ReeLpedia® Steelite Vintage Fishing Reels History and Reference Information by Bernard (Bernie) Ladd, 6/10/2014.
History: Stewart & Allwood Pty. Ltd. in Sydney, under the Steelite brand, produced a variety of reels, including bakelite Nottingham, Sidecast, metal, and bakelite Fly reels. The first known ad, dating back to 1934, was for the bakelite Nottingham-type Steelite reel, which had been registered on 29 April 1931. It is important to mention that most of the metal parts were made by R. R. Taylor & Co., also based in Sydney. The early Steelite metal parts were either brass or bronze and were nickel-plated. However, during the 1950s, chrome plating superseded nickel plating on the majority of parts.
Steelite reels were in direct competition with Alvey fishing reels, and both companies "borrowed" some of each other's designs. Despite their efforts, Stewart & Allwood continued producing their quality reels well into the 1970s. However, they eventually found it challenging to compete with the production capabilities of the Alvey company.
A Selection of Rare Key Steelite Bakelite Nottingham, Sidecast, Fly, Ball Bearing, and Centre Pin Fishing Reel Models.
Steelite S back Centrepin Spool Release Button model. (S 1)
Bakelite and metal Centrepin Nottingham. Brown bakelite and metal construction. Backplate diameter 4 1/8''; metal backed drum (spool) width 1 1/2''; centrepin spool release button; revolving line guide; optional sliding check button; black erinoid handle knobs. S & A " Steelite " Reg. No. 1869 29. 4. 31 and a Large S moulded in the back. -c. 1940s. Rare model.
Steelite S Back Black Bakelite Nottingham Non Line Guide model. (S 2)
Bakelite and metal Nottingham. Black bakelite and metal construction. Backplate diameter 4 1/8''; metal backed drum (spool) width 1 1/2''; non-line guide version; optional sliding check button; black erinoid handle knobs. S & A " Steelite " Reg. No. 1869 29. 4. 31 and a Large S moulded in the back -c. 1940s. Scarce model.
Steelite S Back Brown Bakelite Nottingham Line Guide model. (S 3)
Bakelite and metal Nottingham. Brown bakelite and metal construction. Backplate diameter 4 1/8''; metal backed drum (spool) width 1 1/2''; revolving line guide; optional sliding check button; black erinoid handle knobs. S & A " Steelite " Reg. No. 1869 29. 4. 31 and a Large S moulded in the back -c. 1940s. Scarce model.
Steelite ' Pattern E ' Line Guide - Anti Backlash Braked model. (S 4)
Steelite Pattern E Line Guide - Anti Backlash Brake model. Black bakelite and metal construction. Backplate diameter 3 3/4''; drum (spool) width 1 3/4''; patten E aluminium line brake arm - anti-backlash adjustment dial; optional sliding check button; black erinoid handle knobs -c. 1940s. A very rare model.
Steelite Wire Line Guide - Anti Backlash Brake Torpedo Handle-Knob model. (S 5)
Steelite Wire Line Guide - Anti-Backlash Brake
model. Black bakelite and metal construction. Backplate diameter 3 3/4''; drum (spool) width 1 3/4''; wireline brake arm - anti-backlash adjustment dial; optional sliding check button; twin erinoid torpedo handle knobs -c. 1940s. A rare model.
STEELITE ' SPEEDEX ' Model S Ball Bearing reel. (S 6)
S8
Steelite SPEEDEX Canvas Impregnated Bakelite and Metal Ball Bearing Nottingham Reel. Maker Stewart & Allwood Pty Ltd, Sydney, NSW. Nickle plated brass fittings; ball bearings; Erinoid handle knobs on drum (spool) face; Bikerdyke line guide; sliding optional check button; diameter 4 3/4''; drum (spool) width 2''. Steelite '' SPEEDEX '' BALL BEARING Reg. No. 1869 29.4.31 moulded on back. -c. Early 1930s. Rare
STEELITE Full front metal crank-drag face model side cast reel. (S 7)
STEELITE Bakelite and metal side cast reel. Stewart & Allwood Pty Ltd, Sydney NSW. Back diameter 4 3/4''; drum (spool) width 2 1/2''; Gem pivot turntable; optional check; metal fittings (nickel plated) S & A " STEELITE " Reg. No. 1869 29. 4. 31 moulded on back -c.1935. Very rare.
