I will say that I am not an expert in such items.I found a hendryx a year ago and researched it.This thread got me going again on these reels.I will humbly submit these points for research consideration.
1)if it isnt a hendryx,it is a knockoff.....I submit that the hendryx(later winchester)was the least expensive unit in existance....hardly a prime target for a knockoff.
2)virtually all of the stamped and pressed riveted reels of the era are not really close.
3)it is known that many of the reels produced,especially during ownership transition(1918) had no markings.sometimes yes....someties not...known deal.
4)hendryx had a buttload of models from very crude(cheap)to really very nice.no one made more choices and more in total number.
5)the closest known manufacturer(after hendryx)may well be van hofe.they are easily identifiable and this simply isnt one.
So we are left with someone copying the least expensive reel ever produced...or it is one of the unmarked hendryx reels known to exist.Anyones guess I suppose,my money is on hendryx....about 1905ish and of the low end models.remember....they made quality also...this aint one of em.
respectfully submitted.....pat
I sure hope someone can provide difinitive photo evidence and solve this for good....