Shakespeare True Blue 1956 Fishing Reel Value Guide

The Shakespeare True Blue 1956 is a quintessential example of mid-century American angling engineering, famously marketed under the 'Built Like a Watch' slogan. Produced in Kalamazoo, Michigan, this level-wind casting reel is highly collectible for its precision gears and its representation of the Shakespeare Company's post-war manufacturing peak.

What Is Shakespeare True Blue 1956 Fishing Reel Worth?

The typical price range for Shakespeare True Blue 1956 Fishing Reel is $45 - $50 based on recent sales. However, values can vary depending on the item's condition, rarity, and other factors such as:

• Presence of the original 1950s cardboard box and technical paperwork significantly increases the $45-$50 valuation.
• The condition of the chrome plating, specifically looking for 'pitting' or corrosion on the brass surfaces.
• Mechanical functionality of the level-wind system and the smoothness of the internal gear rotation.
• Completeness of the original parts, including the specific period-correct screws and handle assembly.

How to Identify Shakespeare True Blue 1956 Fishing Reel?

• Check for the 'True Blue' model name stamped clearly on the chrome-plated brass side plates.
• Verify the presence of the original Bakelite handle knobs, which should be intact and free of chips.
• Look for the level-wind mechanism and internal steel gears that characterize the 1950s production era.
• Confirm the 'Shakespeare' brand engraving and the specific 1956 production markings on the reel foot or body.

History of Shakespeare True Blue 1956 Fishing Reel

Founded in 1897 by William Shakespeare Jr. in Kalamazoo, Michigan, the Shakespeare Company revolutionized the fishing industry. The True Blue model was a staple of the 1950s, marketed under the famous slogan 'Built Like a Watch' to emphasize the precision of its internal gears and level-wind mechanism.