metal tail plate (see the 1939 catalog listing in the photo below). It would be offered that way through 1940 and then abruptly disappear from catalogs. We believe the black box was used starting in 1940. The “Aetna” would resurface again in 1950, this time redesigned with both side plates of black Bakelite. It would sell at least through 1954.
Shown below is the earliest known box for the Aetna No.2300 and a nice example of the early design. The last four photos show the later post-war design with the original box.
Bronson “All-American” No.4800 Reel
The No.4800 “All American” was one of the group of Bronson Gold Seal models that were introduced in 1934. This tear drop shaped model had what Bronson called a “Silverlite” satin chromium finish over solid German silver. It had the ribbed Bakelite head plate spacer like that of the “Reel-O-Mine”, a face plate-mounted adjustable drag, hexagonal jeweled oil caps, but with plain side plates. That would all change in 1935, when Bronson would redesign the reel with ornate engraved side plates. The All American would make its last appearance in the 1938 catalog. In my opinion, the most beautiful reel ever produced by the Bronson Reel Co. We know of only two of these that exist, though there are surely others. The box shown below appears to be an early Bronson repair box? The ad shown below is from the 1934 catalog. The reel shown is from the Daryl Rodenberger collection.
Bronson “All-Star” No.4700 Reel
One of the group of Gold Seal reels introduced in 1934, was the No.4700 “All Star”. This tear drop-shaped level-wind originally had plain side plates and crank handle. However, in 1935 it was completely redesigned with a beautiful engraved “geometrical design”. Made with a chromium finish and came equipped with the Duo-Click, hexagonal jeweled end caps and an adjustable drag on the face plate. These would sell through 1936 or 1937 (we can’t be sure, because neither catalog for those years has ever surfaced). Shown below is the ad from our 1935 Bronson catalog. The last photo shows the original box, tool and insert for the engraved model.
Bronson “Altoona” No.4200 and No.4250 Reels
The Bronson “Altoona” was one of the longest-running economy models in the company’s history, from its introduction in 1933 to its last appearance in the 1973 (True Temper) catalog. A staggering 40 years! Consequently, they can be found in several versions and sub varieties..
The No.4200 “Altoona” is seen in two varieties in the first photo. The version with the metal tail plate was only made in 1933. In 1934, they added a Bakelite tail plate and this variety would sell through 1941. Shown with them is the earliest known maroon box. Later boxes for the Altoona would be the standard yellow Art Deco version and then the black version, both of which are shown below. The No.4200 Altoona can be found with either a crank handle screw or nut, seemingly throughout production. Both varieties can be seen below.
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”. These would all be found in the black Bronson box.
Bronson “Altoona” No.1200 Reel
In 1960, the Altoona was again renumbered, this time as the No.1200. They were completely redesigned in the popular “space age” design. The first two photos show the 1960-1961 black model. In 1962, catalogs show the No.1200 in red, with an adjustable drag on the tail plate (see last photo). By the mid-1960’s, Bronson added a star drag to the Altoona, the last design change.
Bronson “Arrow” No.4000 and “Arrow Jr.” No.4400 Reels
The No.4000 “Arrow” was first introduced in the 1931 catalog, selling for 50 cents. These were cheaply-made double-action, all-metal reels that were thinly nickel plated and would be referred to as “dime store” reels. They would sell completely unchanged until at least 1954, the last catalog listing we have for them. Most of these models came unmarked, even though catalog illustrations suggested otherwise. Shown below is the 1940 catalog listing, which oddly calls the reel “new” (after nine years?), with the last four photos being an actual example of the 80-yard “Arrow”, along with the earliest original box.
The No.4400 “Arrow Jr.”, the single-action version of the Arrow, first showed up in Bronson’s 1935 catalog. They were probably made for the younger person in mind, with all pressed metal construction, thinly nickel plated, painted wood grips and selling by the dozen for about 21 cents each. They were not marked, however the box they came in was. They would still be seen in catalogs into the mid 1950’s. The first ad is from a 1938 N. Sure Sporting Good Co. catalog, the second from the 1940 catalog. The original box for the Arrow Jr. is also shown below.
