ALPHA Australian Collectable Antique Vintage Fishing Reels Reference, Information and History, at ReeLpedia ® on page 8 by Bernie Ladd, 2012.
ALPHA Vintage Collectable Fishing Reels of Australia.
Information and Reference Guide by reeLpedia®
History
M. B. Wragg & Co. was established in 1883 by John Davey Wragg and named in honor of his wife, Margaret Bennet Wragg. Initially, Wragg acted as an agent for the British tackle maker S. Alcock & Co. A 1929 advertisement indicates that the production of ALPHA fishing tackle began in 1929, earlier than previously thought in 1931.
Based in Gardenvale, a suburb of Melbourne, Australia, M. B. Wragg & Co. was among the first to produce fishing reels in the country. The company was a leading manufacturer of Bakelite side cast reels, centerpin reels, Nottingham reels, and various related fishing tackle, including lines, hooks, and lures. Wragg adopted the trade name ALPHA for its fishing equipment.
In the 1950s, the company expanded to produce die-cast metal-bodied thread line fishing reels. The Alpha brand quickly gained popularity, establishing export markets in Canada, South Africa, and New Zealand. Production of the reels concluded in the mid-1970s.
Below, you'll find a comprehensive reference guide with detailed images and information on all the fishing reel models produced by
M. B. Wragg & Co.
ALPHA High Neck side cast reel -c 1930s. Rare. ( Aa 1 )
Alpha High Neck metal and bakelite side cast reel. M.B. Wragg, Moorabbin, Vic. Bakelite back diameter 5''; drum (spool) width 2 1/4''; high neck turntable (pivot); removable line guide; optional check; nickel plated cast brass type Y back; ALPHA logo moulded in bakelite back plate -c 1930s.
ALPHA early 4'' side cast reel -c 1930s. Rare in un damaged condition. ( Aa 2 )
Alpha (first 4'' production version) metal and bakelite side cast reel. M.B. Wragg, Moorabbin, Vic. Bakelite back diameter 4 1/16''; drum (spool) width 2''; Ferguson style turntable (pivot) forked line guide cast in one piece gunmetal; optional check button; cast brass type strap back; turntable leaf spring of beryllium copper. ALPHA logo moulded in bakelite back plate. Note metal components are originally nickel-plated.
ALPHA forked line guide and 'high neck' turn table cast in one piece, side cast reel - c 1930s. Rare. ( Aa 3 )
Alpha 4'' metal and bakelite sidecast reel. M.B. Wragg, Moorabbin, Vic. Bakelite back diameter 4 1/16''; drum (spool) width 2''; saddle (foot); Ferguson style turntable (pivot) and forked line guide cast in one piece brass, nickel plated; optional check lever; cast brass type strap back; turntable leaf spring of beryllium copper. ALPHA logo moulded in bakelite back plate. Metal components nickel plated.
ALPHA early 4'' side cast reel -c 1940s. Hard to find un damaged condition. ( Aa 4 )
Alpha ( 4'' later forked line production version) metal and bakelite side cast reel. M.B. Wragg, Moorabbin, Vic. Bakelite back diameter 4 1/16''; drum (spool) width 2''; cast gunmetal Ferguson style turntable (pivot) - forked line guide; saddle (foot) riveted on turntable; optional check; cast brass type strap back; turntable leaf spring of beryllium copper. ALPHA logo moulded in bakelite back plate. Metal components nickel plated.
ALPHA 5'' side cast reel star crank drag anti-reverse optional check levers -c 1950s-1960s. Hard to find. ( Aa 5 )
Alpha metal and bakelite sidecast reel. M.B. Wragg, Gardenvale, Vic. Bakelite backplate diameter 5 1/8''; drum (spool) width 2''; Ferguson style turntable (pivot) and saddle (foot) of pressed metal; nickel plated metal line guide; star crank drag configuration; anti-reverse lever; optional check lever; metal strap back; turntable leaf spring of plated beryllium copper. ALPHA MADE IN AUSTRALIA moulded inside bakelite drum front, ALPHA logo moulded in bakelite back plate.
ALPHA 5'' (Later version) side cast reel model 254 -c 1950s-1960s. Common. ( Aa 6 )
Alpha (later 5'' production version) metal and bakelite side cast reel. M.B. Wragg, Gardenvale, Vic. Bakelite backplate diameter 5 1/6''; drum (spool) width 2''; Ferguson style turntable (pivot) and saddle (foot) of pressed metal; nickel plated metal line guide; optional check lever; metal strap back; turntable leaf spring of plated beryllium copper, stamped 254 ALPHA, ALPHA MADE IN AUSTRALIA moulded inside bakelite drum front, ALPHA logo moulded in bakelite back plate.
