Milwards Spincraft 7ft

[Lea Dweller]

I definitely had a Milward float rod with that butt cap and Button?

[Eddy Pools]

Keston thank you for this post, I've got the 8ft version and it is a lovely rod. The handle, fittings, and guides on mine are virtually the same as on yours, except for the first guide on the tip section, which is much taller than the other guides

Here are the relevant pages from the 1958 and 1962 catalogues - there are some differences between the two.
1958 Catalogue

1962 Catalogue


I wasn't aware that there were three versions of the 7ft model which (with their max. casting weights converted to ounces) are called Light (0.3 oz), Medium (0.375 oz), and Heavy (0.75 oz). The maximum casting weight of the 8ft version is approx 0.5 oz. The catalogue also lists the use of knurled ferrules which we don't have so maybe our rods precede 1958

I don't know how they differentiated the three 7 ft models.

In the 1962 catalogue the length of shorter rods is stated as 6ft 9in but the casting weights were unchanged from the 7ft and 8ft versions. Also the shape of the handle shown in the catalogue has changed to a virtually uniform diameter design and is treated with Masterseal.

The 1964 catalogue lists the same information as 1962 but by then the special order ultra Light models aren't included

I too wondered what that metal piece was for. I think mine might be a different shape to yours


In all of the catalogues it mentions a "Zip-fastener secured bag" for the rods but I don't know what that refers to. I wondered if it was designed for a strap to be put through it to secure the rod to a fishing basket or bag.

Superb rod John, very special rings, plus the nicest butt cap and rubber button!

I think that these butt caps/buttons were on the Milward 'Master' rods?

I definitely had a Milward float rod with that butt cap and Button?

I have the same butt cap and button on a Milwards Floatmaster which has the same reel bands and style of ferrules

Geoff

[Lea Dweller]

Yes I remember now, it was a Milward Floatmaster that had the same butt cap, button and reel bands, thank you!

[Keston]

Keston thank you for this post, I've got the 8ft version and it is a lovely rod. The handle, fittings, and guides on mine are virtually the same as on yours, except for the first guide on the tip section, which is much taller than the other guides

Here are the relevant pages from the 1958 and 1962 catalogues - there are some differences between the two.
1958 Catalogue

1962 Catalogue


I wasn't aware that there were three versions of the 7ft model which (with their max. casting weights converted to ounces) are called Light (0.3 oz), Medium (0.375 oz), and Heavy (0.75 oz). The maximum casting weight of the 8ft version is approx 0.5 oz. The catalogue also lists the use of knurled ferrules which we don't have so maybe our rods precede 1958

I don't know how they differentiated the three 7 ft models.

In the 1962 catalogue the length of shorter rods is stated as 6ft 9in but the casting weights were unchanged from the 7ft and 8ft versions. Also the shape of the handle shown in the catalogue has changed to a virtually uniform diameter design and is treated with Masterseal.

The 1964 catalogue lists the same information as 1962 but by then the special order ultra Light models aren't included

I too wondered what that metal piece was for. I think mine might be a different shape to yours


In all of the catalogues it mentions a "Zip-fastener secured bag" for the rods but I don't know what that refers to. I wondered if it was designed for a strap to be put through it to secure the rod to a fishing basket or bag.

Superb rod John, very special rings, plus the nicest butt cap and rubber button!

I think that these butt caps/buttons were on the Milward 'Master' rods?

I definitely had a Milward float rod with that butt cap and Button?

I have the same butt cap and button on a Milwards Floatmaster which has the same reel bands and style of ferrules

Geoff

Great information there Geoff , many thanks for sharing all that .
It was quite noticable that the handle style had changed between the two catalogues , May I ask if your 8ft rod had the earlier or later handle shape ?
I had no idea there were 3 different weights for the 7ft , I cant imagine how I would be able to tell , although the second catalogue gives the weight of each rod , it appears that is a different style handle so not sure if the weight would have changed too ?

I agree with your point about the knurled ferrule , I must admit I felt my rod was much earlier in style and fittings than 1958 , I wonder f anyone has earlier Milwards catalogues ?

Thanks also for showing your bag , Its nice to have confirmation that my bag is original , I believed it was but sadly the label is missing . Its still a mystery to my why the metal plate is there .

It was also good to see the price , I think that was a lot in 1958 and would confirm the rod as a quality item back then ?