Bronson “Biltwell” No.200 Level-Wind Reel
The Bronson “Biltwell” was one of the company’s longest-selling models and can be found in numerous versions. The original No.200 Biltwell, the ONLY level-winding version of this model ever produced, was made sometime between 1923 and 1928 (our earliest catalog is from 1929 and it doesn’t list the No.200). The reel was very similar to both the No.400 “Premier” and No.100 “Modern”. The example shown below is with the scarce original maroon box. These are an extremely tough find for the collector, as they rarely show up for sale. Ad is from a 1929 Shapliegh’s catalog, suggesting it was sold for at least another year through retailers. At this time, we don’t know if that was a special “trade” variety, or marked as the “Biltwell”. Ad is courtesy of Jim Garrett and Skip Brooks.
Bronson “Biltwell” No.2400, No.2800, No.3300 and a No.4300 Reels
In 1929, the “Biltwell” was completely redesigned and renumbered the No.2800. It was now a non level-winding reel and would last appear in the 1941 catalog (shown in the 7th and 8th photos). These were made in mind-numbing numbers and are very common. The last photo shows the earliest box for the No.2800.
The No.3300 was also introduced in 1929. It was simply the jeweled version of the regular model above. It would be renumbered the No.2400 in late 1931. The No.3300 models are a little harder to find. The second to last two photos of the boxed No.3300, along with a 1930 catalog, are courtesy of Kevin McJunkin.
As mentioned above, the No.2400 would replace the No.3300 midway through the 1931 season. The only visible difference was the color of the handle grips, changed from white to green. These would only be offered through 1932, when the jeweled variety would be discontinued altogether. These would come housed in the blue and orange Art Deco boxes.
The last version of the Biltwell was the No.4300 model. It first shows up in our 1938 catalog. It was equipped with a Bakelite head plate, the only difference from the regular model. These would also sell through 1941.
Bronson “Black Master” No.4600 Reel
The No.4600 “Black Master” was another Gold Seal tear drop model introduced in 1938. Reel is similar to the Blackstone No.4700 described below, but does not have the marbled head plate spacer. They had black anodized aluminum side plates, hexagon jeweled end caps, adjustable drag on the face plate, engraved crank handle and the Duo-Click. Apparently, some were marked with the model and number, and some were not. They were housed in the “silver” Art Deco box, shown below. Because these were only produced in 1938, they should be considered rare.
Bronson “Blackstone” No.4700 Reel
. The No.4700 “Blackstone” Gold Seal reel is arguably one of the finest-looking tear drop-shaped reels ever produced in this country. It first appeared in Bronson’s 1938 catalog and was numbered the same as the No.4700 “All-Star”, which had been discontinued in 1936 or 1937. The side plates were made of black “Duralumin”, with an engraved crank handle and mottled black & white head ring. It was equipped with the Duo-Pawl level-wind, Duo-Click, adjustable drag on the face plate and had hexagonal jeweled adjustable oil caps. These were housed in the same “silver” Art Deco box found with other Gold Seal models. The box says “aluminum finished in chromium and black”, but they were basically black anodized reels. We have seen some that were not marked with a model name, so they apparently came either way. These would sell through 1940. The first ad is from Bronson’s 1940 catalog. These should be considered quite scarce.
In 1941, the No.4700 Blackstone was redesigned. Gone is the mottled head plate spacer. In its place is the “ribbed” Bakelite spacer very similar to those found on the Reel-O-Mine models. It now has a spool with aluminum flanges to make it lighter, and sports the round jeweled oil caps and a normal clicker. Finally, the catalog calls the end plates black “anodized”, which they were all along. These were only available for one year and should be considered rare.
Bronson “Blackstone” No.552 (Formerly Meisselbach-Catucci Mfg. Co.) See The “Symploreel” Section under “More”.
Bronson “Blue Heron” No.3800 Reel
The Bronson No.3800 “Blue Heron” was one of the original group of Gold Seal reels introduced in 1931. It is shown below with the earliest Gold Seal box. These first versions were chromium plated nickel silver, with plain side plates. They had black Bakelite side plate spacers and a spool brake on the face plate. The ad is from Bronson’s 1932 Bronson catalog. These would sell through 1934.
Starting in 1935, the second version of the No.3800 Blue Heron would come with the engraved Art Deco “geometric leaf design” on each side plate. It now has hexagonal jeweled end caps and mottled handle grips. It would still be equipped with the ebony spacers. These would be offered in catalogs through 1938 and housed in the “silver” Art Deco box, seen below. The ad is from Bronson’s 1935 catalog.
Bronson “Bronco” No.2500 Reel
We’re not sure when the No.2500 “Bronco” first appeared, but it was last offered in the 1930 catalog. It was a single action 80-yard utility reel that was sold by the dozen (25 cents per reel). It had holes drilled in the foot so that it could be nailed or screwed onto a rod. The listing below is from Bronson’s 1929 catalog. Few of these likely survived, making this a tough find.
