Diamond super deluxe 777

[SmithyFish]

Evening, gents. This little number arrived in the post today. I picked it up as it looked just the job for my mullet fishing in the summer. With a little ckean-up I think she'll fit the bill nicely.

I've had a look around the internet and found a listing for the same model that says it's by Sealey and Sons. Can anyone shed any light?

[Marc]

I'm not sure if there is a sealey connection, someone may know, but I'm sure it's by Shakespeare. I have a number of Norris Shakespeare and 'just' Shakespeare reels and they are lovely bits of kit. Well priced because they're not all that popular with traditionalists being from the Far East, but vintage reels are vintage reels in my book. They're built to last and have a quality feel. You'll enjoy using it.

[Stingray]

Hi. It's Japanese - good quality - probably mid to late 1960s. The Sealey connection could be correct as Sealey rebadged a fair few Japanese reels. If I'm not mistaken these were made by the same people who made Shakespeare reels of the time - again good quality (very underrated in fact) reels. I would not be surprised if there is a ball bearing in there.

[SmithyFish]

Thanks, gents. In my head I had it pegged as a 60s reel - I just look at it and it makes me think 'Goldfinger', if that makes any sense? One of the great pleasures of owning such reels is when they openly display features that are "of the period" - the body shape, styling, and even the fonts could have been lifted from a 60s car, magazine advert or film poster. It'll look lovely in the June sunshine on the banks of my local estuary!

[Marc]

Some relations.

[Wallys-Cast]

I believe the same Japanese built reels were also sold by Woolworths under their Winfield banner. I read a report once by famous sea angler John Holden praising the build quality of the larger version.

Wal.

[Marc]

The silver 2010 in the bottom picture (apologies for the poor image) looks almost identical to your 777. It's proved itself in many a battle with carp.

Here's an image of the other side.

[SmithyFish]

The silver 2010 in the bottom picture (apologies for the poor image) looks almost identical to your 777. It's proved itself in many a battle with carp.

Here's an image of the other side.

That's good to know; my reel should cope okay with a few mullet then!

[Harry H]

From a Bennetts of Sheffield advert 1968

[SmithyFish]

That settles it then. Thanks Harry.