STEELITE Gem - Pivot Anti - Line Twist Clip model side-cast reel. (S 8)
STEELITE Bakelite and metal model 80 side cast reel. Stewart & Allwood Pty Ltd, Sydney NSW. Backplate diameter 4 3/4''; drum (spool) width 2 1/4''; gem pivot turntable; optional check; plastic type drum (spool) tension nut; anti-line twist clip; metal fittings (nickel plated) S & A " STEELITE " Reg. No. 1869 29. 4. 31 moulded on back -c.1950s. Hard to find in the original order.
STEELITE Ferguson Turntable Anti - Line Twist Clip model side-cast reel. (S 9)
Steelite Anti Line Twist Clip side cast reel
STEELITE Bakelite and metal model 80 side cast reel. Stewart & Allwood Pty Ltd, Sydney NSW. Backplate diameter 4 3/4''; drum (spool) width 2 1/4''; Ferguson - style turntable; optional check; plastic type drum (spool) tension nut; anti-line twist clip; metal fittings (nickel plated) S & A " STEELITE " Reg. No. 1869 29. 4. 31 moulded on back -c.1950s. Hard to find in the original order.
FISHKIL All Metal Model. Separate lever operated auto free spool, anti-backlash brake, and the optional check. (S 10)
This all metal FishKil depicted below, is one of several prototypes produced at the R.R. Taylor & Co factory in the late 1940s.
FISHKIL All metal revolving Drum Multiplier, R.R. Taylor & Co, NSW -c. 1940s. Duralumin back plate diameter 2 15/16'', Duralumin drum (spool) width 1''; nickel plated cast brass saddle (foot); gear ratio 2 1/2 : 1 ; separate lever operated, auto free spool, anti-backlash brake, and optional check. Weight 354g. Extremely rare. Duralumin is an aluminium alloy and a trade name for one of the earliest types of age-hardenable aluminium alloys.
In addition to aluminium, the main materials in duralumin are copper, manganese and magnesium.
FISHKIL Model I Bakelite Gear Housing. Separate lever operated auto free spool, anti-backlash brake, and optional check. (S 11)
STEELITE FISHKIL Bakelite and metal revolving Drum Multiplier, Free Spool, Lever Spool Drag - Brake, Optional check model. R.R. Taylor & Co for Stewart & Allwood Pty. Ltd, Sydney NSW -c. 1949. Bakelite back, aluminium alloy drum (spool ) Chrome plated brass saddle (foot), and metal fittings; gear ratio 2 1/2 : 1; free spool, spool drag-brake, and optional check levers. S & A Sydney Steelite Fishkil Reg. No. 1869 moulded in bakelite backplate. Very rare with the original box.
FISHKIL Model 2. Bakelite Gear Housing. Separate lever operated auto free spool, and optional check. (S 12)
STEELITE FISHKIL Bakelite and metal revolving Drum Multiplier, Non-Anti Backlash Brake model. R.R. Taylor & Co for Stewart & Allwood Pty. Ltd, Sydney NSW -c. 1949. Bakelite back, aluminium alloy drum (spool ) Chrome plated brass saddle foot) and metal fittings; gear ratio 2 1/2 : 1 ; free spool and optional check levers. S & A Sydney Steelite Fishkil Reg. No. 1869 moulded in bakelite backplate. Rare.
STEELITE ' VULCAN ' SINGLE ACTION 6 1/4" GAME REEL. (S 13)
Steelite Vulcan Bakelite and Metal Single Action Game Reel. Size 6 1/4''. Maker Stewart & Allwood Pty Ltd, Sydney, NSW. Nickel plated brass backed drum (spool); Nickle plated reel saddle (foot); Bakelite hexagonal drum tension knob; Erinoid handle knobs on the drum (spool) face; Bikerdyke line guide; sliding optional check button; diameter 6 1/4''; drum (spool) width 2 1/2''. 6 1/4 '' ''Steelite'' Reg. No. 1869 29.4.32 moulded on back. -c. 1930s. Rare
STEELITE ' DUPLEX ' MODEL K - 6 1/4" GAME REEL. (S 14)
Steelite Duplex Bakelite (Canvas impregnated) and Metal Non reversing - Free Spool Game Reel. Size 6 1/4''. Maker Stewart & Allwood Pty Ltd, Sydney, NSW. Nickle plated brass backed drum (spool); Nickle plated reel saddle (foot); star drag crank handle dual-clutch ( front and inner drum see picture 3); Erinoid handle knobs; Non Bikerdyke line guide version; Single lever operated Non reversing - Free spool adjustment; diameter 6 1/4''; drum (spool) width 2 1/2''. Steelite " Duplex " Reg. No. 1869 (sic) 29.4.31 moulded on back. -c. 1930s. Scarce.