John

[Cat]

Evening All, I have the 8' later version, well, 8' 2" to be precise, and I'm fascinated to know what Masterseal protection is (particularly having slapped a coat of varnish over it during the winter). Regards Cat

[Chelsea]

Hi All

Here’s a couple I have. The first 3 pictures is the older model out the two, it has the fancy whipping above the handle.

The second 3 pictures are of the 7ft heavy. Looks likes it’s been re-whipped and also has a spinmaster sticker on? Mistake at the factory maybe ? It was £16 so I’m not concerned. It came with an original spincraft rod bag.

The actions are very different with the later much more powerful in the butt.

Both great little rods

[Eddy Pools]

Great information there Geoff , many thanks for sharing all that .
It was quite noticable that the handle style had changed between the two catalogues , May I ask if your 8ft rod had the earlier or later handle shape ?
I had no idea there were 3 different weights for the 7ft , I cant imagine how I would be able to tell , although the second catalogue gives the weight of each rod , it appears that is a different style handle so not sure if the weight would have changed too ?

I agree with your point about the knurled ferrule , I must admit I felt my rod was much earlier in style and fittings than 1958 , I wonder f anyone has earlier Milwards catalogues ?

Thanks also for showing your bag , Its nice to have confirmation that my bag is original , I believed it was but sadly the label is missing . Its still a mystery to my why the metal plate is there .

It was also good to see the price , I think that was a lot in 1958 and would confirm the rod as a quality item back then ?

John

Hello John to answer your questions;

My rod is the earlier type, here is a picture of it

My bag does have the Milwards label so it might well be original to the rod.

When I first got mine the thread looked just like yours - it was black and white jasper under that old varnish and needed complete replacement (but at the time I couldn't find any so used Prowrap tiger thread with black tips).

The guides on mine are virtually identical to those on your rod but they have coloured liners rather than the clear ones on your rod.

I recommend having a look at this site (which I found from a post by Olly) as it includes loads of catalogues from many manufacturers https://splitcaneinfo.com/?page_id=653

As regards earlier Milwards catalogues the 1954/55 catalogue is on that site here https://splitcaneinfo.com/wp-content/up ... cerpt.pdf As you can see there are only two 7 ft models and knurled ferrules are mentioned here so maybe our rods predate 1954.

Going forward from 1958 I've just had a quick look and there are some interesting changes - e.g. the 6ft 9 inch rod was included in the 1959 and 1960 catalogues but had the same handle as ours - the weights are included for these rods which might help work out which model you have. For reference my 8 ft rod weighs 8.2 ounces.

I think that it is safe to assume that the handle design changed in 1962.

I hope that this is helpful.

Geoff

[Keston]

Really great info chaps, quite interesting how quickly information and images can be put together .

I did weigh my rod Geoff and its 6.4 oz exactly .

The catalogue list suggests Wal may have a much earlier Milwards catalogue. Be interesting to see if the Spincraft is In it ?

[Eddy Pools]

I did weigh my rod Geoff and its 6.4 oz exactly .

The catalogue list suggests Wal may have a much earlier Milwards catalogue. Be interesting to see if the Spincraft is In it ?

John,
I've got a 1938-39 Catalogue - the number and variety of fishing rods (and general tackle) offered is considerable.

Included in it are two different types of 7/8ft spinning rods

There is a similar 7ft spinning rod offered in three different casting weights and an 8ft spinning rod- the Olympic series


Also there is a section called Specialist rods which are presented as designed by fishermen and built by craftsmen. Included are three 7 ft. and two 8 foot spinning rods.


I wonder if it is these Specialist rods which were developed to produce the post war rods.
Geoff

[Keston]

I did weigh my rod Geoff and its 6.4 oz exactly .

The catalogue list suggests Wal may have a much earlier Milwards catalogue. Be interesting to see if the Spincraft is In it ?

John,
I've got a 1938-39 Catalogue - the number and variety of fishing rods (and general tackle) offered is considerable.

Included in it are two different types of 7/8ft spinning rods

There is a similar 7ft spinning rod offered in three different casting weights and an 8ft spinning rod- the Olympic series


Also there is a section called Specialist rods which are presented as designed by fishermen and built by craftsmen. Included are three 7 ft. and two 8 foot spinning rods.


I wonder if it is these Specialist rods which were developed to produce the post war rods.
Geoff

Thats great information again Geoff , many thanks for sharing .
Some of those rods listed seem very similar to the Spincraft in all but name . perhaps you are correct and post war there was some development and or rebranding ?
John