ALPHA 4'' (later version) side cast reel -c 1950s-1960s. Common. ( Aa 7 )
Alpha (later 4'' production version) metal and bakelite side cast reel. M.B. Wragg, Moorabbin, Vic. Bakelite back diameter 4 1/16''; drum (spool) width 1 1/8''''; Ferguson style turntable (pivot) and saddle (foot) of pressed metal; optional check lever; metal strap back; turntable leaf spring of beryllium copper. ALPHA logo moulded in bakelite back plate. Metal components nickel plated.
ALPHA 4'' Anti-Line Twist Clip model side cast reel -c 1950s. Rare. ( Aa 8 )
Alpha 4'' Anti-Line Twist metal and bakelite side cast reel. M.B. Wragg, Gardenvale, Vic. Bakelite backplate diameter 4 1/16''; drum (spool) width 2''; nickel plated metal Ferguson style turntable (pivot); nickel plated metal line guide; saddle (foot) riveted on turntable; optional check lever; metal strap back; turntable leaf spring of plated beryllium copper. ALPHA logo moulded in the back plate. - MANUFACTURED BY M. B. WRAGG & CO PTY LTD. GARDENVALE VICTORIA AUSTRALIA moulded in drum back.
ALPHA 4'' Last production model side cast reel -c 1960. Hard to find. ( Aa 9 )
Alpha (last 4'' production version) metal and bakelite side cast reel. M.B. Wragg, Gardenvale, Vic. Stainless steel back diameter 4''; drum (spool) width 2''; nickel plated metal Ferguson style turntable (pivot); nickel plated metal line guide; saddle (foot) riveted on turntable; optional check; metal strap back; turntable leaf spring of plated beryllium copper. ALPHA logo stamped on backplate, - MANUFACTURED BY M. B. WRAGG & CO PTY LTD. GARDENVALE VICTORIA AUSTRALIA moulded in drum back.
ALPHA Centrepin fishing reel models.
ALPHA 4" Centrepin Release Latch Bakelite Wide Dum model. Bakelite backplate diameter 4''; bakelite drum (spool) width 1 1/2"; nickel plated cast brass T saddle (foot); optional check lever. Alpha Ezyspin moulded inside the Bakelite drum front, The ALPHA W Trade Mark embossed on the backplate circa 1940. ( Aa 10 )
ALPHA 4" Centrepin Release Latch Bakelite Narrow Dum Non-Line Guide model. Bakelite backplate diameter 4''; bakelite drum (spool) width 1 "; nickel plated cast brass T saddle (foot); optional check lever. Alpha Ezyspin moulded inside the Bakelite drum front, The ALPHA W Trade Mark embossed on the backplate circa 1940. ( Aa 11 )
ALPHA 4" Centrepin Release Latch Bakelite Narrow Dum Line Guide model. Bakelite backplate diameter 4''; bakelite drum (spool) width 1 "; nickel plated cast brass T saddle (foot); optional check lever; sliding revolving line guide. Alpha Ezyspin moulded inside the Bakelite drum front, The ALPHA W Trade Mark embossed on the backplate circa 1940. ( Aa 12 )
ALPHA 3 1/2" Centrepin Release Latch (sliding) model. Bakelite backplate diameter 3 1/2''; bakelite drum (spool) width 1 1/8"; nickel-plated brass pressed T saddle (foot); optional check lever. Alpha CENTRE PIN moulded inside the Bakelite drum front, The ALPHA W Trade Mark embossed on the backplate circa 1950. ( Aa 13 )
ALPHA Slipping Clutch fishing reel models.