Bronson “Castwell A-B-L” No.750 (Formerly Meisselbach-Catucci Mfg. Co.) See The “Symploreel” Section under “More”.
Bronson “Comet” No.2400, No.2400B, No.2400L.H. and No.2433 Reels
The No.2400 “Comet” was a chromium plated, level-winding economy reel, which was first introduced in 1935. It would come housed in the yellow Art Deco box until about 1940, when the black Bronson box (shown in the 8th photo) was used. This regular plated version would sell through 1941. The regular No.2400, with the Art Deco box, is seen in the last three photos. The ad description is from the 1940 catalog.
A second version of the Comet is the No.2400B. The “B” stands for “ball burnish’ finish, something that you do not hear about to often on reel finishes. The first six photos show this reel, with the correctly marked box. It first shows up in our 1938 catalog, described as “burnished nickel finish and without Duo-Pawl”. In 1939, the reel was abruptly renumbered No.2433. It too would sell through 1941. We have never seen a box marked No.2433, so these should be considered rare.
The next version of the Comet is the No.2400 L.H. It was the left handed version and it is a very tough find for collectors. It was also available in catalogs through 1941.
There is thought to be a red anodized model Comet that was sold in the 1960’s, when Bronson briefly brought back several of its long-discontinued models in the form of cheap aluminum examples. We have never seen the reel or any supporting documentation. Some feel these cheap reels were Japanese knock-offs, made after Bronson was sold to the True Temper Corp.
Rare Bronson “Comet” PROTOTYPE Reel
The reel in the five photos below is an extremely rare, one-of-a-kind factory prototype of the No.2400 “Comet”. Produced in 1935, it comes with an experimental worm gear/spiral gear assembly for the level-wind, an internal gear train like nothing ever seen on any casting reel and a “reeded” head cap unlike any other Bronson model. The reel box is hand-marked “2400 Spec. Gears”, while a hang tag reads “Spec. Gears – 1935”. This unmarked Comet prototype is the only example known to exist.
Bronson “Commander” No.3200 A-B-L Reel
The No.3200 “Commander” is the A-B-L version of the regular No.3600 “Commander” described below. It would first appear in the 1933 catalog and sell through 1937. It was equipped with the A-B-L (anti-back-lash) bar at the level-wind and the tension control adjustment on the face plate. These had plain side plates through 1934 but, starting in 1935, they would feature the engraved “wave design” on the side plates and crank handle. Like all the Gold Seal reels of the period, they would come in the “silver” Art Deco box. As with many of the highly engraved models, these can be a tough find for the collector.
Bronson “Commander” No.3250 A-B-L Reel.
The No.3250 “Commander” A-B-L model replaced the No.3200 and is first seen in the 1938 catalog. The No.3250 would now have the Art Deco “leaf design” and it would have a wider head plate gear housing to accommodate the new thicker level wind gear. The No.3250 would sell through 1941. The ad pic and description are from a 1940 Bronson catalog.
Bronson “Commander” No.3600 Reel
The No.3600 “Commander” was one of the original group of Gold Seal reels introduced in 1931. The first version of this level-winding chromium plated reel had the plain side plates. It’s shown below with the earliest Gold Seal box, courtesy of Mark Williams. In 1935 the reel was completely re-designed to include the ornately engraved “wave design” on the side plates, hexagon jeweled oil caps and a brake adjustment on the face plate. It would be housed in the “silver” Art Deco box shown below. We believe these were only sold through 1937, even though examples were advertised by retailers as late as 1938. It does not show up in Bronson’s 1938 catalog, having been replaced by the No.3650. The small ad is out of a June, 1931 “Outdoor Life” magazine. The larger ad is out of our 1931 Bronson catalog. The last ad is from a June, 1933 “Field & Stream” magazine.
Bronson “Commander” No.3650 Reel
The Bronson No.3650 “Commander” only appeared in the 1938 catalog, having replaced the earlier No.3600. It now sported the engraved Art Deco “leaf design” on the side plates, but retained the “wave design” crank handle. It would also be housed in the “silver” Art Deco box. This one-year version should be considered scarce, as we have only seen a couple of them. Notice in Pic #4 the drag adjustment is at the 9:00 position, rather than on the 11:00 position of the No.3600. One can see the internal differences in the last two photos, with the No.3600 on the left.
