J. W. Young RAPIDEX 4'' (1946-53) Earliest model, EXCELLENT, in original BOX. Tough practical and durable, the attractive Rapidex was introduced in 1946 as the first new post war model. Inspired by Young's pre war pattern 12 'Perfection Flick 'Em' (itself inspired by the original Homer's 'Flick 'Em' introduced in 1910 and initially manufactured by Reuben Heaton) it had increased dramatically in price from it's pre war 1938 cost (£1 two shillings) to £4 two shillings and sixpence, this hike reflecting the 33% 'purchase tax' imposed by a government attempting to pay for the War. It proved an extremely popular model and continued in production uninterrupted with only cosmetic changes for 40 years. It was also successfully sold by most leading retailers, often bearing their own name and with cosmetic differences, including the 'Flick 'Em' (Allcock), the 'Floatqueen' (Edgar Sealey) and the 'Floatcraft' (Milward – to pair with their cane rod of the same name). Later J. W. Young produced a revamped version for the 21stcentury which again proved successful.
This really excellent example is presented in the earliest box with grey/white/black label (all in v.good condition) and is identified as the earliest model by the crinkle finish to the front flange (later 'bobbled'), plain gloss painted backplate (later also bobbled finish), 'low tit' embossed centre boss which in 1954 was superceded by the 'higher tit' (non embossed) centre and the grey (later black) 'teardrop' check lever. Caged solid core contracted drum construction with perforated front flange featuring a 'wheel in hole' tension adjuster, quick spool release lever integral to the centre boss, and shaped black bakelite handles The backplate 'tear drop' check lever operates the makers slick 'patent' check mechanism based on the 'V' spring principle. The front flange is unmarked retaining 100% of original finish, the back retains 99% of original paint, both rims show just minimal wear as does the black painted foot betraying little signs of use. In perfect working order and spinning freely, examples in this condition rarely appear. £128
The last photo in the image gallery features the reel attached to a Edgar Sealey OCTOFLOAT 11ft Split Cane c.1950's
Edgar Sealey OCTOFLOAT 11ft Split Cane c.1950's