STEELITE ' DUPLEX ' MODEL K - 6 1/4" GAME REEL. Fixed Anti-Reverse and Check Pawl. (S 15)
Steelite Duplex Bakelite (Canvas impregnated) and Metal Fixed Check - Anti-Reverse Game Reel. Size 6 1/4''. Maker Stewart & Allwood Pty Ltd, Sydney, NSW. Nickle plated brass backed drum (spool); Nickle plated reel saddle (foot); star drag crank handle - front and inner dual clutch drum (see picture 4); Erinoid handle knobs; Non-Bikerdyke line guide version; Fixed Non-Reversing Drum and Check Pawl operation; diameter 6 1/4''; drum (spool) width 2 1/2''. Steelite " Duplex " Reg. No. 1869 29.4.31 moulded on back. -c. Early 1930s. Rare.
STEELITE ' DUPLEX ' MODEL K - 5'' Light Game Reel. Early Optional Check - Anti-reverse Cast Wing Levers spring slot head bolt . (S 16)
Steelite Duplex K5 Bakelite (Canvas impregnated) and Metal Non reversing - Free Spool Optional Check Game Reel. Size 5''. Maker Stewart & Allwood Pty Ltd, Sydney, NSW. Nickle plated reel saddle (foot); star drag crank handle. Erinoid handle knobs; Bikerdyke line guide; cast wing lever operated Non reversing - Free spool adjustment; cast wing lever operated check; pawl (dog) springs slot head bolt and nut supported; backplate diameter 4 3/4''; drum (spool) width 2''. Steelite " Duplex " Reg. No. 896 29.4.31 moulded on back. -c. Early 1930s. Rare.
STEELITE ' DUPLEX ' MODEL K - 5'' Light Game Reel. Early Optional Check - Anti-reverse Cast Wing Levers spring riveted. (S 17)
Steelite Duplex K5 Bakelite (Canvas impregnated) and Metal Non reversing - Free Spool Optional Check Game Reel. Size 5''. Maker Stewart & Allwood Pty Ltd, Sydney, NSW. Nickle plated reel saddle (foot); star drag crank handle. Erinoid handle knobs; Bikerdyke line guide; cast wing lever operated Non reversing - Free spool adjustment; cast wing lever operated check; pawl (dog) springs riveted; backplate diameter 4 3/4''; drum (spool) width 2''. Steelite " Duplex " Reg. No. 896 29.4.31 moulded on back. -c. Early 1930s. Rare.
STEELITE ' DUPLEX ' MODEL K - 5" Light Game Reel. Early Anti-reverse Cast Wing Lever. (S 18)
Steelite Duplex K5 Bakelite (Canvas impregnated) and Metal Non reversing Nottingham Reel. Size 5''. Maker Stewart & Allwood Pty Ltd, Sydney, NSW. Nickle plated reel saddle (foot); star drag crank handle. Erinoid handle knobs; cast wing lever operated Non reversing - Free spool adjustment; backplate diameter 4 3/4''; drum (spool) width 2''. Steelite " Duplex " Reg. No. 896 29.4.31 moulded on back. -c. Early 1930s.
This reel is in Mint (Unfished) condition and is extremely rare in such genuine order.
STEELITE Full front metal crank-drag faced reel. Extremely rare. (S 19)
STEELITE Bakelite and metal reel. Stewart & Allwood Pty Ltd, Sydney NSW. Backplate diameter 3 1/8''; drum (spool) width 1 1/4''; metal faced drag configuration; optional check; white erinoid handle knobs; brass fittings nickel plated. STEELITE S & A Sydney moulded on back -c. Early 1930s. Extremely rare.
Aluminium Alloy Centrepin Fishing Reel Modelled on Model A Steelite (S 20)
The drum and backplate of this aluminium alloy reel were cast in a sand mould. After casting, the drum and backplate were lathe-machined. The other components comprised Steelite reel parts manufactured by Stewart & Allwood Pty Ltd, Sydney N.S.W. Anecdotally, some collectors believe that the cast alloy drum and backplate were made as prototypes by Stewart & Allwood Pty Ltd. However, the fact that the Steelite brand name or any other brand name is not marked anywhere on the aluminium alloy, supports the view that these specific parts were not produced by Steelite.
