The Traditional Fisherman's Forum

Reel Specifications for The Allcocks Record Breaker.
Reel Type: centrepin.
Reel Size: 4-1/2" {114mm}.
Reel Weight: 298.5g {10.53oz}.
Bearings Type: None.
Drum dia: 3-1/2 " {88mm}.
Drum circumference: 10.99" {276.46mm}.
Drum Depth: 1/2" {13mm}.
Spool Width: 5/8" {15mm}.
Spool Weight: 172.0g {6.07oz}.
Type/Length of Foot: 2-3/8" {60mm}.
Handles Fitted: yes. {Fixed}.
Handle Distance: 2-7/8” {72mm}.
Line-guard: Yes removable.
Ratchet Type: rear lever operated.
Drag: No.
Special Features: N/A.
Colour/Finish: Black.
Stamp/Logo: No Allcocks marking, Small silver sticker on rear, marked “Noris Shakespeare”.
D.O.M:









This reel is reported to be a rebadged Allcocks, from the period when Shakespeare merged with Allcocks, J W Young’s and Lee.

What happened was that the Cope Allman group that had bought and merged J W Youngs, Allcocks and Lee Products to form Top Tackle sold out to Shakespeare who formed a new UK management company, Noris Shakespeare, to control the new interest.

They simply added a sticker to the reel.

The buy-out happened in 1966, but the firm was effectively closed down in 1969.

Since that post in November I have found some more information of the 'buy-out'.

In fact Cope Allman was a new name for an old firm, the man behind all the shenanigans was in fact already heavily invested in JW Youngs some years before.

Why buy up all these slowly fading tackle makers....? I think they call it asset stripping nowadays......?

Leonard Matchan was the hidden puppet-master pulling all the strings....and trousering a few quid too.

What did he do with all the dosh? Bought a small Channel Island and issued his own stamps .......He did claim to rescue the local bank when it collapsed but folk still claim they lost money.......

Shame he couldn't have done something for the jobless of Redditch......

Use the 'view selected article' button on the left:


http://archives.chicagotribune.com/1967 ... -paid#text

I love it when all these posts I put up get comments, as it broadens my knowledge of the subject of reels, Nobby please keep digging, as the info on the asset stripper is part of the little known history of British tackle manufacture.