A.J. Stead - Los Angles, CA
A.J. Stead made reels in the 1930's that were constructed of German silver with Bakelite end plates. Stead was a die maker by profession. Making reels was a side job which was probably undertaken because of his love of fishing. The reel is aesthetically appealing with its amber colored wooden handle knob and black star drag. The reels vary in size from a 6/0 to a 14/0. He even made a unique cradle style reel for the larger sizes. A.J. Stead is considered to be one of the great US reel makers.
Stead was born in Dundee, IL in 1886 and died in Los Angles, CA in 1945. He was only 59 years old when he died. The 1930 Federal Census shows his occupation as a Die Maker and he worked in a Tool Shop. The 1940 Federal Census still shows his occupation as a Die Maker, but he was working for a company called Technicolor Camera Co. His Draft Registration card shows a slightly different name for the company as Technicolor Motion Picture Corp. in Hollywood.
A.J. STEAD 9/0 Size Reel
A.J. STEAD 12/0 Size Cradle Reel
The above photos were provided by John Elder.
A.J. STEAD 9/0 Size Reel
A.J. STEAD 9/0 Size Reel with Power Handle
A.J. STEAD 9/0 Size Reel with Regular Handle
Hollywood Citizen News March 28, 1932 Article about an A.J. Stead Reel
ARTHUR J. STEAD in the 1930 US Federal Census
ARTHUR J. STEAD in the 1940 US Federal Census
ARTHUR JOSEPH STEAD Draft Registration Card