vintage reels

Question
I have come across two nice reels. One says Herters on the side with Waseca, Minn.USA on it also. It's a black reel and has no side "cranks"...what it has is a chrome piece that seems to act as the release mechanism. Also has made in germany on it. Wondering the value if you could possibly give me a guess even? And the other reel i have is a J. C. Higgins and says sold only by searsrobuck and co. on it. Has a red casing and amazingly it has very thin "cable" for the "line"..patent number 2175756. if you can estimate a value for that reel it would be greatly appreciated...do you know any sites that "purchase" vintage reels? Thanks again for your help.

Answer
Hi Michael,

I'll preface this by saying that vintage reels are not my area of expertise.  However, I may be able to give you some help on these based on the general description.

The Herter's reel sounds like an automatic rewind reel.  It should have a method of turning the "top" of the reel to wind up the internal spring.  As line is pulled off the reel, the internal spring is unwound.  When the lever is pressed, the spring rewinds and retrieves the line.  There are many different brands of this type reel out there.  Typically, value is not high with $5-%20 being a range depending on condition.

J.C. Higgins was the brand name Sears attached to sporting goods offered in its stores.  The typical J. C. Higgins marked reel falls into the $5-$20 range depending on actual condition.

Selling these would be a matter of trying to find a buyer at a flea market, swap meet or local antique store.  The online auction sites can be used to sell items like this. I am sure there must be some web sites dedicated to vintage reels.  A quick internet search should help you locate some.

Thanks,  Joe