Gephart Rod & Shakespeare Reel Value & History - Expert Analysis

Question
I have a Gephart square steel rod, 51 inches with three eyes. It has stamped on it Gephart Manufacturing Co. AT July 6.26 Chicago,Ill. On it there is Shakespeare Wondereel 1920. They are in very good condition. Are they of any value? Could you tell me the year the reel was manufactured and if the rod is from 1926?

Answer
Kelly

July 6, 1926 is the patented date for a feature patented on the rod. Therefore, the rod was made some time after that date. Before that date, it would have been blank or patent pending.

To get the exact date, there should be additional markings on the reel a two letter code..for reels made after 1929.

Bob