Rapidex dates?

[Nobby]

Interestingly the 1949 Allcock's Guide in its entry for the apparently new reel only has the new Flick 'Em of course, as it was badged for Allcocks, but it makes no mention of the reel being a new design......


I can't help but think they'd be blowing their trumpet a bit more for an all-new design.


Could it be the reel was available earlier than '49 and is in an earlier Guide with appropriate fanfare?

[DaceAce]

I had a quick look at my two Rapidexes and found a date stamp in one of 8/63. The other one is very similar but undated but probably 60s as well.

[Nobby]

They ALL seem to have 63 or 64 on them.....I wonder if it was a part number?

[Moley]

St. Nobby, to help you and others avoid further confusion please note the following:

If the Numbers that look like a date stamp, as Daceace has noted, and are on the inside of the back plate...they are date stamps put there by a very naughty Tea Clubber. They at least show when the back plate was made and so help dating the reel within a year or so.

I shall now attempt to list most of the component parts of the Rapidex:

Spindle Screw......JWY 251
Check Pawl..........JWY 1068
Adjusting Screw... JWY 120
Check Spring........JWY 104D
Check Spring Anchor.. JWY 105
Check Spring Anchor Screw...JWY 214
Release Lever Cap Screws...JWY 119
Release Lever........JWY 116
Release Lever Spring...JWY 117A
Release Lever Cap....JWY 326

I hope this clarifies the problems that seem to arise.....probably not I suppose?

Any other questions I will attempt to answer if I can.....?

Mole Power!!!

[David]

I know this is a slightly different subject, but when was the Rapidex 11' 2450 made and how many were produced. I have one and purchased it new from a tackle shop many years ago now (1980s) and I paid £145 and never used it. They are now being offered for sale used at nearly £300