IMG_0591.jpgIMG_0592.jpgPrior to 1938 all Medalist reels were spring-and-pawl. The adjustable drag mechanism was invented by a member of the Golden Gate Casting Club who assigned the patent to Medalist gratis. Over the years I've acquired a couple of 1494 spring-and-pawl reels and one very early adjustable-drag model.
The first picture is of the two S&P models, other indications of early models are the sculpted posts, the amber-colored handle, the metal spool-release button and the round line guard. The reel on the left in the second picture is a S&P model and that on the right is an example of a S&P frame casting modified (apparently at the factory) to incorporate the adjustable drag (note the crowded rivet spacing and the lack of the boss to house the drag control knob and shaft which was added to later frame castings).
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