Bronson “Coronet” No.25 and “Coronet” No.25N (Bronson Versions)
The Bronson No.25 “Coronet” was identical to the Coxe-marked No.25-C Coronet, except sold with the Bronson name on the reel, with the black Bronson-marked box and leather case. The Coxe Coronets were introduced in 1951 and we believe that Bronson put their name on them a few years later, which we can only guess was to increase sales. These free spool models were made of aluminum with Bakelite side plates and had the “cross bolt” quick take-apart design. It was a very beautiful, well-machined model, perfect for tournament casting or fishing with light tackle. It’s not known how long the Bronson-marked Coronets were offered.
The No.25N was the same reel, but with a narrow spool. Photo # 9 shows the difference in the width of both reels. The No.25N has “Bronson” painted gold on the leather case and came in the same black Bronson box. Like the regular model above, it’s not known how long the Bronson-marked versions were available, as all catalogs only mention the Coxe No.25-C model. For more info on the Coxe Coronet and other Coxe reels, check out our page on the “J A Coxe Reel Pics and Info” link above. The last ad picture is from a 1951 Sports Afield Fishing Annual, courtesy of Bill Sonnett.
Bronson/Coxe “Coronet” No.25-C and No.25-N Reels (See “Coxe Reels Section)
Bronson “Crusader” No.30 Reel (Bronson Version of the Coxe No.30-C)
Little is known about the No.30 Crusader. We have no catalog information, but these were believed to have been produced in the late 1950’s or early 1960’s. Reel is identical to the JA Coxe No.30-C, with the quick take-apart design. made of maroon anodized aluminum. This could be considered a tournament reel, as it has an alloy spool that has very pronounced shoulders, with a large arbor. These are rarely seen and should be considered quite scarce. We recently found the original instructions for this model. The instructions for the No.30 can be seen below, but an original box has never been found.
“Do-All” No.65 (Bronson Version)
The “Do-All” reel was a J.A. Coxe-designed 150 yd. combination fresh or salt water reel, heavy chromium plated, with a star drag and very well made. It was introduced in 1949. Shown below is what we believe to be the earliest Bronson No.65 version in the rare black Bronson box. The Bronson/Coxe catalogs just lists the No.65-C models (the “C” standing for Coxe?). They were marked with the Coxe name and came in a J.A. Coxe box. These would sell through 1959. These also came in an aluminum version marked with the Coxe name. It remains a mystery why Bronson would market the exact same reel under both the Bronson and Coxe names. It would not be the only time they did this, either. The early Bronson versions should be considered very scarce. Reel pictures are courtesy of Wayne Benson.
Also see the “Bronson/J.A. Coxe Freshwater Reels” page for more details about the “Do-All” reel, as well as the “trade” versions.
“Do-All” No.65-C Reel (Coxe version) See the “J.A. Coxe” Section
Bronson “Falcon” No.170 Reel
Bronson’s No.170 “Falcon” was introduced in the 1959 catalog. The red version shows up in our 1962 Bronson catalog, while the black version is last seen in our 1967 catalog. These are a 150 yd. size reel, weighing in at 8 oz. These were equipped with an anti-reverse lever on the rim and a star drag. These can be tough to find in the original black Bronson box (shown below). Red reel pictures are courtesy of Chuck Castle.
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. Reel description is out of a 1940 Bronson catalog.
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.
A few photos below show an example of someone’s modification, adding a metal “thumb-drag”. The final photo is of one of the last Fleetwings, with its original box, sold through True Temper in the early 1970’s. Photo courtesy of Scott Truex.
Notice in the last picture shows another Fleetwing that has been modified into a lefty by someone who came up with a pretty good idea. Picture is courtesy of Arne Soland.
Bronson “Flyer” No.2450 Reel
Introduced in 1937 or 1938, the No.2450 “Flyer” was another Bronson economy model of all-metal construction, with a stamped pillarless foot and plain “tension-control” end caps. It would sell through 1941. Shown is the later black Bronson box, which housed this model from about 1940 or 1941. The earlier box (not shown) was likely the yellow Art Deco box. Ad is from the 1940 Bronson catalog.
Bronson “Gladiator” No.2100 and No.3400 Reels
The earliest Bronson “Gladiator” was the No.2100, introduced in 1933. It was a level-winding model with Bakelite side plates. It was also an Anti-Back-Lash reel, with the A-B-L bar at the level-wind and the tension control knob on the face plate. Probably came in the blue & orange Art Deco box, although we’ve yet to see one. This Bakelite version would sell at least through 1935. The first ad is cropped from a 1933 Dunham, Carigan and Hayden Co. catalog, while the next is from Bronson’s 1935 catalog.