Collectability.
Over the past 40 years of collecting Australian fishing reels, I have sighted several ‘Steelite’ modelled aluminium reels in various Australian collections. Indeed, the aluminium body fitted with Steelite parts marks this particular reel as a rare collectable fishing item, given that the production volume for this model was relatively small and there is an apparent mystery that surrounds its maker. Regardless of the uncertainty of its maker, this reel could have possibly been made by:
1. a Stewart & Allwood factory employee; 2. by some other manufacturing company aiming the production of the reel for the retail market; or 3. the reel produced in a workshop by an engineer or metal tradesman. (see R A page 64 Workshop reels)
Considering that the tapered handle-knobs are made of ebonite (hard rubber) and the cast metal saddle is nickel plated,
it is reasonable to suggest that the reel was manufactured circa 1930s - 1940s.
Specifications.
Sand cast aluminium backplate diameter 4 3/4’’; sand cast aluminium drum (spool) width 2 7/8’’; Steelite centre-pin knob release latch mechanism; Steelite check button; Steelite cast brass saddle (foot) nickel plated; early Steelite tapered ebonite (hard rubber) handle knobs. Internal parts: Steelite hardened steel centre-pin spindle; Steelite brass check cog; Steelite metal check pawl (dog); Steelite check spring; Weight of reel 586 grams; -c.1930s -1940s. Rare.
Steelite Sidecast Fishing reel models 1931 to the 1970s.
STEELITE Hook- Lever Pivot model size 5'' Star Drag side cast reel. (S 21)
STEELITE Bakelite (Canvas impregnated) and metal side cast reel, Hook-Lever V-slot pivot (turntable). Stewart & Allwood Pty Ltd, Sydney NSW. Backplate diameter 4 3/4''; drum (spool) width 2 1/4''; hook lever V-slot pivot (turntable); optional check; star drag crank-handle clutch; spindle anti-backlash screw; brass metal fittings nickel plated. S & A " STEELITE " SYDNEY Reg. No. 1869 29. 4. 31 moulded in backplate -c.1930s. Rare in original order.
STEELITE Hook- Lever Pivot model size 5'' side cast reel. (S 22)
STEELITE Bakelite and metal sidecast reel, Hook-Lever V-slot pivot (turntable). Stewart & Allwood Pty Ltd, Sydney NSW. Backplate diameter 4 3/4''; drum (spool) width 2 1/4''; hook lever V-slot pivot (turntable); optional check; plastic drum tension nut; brass metal fittings nickel plated. S & A " STEELITE " SYDNEY Reg. No. 1869 29. 4. 31 moulded in backplate -c.1930s. Rare in original order.
STEELITE (Saddle Retaining pin) model F size 5'' side cast reel. (S 23)
STEELITE Bakelite and metal sidecast reel, Gem Pivot (turntable) V-slot. Stewart & Allwood Pty Ltd, Sydney NSW. Backplate diameter 4 3/4''; drum (spool) width 2 1/4''; gem V-slot pivot (turntable) - saddle (foot) retaining pin; optional check; star drag crank-handle clutch; spindle anti-backlash screw; brass metal fittings nickel plated.S & A " STEELITE " SYDNEY Reg. No. 1869 29. 4. 31 moulded in backplate -c.1930s. Hard to find in the original order.
STEELITE model F size 5'' side cast reel. (S 24)
STEELITE Bakelite and metal sidecast reel, Gem Pivot (turntable) V-slot. Stewart & Allwood Pty Ltd, Sydney NSW. Backplate diameter 4 3/4''; drum (spool) width 2 1/4''; gem V-slot pivot (turntable); optional check; star drag crank-handle clutch; spindle anti-backlash screw; brass metal fittings originally nickel plated. S & A " STEELITE " SYDNEY Reg. No. 1869 29. 4. 31 moulded in backplate -c.1930s. Hard to find.
