Meek reel

Question
I came across an old reel. It is marked Meek No 30 The Horton MFG CO Bristol CONN. It is marked 734 on the bottom of the foot. I have looked in books and can't find much out about it. What year they were made and app. value. It is in very good shape It also came in a cloth bag.

Answer
Steve,

In 1916 Horton purchased the BF Meek Company, Louisville KY, adding a line of reels to its products. Your reel was made in the late 1930s by Horton, who was still using the Meek name. It was the only level winding reel with the MEEK name, but its really a Horton reel.

They sell in the $100 to $150 range. Closer to 200 with the box. They phased out quickly due to WWII.

Bob