Craftversas and Swimversas

[PershoreHarrier]

Just a thought but does anyone have any idea as to the number of Craftversas and Swimversas manufactured by Milwards. I would have thought some sort of record would have been kept which might be a reliable source?

[Nobby]

Although Milwards did put serial numbers on the rods no one seems to think it signifies anything.

Since both rods are pretty rare today it seems numbers were pretty low, especially so with the Craftversa...I think I know of five only.

[Loop Erimder]

Half a dozen of one, 6 of the other

[PershoreHarrier]

From what I can gather it would appear the Craftversa was made between 1963 and 1967 and the Swimversa from around 1961 to 1967.

I have a Swimversa which I would date to 1962 as it has the built cane insert into the middle joint (the earlier ones did not have a built cane insert - but instead I believe it was a cane insert) - post 1962 the Swimversa had the transfer referring to 1963 Winners.

It strikes me that if the Craftversa was available for four years then it would seem extraordinary to make less than say 12 a year and ditto for the Swimversa although it had a longer production run.

I take it that no-one knows anyone who worked for Milwards and might be able to throw a little light on this.

[QuinetteCane]

I believe A J Davies Craftversa rods are not numbered either. In the future world will the same question be asked of his own output one wonders!
What chance he may exceed the Milward production?

I have a Swimversa with the whole cane insert(early?) with the number 74721.
Does anyone have the later split cane insert model for a number comparison ?

[PershoreHarrier]

I have a Swimversa with the later split cane insert and that has the number 8340 believed to be from 1962.

My other Milwards rod has the number 8814 on it.

[Bumble]

Hi Keith not sure this helps but here is my original Craftversa which you have seen the decals are original


Bumble

[PershoreHarrier]

Thanks Bumble - so that makes your Craftversa serial number to be 91811 - the 11 3 of course relates to the length of the rod 11' 3".

[Lucky Strike]

My Swimversa can be seen here, it has the built cane insert.

viewtopic.php?t=2906

Here are a few pics I took this evening




I also had a different Swimversa restored by AJ Davis. This too had the cane insert (number unknown)

My infamous broken Craftversa can be seen here (sob sob). No number unfortunately.

viewtopic.php?f=223&t=1282&start=20

Then there's the Davis Craftversa..