Vintage Johnson Reels

The Century

Model 100

The Originals

The Model 100 was introduced in 1955, under patent #2862679 (filed: Dec 6^th, 1955 patented Dec 2^nd, 1958). The original “Select-O-Dial” drag system was divided out into it’s own patent #2959370 (filed: Aug 5^th, 1957 patented Nov 8^th, 1960). This second type of drag, using a shoe and brake, as well as the plastic thumb knob, would continue until the end of the 100B’s.

Any variations from these shown are likely fake. We’ve seen many of them listed on Ebay and elsewhere. At a glance, if a reel is marked 100, there needs to be a single white cylinder crank handle. The 6 position original drag system ONLY came on a model 100. Any other model listing is fake.

All variations of the 100 came packaged as shown on the Packaging page. Even when the new drag was introduced, the boxes showed the older style metal “pointer”.

The reasons for the variations have yet to be authenticated. We will assume them to be “official” factory variations as transition units etc., though there is a high possibility that they are the result of subsequent repairs using whatever materials were provided, or fakes. Follow the links on the left to read about each model.

If you have a variant not listed, or have reasons to prove any to be false, please contact Justin Crouse at justinc@vintagejohnsonreels.com.

Var. 1

This represents the original Century model 100

Drag Knob: Metal Pointer                                               Push Control Lever: Thin Black

Drag Dial: 6 Digit Green Metal                                       Cover Vents: Side Vents

Bearing: Aluminum With Brass Insert                              Cover Stripe: None

Spool: Black Plastic                                                         Line Grommet: Oversized Chrome

Spool Clip: None                                                            Artwork Style: Vertical Block

Drag Shoe: None                                                            L/R Location: Bearing Plate

Pickup Spring: “U” Shaped Wire                                    Plate Screw Orientation: Artwork Plate

Rotor: Smooth Side                                                         Plate Screw Type: Straight Slot Pan Head

Crank Handle: Single White Cylinder                              Housing: Rough Textured Black

Handle Nut: Plain Acorn Nut

Var. 2

This variation is outwardly identical to Var. 1. It is identified solely by the aluminum spool, which replaced the plastic, presumably for durability. This conclusion is based on the fact that there would be a lot of damaging downward friction from the drag plate on the plastic spool.

Drag Knob: Metal Pointer                                               Push Control Lever: Thin Black

Drag Dial: 6 Digit Green Metal                                       Cover Vents: Side Vents

Bearing: Aluminum With Brass Insert                              Cover Stripe: None

Spool: Monochrome Smooth Metal                                  Line Grommet: Oversized Chrome

Spool Clip: None                                                            Artwork Style: Vertical Block

Drag Shoe: None                                                            L/R Location: Bearing Plate

Pickup Spring: “U” Shaped Wire                                    Plate Screw Orientation: Artwork Plate

Rotor: Smooth Side                                                         Plate Screw Type: Straight Slot Pan Head

Crank Handle: Single White Cylinder                              Housing: Rough Textured Black

Handle Nut: Plain Acorn Nut

Var. 3

This variation introduces the drag system that is detailed in Var. 1 of the 100A. It is believed that this variation is a transition version into the Var. 1 of the 100A, using leftover parts. They are identical save for the model number designation on the artwork plate.

Drag Knob: Metal Pointer                                               Push Control Lever: Thin Black

Drag Dial: 8 Digit Green Metal                                       Cover Vents: Side Vents

Bearing: Aluminum With Brass Insert                              Cover Stripe: None

Spool: Monotone Smooth Metal                                       Line Grommet: Oversized Chrome

Spool Clip: None                                                            Artwork Style: Vertical Block

Drag Shoe: One Piece Plastic                                          L/R Location: Bearing Plate

Pickup Spring: “U” Shaped Wire                                    Plate Screw Orientation: Artwork Plate

Rotor: Smooth Side                                                         Plate Screw Type: Straight Slot Pan Head

Crank Handle: Single White Cylinder                              Housing: Rough Textured Black

Handle Nut: Plain Acorn Nut

Special:

Model 100 DEMONSTRATOR

This reel is identical to Var. 1 above, and is stamped “DEMO” on the housing.

Var. 5

Model 100 DEMONSTRATOR

This reel is another demonstrator version of the 100 that is identified by a white plastic acorn nut for the handle. It is believed that this was used to easily differentiate the demonstrator from the reels that were for sale.

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