STEELITE model B size 5'' side cast reel. Black bakelite canvas impregnated. ( S 25)
STEELITE Bakelite and metal sidecast reel, Gem V-slot pivot (turntable). Stewart & Allwood Pty Ltd, Sydney NSW. Backplate diameter 4 3/4''; drum (spool) width 2 1/4''; optional check; plastic drum tension nut; brass metal fittings nickel plated; Black bakelite canvas impregnated. S & A " STEELITE " SYDNEY Reg. No. 1869 29. 4. 31 moulded in backplate -c.1930s. Rare in original order.
STEELITE (minor) model F size 4'' side cast reel. ( S 26)
STEELITE Bakelite and metal sidecast reel, Gem Pivot (turntable) V-slot. Stewart & Allwood Pty Ltd, Sydney NSW. Backplate diameter 3 3/4''; drum (spool) width 2 ''; gem V-slot pivot (turntable); optional check; claw star drag crank-handle clutch; spindle anti-backlash screw; nickel plated brass metal fittings.
Steelite S & A Sydney moulded in backplate -c.1930s. Rare to find in original order.
STEELITE (minor) model B size 4'' side cast reel. (S 27)
STEELITE Bakelite and metal sidecast reel, Gem Pivot (turntable) V-slot. Stewart & Allwood Pty Ltd, Sydney NSW. Backplate diameter 3 3/4''; drum (spool) width 2 ''; gem V-slot pivot (turntable); optional check; plastic drum tension nut; plated brass metal fittings.
Steelite S & A Sydney moulded in backplate -c.1930s. Hard to find in original order.
STEELITE (minor) model size 4'' Ferguson style pivot side cast reel. (S 28)
STEELITE Bakelite and metal sidecast reel, Ferguson style Pivot (turntable). Stewart & Allwood Pty Ltd, Sydney NSW. Backplate diameter 3 3/4''; drum (spool) width 2 ''; bakelite handle-knobs; optional check; metal drum tension knurled nut; nickel plated brass metal fittings.
Steelite S & A Sydney moulded in backplate -c.1940s. Hard to find in original order.
STEELITE Anti-Line Twist Clip model size 5'' Ferguson style pivot side cast reel. (S 29)
STEELITE Bakelite and metal model 80 side cast reel. Stewart & Allwood Pty Ltd, Sydney NSW. Backplate diameter 4 3/4''; drum (spool) width 2 1/4''; Ferguson - style turntable (pivot); optional check; plastic type drum (spool) tension nut; anti-line twist clip; metal fittings (nickel plated) S & A " STEELITE " Reg. No. 1869 29. 4. 31 moulded in backplate, STEELITE SYDNEY moulded inside drum (spool) -c.1950s. Hard to find in original order.
STEELITE model 64 size 4'' Push Button Ferguson style pivot side cast reel. (S 30)
STEELITE Bakelite and metal model 64 side cast reel. Stewart & Allwood Pty Ltd, Sydney NSW. Punch machine formed, 316-grade stainless steel backplate diameter 3 13/16''; bakelite drum (spool) width 1 5/8''; Ferguson - style turntable (pivot) and line guide of 316-grade stainless steel; optional check; plastic type drum (spool) tension nut. STEELITE S & A SYDNEY MADE IN AUSTRALIA moulded inside the drum (spool), STEELITE on backplate -c. the 1960s.
Very hard to find in original order.
STEELITE model 45 size 4'' side cast reel. (S 31)
STEELITE Bakelite and metal model 45 side cast reel. Stewart & Allwood Pty Ltd, Sydney NSW. Punch machine formed, 316-grade stainless steel backplate diameter 3 13/16''; bakelite drum (spool) width 1 5/8''; Ferguson - style turntable (pivot) and line guide of 316-grade stainless steel; optional check; plastic type drum (spool) tension nut. STEELITE S & A SYDNEY MADE IN AUSTRALIA moulded inside the drum (spool), STEELITE 45 decal on backplate -c. the 1960s-1970.
Hard to find in original order.
STEELITE size 5'' side cast reel. (S 32)
STEELITE Bakelite and metal side cast reel. Stewart & Allwood Pty Ltd, Sydney NSW. Punch machine formed, 316-grade stainless steel backplate diameter 4 3/8''; bakelite drum (spool) width 1 7/8''; Ferguson-style turntable (pivot) and line guide of 316-grade stainless steel; optional check; plastic type drum (spool) tension nut. STEELITE S & A SYDNEY MADE IN AUSTRALIA moulded inside the drum (spool), STEELITE on backplate -c. the 1960s. Hard to find in original order.
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