Is this an early one?

[Damflask]

And if so roughly what year?

[AshbyCut]

As I understand it, the earliest Speedia's only had 8 line lay pillars, and 8 ventilation holes. 10 pillars didn't come in until the Mark 3:1.

Sadly, the detailed site below has been struck by the 'Photobucket' plague, and lots of photos are no longer available, but the written details are still available.

https://www.tapatalk.com/groups/centrep ... D8RR5aQm2V

[Damflask]

Thanks. That's really helpful!

[Nobby]

I'm pretty sure that tapatalk page is by our own Steve Devereux, Chavender on here. I've not personally seen a reel box marked as Mark 3, just Mark 2 or Mark 4 reels and these were all later full production run models. Perversely, there's a lot of images on the net that show the earlier reels as Mark 4 and the later reels as Mark 2. Until I was able to date a reel last year and confirm the early ones really were earlier we all got pretty confused.

I have an identical reel to yours, Damflask, and the original box it came in is dated stamped 1951. This reel is also pictured in a 1951 catalogue I have here and is distinctive with its 'pill' in the centre of the spool.

There are earlier reels with bulbous handles, less porting holes and other differences but they are really quite rare and my impression is that we have the earliest full production run reels, the earlier ones being more hand-finished and whilst they often look a bit tatty by now some are quite superb and up there with the quality of JW Young's Aerials made for Allcock.

[Fisherman1947]

I have this speedia in grey.

[Nobby]

Yes that's an early one F1947, but there are a few even earlier ones out there. Considering yours in probably 1940's it's in great condition.

[Fisherman1947]

Yes that's an early one F1947, but there are a few even earlier ones out there. Considering yours in probably 1940's it's in great condition.

Is it older then me or younger I am c1947 .

[Nobby]

I can't be sure. It does pre-date 1951...but by just how much no one seems to know......yet. One day a catalogue will turn up and tell us hopefully.....

[Keston]

I think that is definitely maybe a 1947 built speedia

[Match Aerial]

Is the grey colour original ,never seen a grey version .
Nice reel