The later version that replaced the No.2100, was the chromium plated No.3400, which first shows up in our 1938 catalog. Aside from being all-metal, it was virtually the same. They would make their last appearance in the 1941 catalog. The listing shown below is from Bronson’s 1940 catalog. Also shown is the earlier yellow Art Deco box and later c.1941 black box for the No.3400.
Bronson “Gladiator” No.3400 (Privately-Made Prototype)
Even though this is not a Bronson factory-made example, we thought it interesting enough to include in the site.
In 1950, Charles W. Wilson from Norton Township, Muskegon County, Mich., created a non-moving parts level-wind and free spool design, from a Bronson No.3400 “Gladiator”. He applied for a patent on Oct. 3, 1950 and was awarded the patent on March 3, 1953. The drawing for Patent No.2,630,279 is shown below, cropped in two segments.
It’s not known if Wilson ever offered the prototype for consideration to Bronson, or any other reel manufacturer.
This man must have been a very good fabricator to make that spool. The copper spool in the reel has alloy ends soldered in it. The material is OD green ( Military Olive Drab green), so he was probably using some war surplus material to build this prototype. The finished spool along side is machined out of a block of Aluminum, drilled out with an axle pressed in. Very interesting design.
Bronson “Green Hornet” No.2200, No.2200-N and No.2200LH
The Bronson No.2200 “Green Hornet” first appeared in the 1950 catalog, to meet the growing demand for lightweight tackle. Made of green anodized aluminum, with Duo-pawl level-wind, Lashless-style spool A-B-L tension knob on the tail plate and a pillared foot. These would sell up until about 1960, housed in the black Bronson box shown in the first photo.
The No.2200N was the narrow spool version of the same reel. It was introduced in 1951 and would only sell through 1953. These are a tough find for the collector and should be considered scarce. A narrow spool example can be seen in the last three photos, courtesy of Daryl Rodenberger.
The No.2200LH is the rare left-handed version of the No.2200. These are virtually never seen. Like the narrow spool version above, it would only sell through 1953. Unlike the narrow spool version, which was marked with an “N” on the face plate, the left- hand variety is marked like the regular model. The beautiful left-handed example shown in photos #10 and #11 are courtesy of Scott Truex. The ads below are cropped from the 1951 Bronson/JA Coxe catalog.
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 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 uncataloged all-metal “tear drop” version, shown in the last four photos, was made sometime in the 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 the 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 Pics and Info” 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, No.1700-A and No.1710 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. This tension control came in two versions. The earliest, from 1940-1941, was not removable. After the war, it was redesigned so that it could be removed for servicing. Both versions are shown below. The last two photos show a 1940 model with what is believed to be the rare “Intro” box. It is the only example of that box that we’ve ever seen. It 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. They would only sell for a few more years, gone from catalogs by 1959.
The No.1710 “Lashless” was the light weight, green anodized aluminum version of the No.1700. Other than a weight of just 4-3/4 ozs., it was the same as the 8 oz. chrome-plated model. They were introduced in 1951 and would also sell into the late 1950’s. The ads shown below are from Bronson’s 1940 catalog.
Bronson “Levelite” No.752 Reel (Formerly Meisselbach-Catucci Mfg. Co.) See The “Symploreel” Section Under “More”.
Bronson “Lion” No.1800, No.1900, No.2900 and No.3400 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 listings below are both from Bronson’s 1932 catalog.
The No.1900 and the No.3400 “Lion” were the “jeweled” versions of the No.1800 above and are much more difficult models to find. It was known as the No.3400 model from the mid 1920’s through 1930 (shown in the last three photos). In 1931, the model number was changed to the No.1900. It would last be seen in catalogs in 1933.
The No.2900 “Lion” is simply the Anti-Back-Lash version of the No.1800. They were available from the early 1920’s until 1932.
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 the last box 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. The first ad shown below for the Mercury with the geometric design is out of a 1938 W. Bingham Co. catalog. The next add is out of our 1939 Bronson catalog. The 1939 and 1941 Bronson catalogs are courtesy of Jim Garrett and Skip Brooks
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. We do not think Bronson made any post war versions. Both the reel and catalog listing are shown below.