Alpha No. 286, metal and Bakelite Slipping Clutch reel. M.B. Wragg & Co Pty Ltd North Melbourne, Vic. Bakelite backplate diameter: 5 1/8''; drum (spool) width: 1 1/2''; pressed saddle (foot) of nickel-plated brass; star crank drag clutch configuration; anti-reverse lever; optional check lever. 'ALPHA MADE IN AUSTRALIA' moulded inside the Bakelite drum front, 'ALPHA W' trademark embossed logo moulded in Bakelite backplate circa the 1950s-1960. ( Aa 14 )
Alpha No. 282, metal and Bakelite Slipping Clutch reel. M.B. Wragg & Co Pty Ltd North Melbourne, Vic. Bakelite backplate diameter: 5 1/8''; drum (spool) width: 1 1/2''; pressed saddle (foot) of nickel-plated brass; star crank drag clutch configuration; optional check lever. 'ALPHA MADE IN AUSTRALIA' moulded inside the Bakelite drum front, 'ALPHA W' trademark embossed logo moulded in Bakelite backplate circa the 1950s-1960. ( Aa 15 )
Alpha No. 282 Metal and Bakelite Slipping Clutch Lineguard model reel. M.B. Wragg & Co Pty Ltd North Melbourne, Vic. Bakelite backplate diameter: 5 1/8''; drum (spool) width: 1 1/2''; pressed saddle (foot) of nickel-plated brass; star crank drag clutch configuration; optional check lever. 'ALPHA MADE IN AUSTRALIA' moulded inside the Bakelite drum front, 'ALPHA W' trademark embossed logo moulded in Bakelite backplate circa the 1950s-1960. ( Aa 16 )
ALPHA Nottingham Y Back fishing reel models.
ALPHA 5" Nottingham model reel. Bakelite backplate diameter 5 1/16''; bakelite drum (spool) width 1 7/8"; T saddle (foot) Y back of cast brass nickel plated; optional check lever. The ALPHA W Trade Mark embossed logo moulded in backplate circa 1950. ( Aa 17 )
ALPHA 5" Nottingham Lineguard model reel. Bakelite backplate diameter 5 1/16''; bakelite drum (spool) width 1 7/8";T saddle (foot) Y back of cast brass nickel plated; optional check lever. The ALPHA W Trade Mark embossed logo moulded in backplate circa 1950. ( Aa 18 )
ALPHA 5" Nottingham Lineguard Ribbed Drum Centre - Ribbed Clutch Nut model reel. Bakelite backplate diameter 5 1/16''; bakelite drum (spool) width 1 7/8"; T saddle (foot) Y back of cast brass nickel plated; optional check lever. The ALPHA W Trade Mark embossed logo moulded in backplate circa 1950. ( Aa 19 )
ALPHA Nottingham Cast Brass T saddle fishing reel models.
ALPHA 4" Nottingham model. Bakelite backplate diameter 4 1/16''; bakelite drum (spool) width 1 1/2"; T saddle (foot) of cast brass nickel plated; optional check lever; sliding line guide of brass nickel plated. Alpha moulded inside the Bakelite drum front, The ALPHA W Trade Mark embossed logo moulded in the backplate 1950s. ( Aa 20 )
ALPHA 4" Nottingham non-line guide; ribbed drum front model. Bakelite backplate diameter 4 1/16''; bakelite drum (spool) width 1 1/2"; T saddle (foot) of cast brass nickel plated; optional check lever. Alpha moulded inside the Bakelite drum front, The ALPHA W Trade Mark embossed logo moulded in the backplate 1950s. ( Aa 21 )
ALPHA Nottingham Strap Back fishing reel models.
ALPHA 5" Nottingham model 234 reel. Bakelite backplate diameter 5 1/16''; bakelite drum (spool) width 1 1/2"; pressed T saddle (foot) strap back of brass nickel plated; optional check lever; sliding line guide of brass nickel plated. The ALPHA W Trade Mark embossed logo moulded in backplate circa 1950. ( Aa 22 )
ALPHA 5" Nottingham model 234 reel. Bakelite backplate diameter 5 1/16''; bakelite drum (spool) width 1 1/2"; pressed T saddle (foot) strap back of brass nickel plated; optional check lever; lineguard of brass nickel plated. The ALPHA W Trade Mark embossed logo moulded in backplate circa 1950. ( Aa 23 )
ALPHA 5" Nottingham model 234 reel. Bakelite backplate diameter 5 1/16''; bakelite drum (spool) width 1 1/2"; pressed T saddle (foot) strap back of brass nickel plated; optional check lever; lineguard of brass nickel plated; hexagonal clutch nut. The ALPHA W Trade Mark embossed logo moulded in backplate; ALPHA 234 stamped on the strap back circa 1960. ( Aa 24 )
ALPHA Nottingham Narrow 4" Drum fishing reel models.
