Old Timber Alvey

[NeilD]

A mate from work brought in a very old 7"Alvey belonging to his Grandad. It had not been touched for many many years and was covered in dust mud and crud. A quick wash revealed a dark brown finish that looked like the old bakelite spools. A bit more checking (pulling apart) revealed that it was actually an old timber job (looks like cedar or Rosewood) and in particularly good condition with very little warping or damage.
What do you think its worth? I intend to put in an offer on it if they want to get rid of it and don't want to rip them off. I have always wanted one and this one looks like it can be restored pretty well. Any suggestion?

Neil

[choppa]

neil,,,, contact bruce at alvey and ask ya question there,,,, i had 1 passed onto me that had a brass feeder ring attached,,,,very old,, and still sits in the shed,,, (a project that i'll get around too one of these days to clean up),,,,,,

i've got bruces contact details,,, but they are a ausfish advertiser, and i think the number is displayed,,,

[finga64]

Or have a gander on what they're selling/sold for on e-bay. Current market prices given. ;)
The cook is always seeing what my stuff is worth on there :'(
Enjoy the old Alvey. Everyone of them has a history all their own. :)
If possible bung a picture up for all to see

[BlitzBaga]

I have an old 4" red cedar side cast, I thought it would have been worth about $20 or so

[finga64]

I have an old 4" red cedar side cast, I thought it would have been worth about $20 or so
go higher

[jollyman]

My old man and I met a bloke by the name of Barry Langley down at South Ballina a few years back, who used to turn the spools of many of those alveys you describe. I think if it's got a grove running around it on the bottom side he made it (or something like that). And he still makes them in his shed!!!

He lives in Kyogle now. He is probably getting on a bit too, but if you ever get the chance to take a look at his collection or buy one, I reckon it'd be a superb investment (or just something very cool to own). Some of the alveys he had were finished beautifully. You wouldn't want to use them! He sells quite a few to fishing clubs for trophies.

Anyway, he might be able to tell you what they are worth :-)

[charleville]

The next door neighbour to my late Mum used to turn them also. All New Guinea cedar and believe it or not he would bring trailer loads of the off-cuts home for Mum to use as firewood in the copper.

Unbelievably beautiful stuff and a damn shame to burn it but what he used to bring home were big pieces of wood with circular holes cut in them where the blanks for the reels had been cut out.

When I was 15 years old he used to give me a lift to work and used to tell me about his work on the way. It seems that the guys turning the reels would be up to their waist in wood shavings. I remember how happy he was when they built a new factory with dust extractor fans.

I also had a friend whose Dad was in the airforce in New Guinea in WW2 and he used to tell of how cedar was used for packing cases. Unbelievable! As a carpenter, he also thought that was sheer waste of the highest order.

Anyway, this is all incidental to your post but it is hard for a Queenslander to not be a bit sentimental about Alveys. May they be in business here forever! :) :) :)

[nigelr]

Hiya Neil.
As stated, ebay will give you an idea of market value.
If its either cedar or rosewood, 7" model, between $20 and $100 depending on condition, would be my guess.
i.e. poor non original condition and in need of much work and many parts, $20, as new original or, not quite as desirable, fully restored and ready to show/use, $100, maybe more.
Keep in mind the costs you will incur during restoration, ie parts etc.
Fortunately these are pretty cheap with Aveys!
At the end of the day, any item is only worth what someone will pay at the time! A cashed-up collector will pay whatever to gain his prize!
Bit hard to be more specific without some pics, hope this is of some use as a guide.
I've bought quite a few older reels off Ebay (tho' not Alveys) and if you are lucky you can score a bargain if no-one is interested/watching, so there is a bit of luck involved for both buyer and seller!
Cheers!

[shayned]

I've got my old mans timber alvey which I think he bought in the 50's, up until last year it was in constant use as my bream reel. I retired it in case I was doing it harm, ideally I'd like to restore it and get it back in to use.
Has anyone got any tips? I'd hate to do it wrong as it would be cool for my son to get it after me.

[onerabbit]

I have old wooden Alvey, is a smaller size snapper reel, in used condition, any offers?????
Muzz