Need info on Fishing Reel

packerbacker · Oct 2, 2014

I found this at a thrift store for $5. It had an old, beat up wooden fishing rod stuck in the end of it and held in place with electrical tape. It has a few things molded into it like "WRIGHT MODEL A UNI-MATIC REEL"...."J.S. NORTON" "PAT. NO. 341612" "1955973 OTHER PAT. PND." It's about 14-1/2" long and 1-1/4" in diameter. The line is stored inside the unit and is dispensed through a small hole near the cranking handle. It even has a drag setting mechanism built into it. I googled pat. no. 341612 and came up with a Candian Pat. Drawing dated Oct. 13, 1932 indicating that John S, Norton was the inventor. It said his country of origin was unknown but I've found he was an American from San Francisco. I'm wanting to find out a little more about it like possible value, how many were made etc., etc.

packerbacker · Oct 20, 2014

I wouldn't know what to ask for it on ebay and I'd hate to have to sell it for 10 bucks + shipping.

What would your starting price be rock?

nova treasure · Oct 20, 2014

here is a one of a kind reel that was patent in 1865, I thought was similar to yours in it's own type.

nova treasure · Oct 20, 2014

im guessing but I would think the rod taped to the reel was probably just added by someone that was needing alittle snagging power to bring the fish in. I believe what you have pictured is probably a prototype of a few that got patent but never made it into marketing. The one I have pictured is of course different but kind of close to design. It is known as one of a kind and it went to auction for thousands of dollars. the starting price on it was $2500. what's your worth ? throw a $1,000 but it now or make offer with it on Ebay, that might even bring some info on the reel.