ALPHA 4" Nottingham model 214 reel first version. Bakelite backplate diameter 4 1/16''; bakelite drum (spool) width 1 "; T saddle (foot) of cast brass nickel plated; optional check lever; sliding line guide of brass nickel plated. Alpha NARROW 4" DRUM moulded inside the Bakelite drum front, The ALPHA W Trade Mark embossed logo moulded in backplate circa 1950. ( Aa 25 )
ALPHA 4" Nottingham model 214 reel. Bakelite backplate diameter 4 1/16''; bakelite drum (spool) width 1 "; pressed T saddle (foot) strap back of brass nickel plated; optional check lever; sliding line guide of brass nickel plated. Alpha NARROW 4" DRUM moulded inside the Bakelite drum front, The ALPHA W Trade Mark embossed logo moulded in backplate circa 1960. ( Aa 26 )
ALPHA 4" Nottingham model 214 reel. Bakelite backplate diameter 4 1/16''; bakelite drum (spool) width 1 "; pressed T saddle (foot) strap back of brass nickel plated; optional check lever; sliding line guide of brass nickel plated. 214 ALPHA stamped on T saddle back strap. Alpha NARROW 4" DRUM moulded inside the Bakelite drum front, The ALPHA W Trade Mark embossed logo moulded in backplate circa 1960. ( Aa 27 )
ALPHA Nottingham 268 fishing reel model.
ALPHA 4" model 268 model. Rolled 316 Stainless Steel backplate diameter 4''; bakelite drum (spool) width 1 1/4"; T saddle (foot) of cast brass plated (possibly chrome); optional check lever; sliding revolving line guide. Alpha moulded inside the Bakelite drum front, The ALPHA W Trade Mark stamped on the stainless Steel backplate circa 1950s-1960s. ( Aa 28 )
ALPHA Nottingham 218 fishing reel model.
ALPHA 4" model 218 model. Bakelite backplate diameter 4 1/16''; bakelite drum (spool) width 1 1/4"; T saddle (foot) of cast brass nickel plated; optional check lever; sliding revolving line guide. Alpha moulded inside the Bakelite drum front, The ALPHA W Trade Mark embossed logo moulded in backplate 1950s. ( Aa 29 )
ALPHA 3 inch Nottingham fishing reel models.
ALPHA 3" Nottingham Minor reel. Bakelite backplate diameter 3 "; bakelite drum (spool) width 1 1/4 "; pressed T saddle (foot) strap back of brass; optional check button,
V slotted brass, drum (spool) tension nut. The ALPHA W stamped on the brass strap back circa 1930. Rare. ( Aa 30 )
ALPHA 3" Nottingham Minor reel. Bakelite backplate diameter 3 "; bakelite drum (spool) width 1 1/4 "; pressed T saddle (foot) strap back of brass; optional check button; slotted, knurled brass drum (spool) tension nut.
The ALPHA W stamped on the brass strap back circa 1930. ( Aa 31 )
ALPHA 3 3/8 inch Nottingham fishing reel models.
ALPHA No. 200 Nottingham reel. Bakelite backplate diameter 3 3/8 "; bakelite drum (spool) width 1 1/8 "; embedded pressed saddle (foot) of brass; optional check button; slotted brass drum (spool) screw. The ALPHA W Trade Mark embossed logo moulded in backplate circa 1940s. ( Aa 32 )
ALPHA No. 200 Nottingham reel. Greene bakelite backplate diameter 3 3/8 "; bakelite drum (spool) width 1 1/8 "; embedded pressed saddle (foot) of mild steel plated; optional check button; slotted brass drum (spool) screw. The ALPHA W Trade Mark embossed logo moulded in backplate circa 1950s. ( Aa 33 )
ALPHA No. 200 Nottingham reel. Bakelite backplate diameter 3 3/8 "; bakelite drum (spool) width 1 1/8 "; embedded pressed saddle (foot) of mild steel plated; optional check button; slotted metal drum (spool) screw. The ALPHA W Trade Mark embossed logo moulded in backplate circa 1960s. ( Aa 34 )
ALPHA No. 202 Nottingham reel. Bakelite backplate diameter 3 3/8 "; bakelite drum (spool) width 1 1/8 "; embedded pressed saddle (foot) of mild steel plated; sliding revolving line guide; optional check button; slotted metal drum (spool) screw. The ALPHA W Trade Mark embossed logo moulded in backplate circa 1960s. ( Aa 35 )
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