Williams, Australian Antique,Vintage Fishing Reel Information, Reference, History. ReeLpedia by Bernie Ladd, 2011.
Fred Williams’ Revolving Drum Multiplying Aluminium Alloy Fishing Reel. Circa early 1950.
During the 1950s, Fred Williams fished at the Tambo River, Nicholson River, and other tributaries to the Gippsland Lakes, near the picturesque seaside township of Lakes Entrance, Victoria. This part of East Gippsland is a well-known fishing location for Bream; and it is this particular fishing experience that had prompted Williams, a qualified engineer, to design an improved version of a Crouch-type reel. About 100 reels were produced from Williams’ fully equipped engineering workshop at the back of his house in Oakleigh. Williams generously gave most of these away to his fishing friends.
The first Williams reel, machined from aluminium alloy bar stock, had the figure 1 stamped on the inside of its threaded side plate. The Aluminium alloy body was painted in a grey-green type colour. In the mid-1950s the 'Williams' reel was changed, stamped with the prefix ''A'' followed by a specifying number, and produced in two colours flat black or grey. Sometime during the late 1950s and early 1960s, Fred Williams again changed the prefix to ''FW'' followed by a numerical specification, finished in a grey paint type.
Specifications of the Williams fishing reel.
Frame back diameter 3 3/8'', frame width 1 1/2',' threaded plate diameter 3 7/16''. Aluminium alloy barred spool 15/16''. Brass nickel plated crank, plastic knob, brass nickel plated saddle (rod mount) gear ratio 2:1; bronze bearing bushes; hardened steel gears and pawl. Spool finger control aperture, free spool lever; and a triple-pronged spring steel brake adjustment, mounted on a mild steel circular plate. All model stamps are numbered on the inside backplate and inside of the removable threaded plate.
Williams reel -c 1950. First model stamped I. Aluminium alloy body; center grove threaded removable side plate; and grey green colour finish. Extremely rare.
Fred Williams with a catch of Bream from the river Tambo, East Gippsland in the 1950s, with his WILLIAMS reel.
Williams reel -c 1950. Early model stamped 32. Aluminium alloy body; center grove threaded removable side plate; and crinkle black colour finish. Extremely rare.
Williams A series stamped A 15, -c mid 1950. Plain threaded removable side plate, un-painted (raw aluminium) model. A superb example that appears to have had no fishing use! Extremely Rare.
Williams A series stamped A 21, -c mid 1950. Plain threaded removable side plate, originally grey paint finish; A series also produced in optional flat black paint finish. Rare.
Williams last production F W series stamped F W 24, -c 1960. Plain threaded removable side plate, with grey paint finish. Most common of all the Williams made fishing reels. Rare.
ReeLpedia ® >< )))) * > Page 9.
WILLIAMS vintage fishing reels information available at: reeLpedia® R A page 9. Copyright © 2009-2024 reeLmanAustralia.com All Rights Reserved