Bronson “Meteor” No.2500 Reel
The No.2500 “Meteor” was introduced in 1935. It was a jeweled, level-winding, chromium plated economy model that would go on to sell through 1941. For whatever reason, the model number was never put on these models. The earliest Art Deco box is shown below. After 1939 or 1940 the black Bronson box was used. The hexagonal jeweled oil caps on the 1938 model in the center (has 38 stamped under the foot), are not correct for this reel. The description ad is from the 1940 Bronson catalog.
Bronson “Meteor” No.1400 and 1500 Reels
The No.1400 “Meteor” was a completely redesigned lightweight version of anodized aluminum in teal green. These were first introduced in the 1959 catalog and would only sell for a couple years. This No,1400, with the original black Bronson box, is the only example we’ve seen. They should be considered scarce.
The No.1500 “Meteor” with “space age” design and red anodized side plates was introduced in the late 1950’s and would last sell in 1973 in the True Temper catalog (and under the TT label), years after they had acquired Bronson. An original example, with the black Bronson box and box catalog are shown below, courtesy of Mark Williams. Sometime in the mid 1960’s, a star drag was added to this model. Photos of that variety are shown below, courtesy of Wayne Benson. The last picture shows the star drag version with the last 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).The ad below is from the June, 1926 “National Sportsman” magazine, the oldest Bronson ad we have seen. They were also a common “trade” reel. Top pictures of reel and box are courtesy of Mark Williams. The last five pictures of an exceptional Modern that sold on eBay in 2013, the cleanest we have ever seen. Sellers were nice to let us share their photos.
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.
Bronson “Newark” No.252 and No.257 Reels (Formerly Meisselbach-Catucci Mfg. Co.) See The “Symploreel” section under “More”.
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. Below is a full page ad out of a 1934 Hunting and Fishing magazine, along with a nice example found earlier in 2015. 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 “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. Reel and box pictures are courtesy of Mark Williams and reel alone is courtesy of 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 and we’ve never seen one to photograph. A photo of the 1932 catalog listing is 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 (Formerly Meisselbach-Catucci Mfg. Co.) See The “Symploreel” section under “More”.
Bronson “Reel-O-Mine” No.5000 and No.5000-A Reels
Here is 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”. With a cost of $25.00 in 1934, for a country now deeply mired in the Depression, one would hope so.
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 hexagon 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. 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, along with several early magazine ads and a 1934 Bronson “fold-out” catalog. The ads are courtesy of Phil White and Bill Sonnett.
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 dark green marbled crank knobs. The last photo shows the difference in size. The 150-yd. Retriever is on the left and a Bronson 100-yd. size reel is on the right. The ad below is from Bronson’s 1940 catalog. The Retriever would sell through 1941, only to be bought back again in 1951 and sell through 1953.
Bronson “Rogue” No.3000 Reel
The No.3000 “Rogue, a 150-yard chromium plated level-wind, made its only appearance in Bronson’s 1938 catalog. We have never seen an example and, with such a short run, these should be considered rare. One of the most obscure of Bronson models.
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. The 1962 catalog listing is shown below. 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 with at least the latest version never appearing in catalogs.
Two versions of the Silver King exist. The first 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” (which was described earlier on this site), but marked as the “No.300 Silver King”. It’s shown in the first two photos below. It was sold at least by the Thomas E. Wilson Sporting Goods Co. of Chicago, the forerunner to today’s Wilson Sporting Goods (one is pictured in Karl White’s Book on reels in Vol. 2, page 137). Because we have no catalogs prior to 1929, it’s not known if the No.300 ever appeared in them as a regular model.
Early reel picture is courtesy of Karl and Beverly White.
The ad pictures shown below for the Silver King No.300 (and which clearly describe it as a “Bronson” reel) are courtesy of Skip Brooks and Jim Garrett.
The second version is a 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 and Supply 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, would sell through 1934. The ad pictured below for the Silver Princess is out the 1932 Bronson catalog. Notice in the photo next to the ad, 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. The last photo shows a 1933 magazine cut-out, showing the Silver Princess with the “Duo-Pawl” level-wind system, which was a new feature that year. In late 1934, the reel was completely redesigned with 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 (which can be seen below).
Bronson “Silver Princess” No.3720 Reel
The No.3720 “Silver Princess” simply picked up where the No.3700 left off, 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. 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 1940 ad description is cropped into two segments. The last of the Silver Princess models can be found in the black boxes with green and yellow trim, shown below.
