the style of the reel copies Shakespeare postwar, and the LW mechanism, especially, is Marhoff (patent bought by Shakespeare - 1908).
That's what they did. They had a clicker and spindle end tension.

Until Abu's clean sheet of paper (the button you're looking for), freespool was rare. Competing with Marhoff was Pflueger's Douglas patent 1st Supreme, free spool and anti-reverse, but the mechanism was so complicated, Pflueger dropped it when they could legally copy Marhoff's expired patent (1928).
Still, it's a joy, and out-cast every LW reel until Lew's, Ryobi and Shimano brought the basic idea back (free spool free of LW mechanism)

The other style freespool, type is Shakespeare Tournament 1740, simply had a friction swage of the handle onto the main gear, which you released by pulling outward on the handle.


What you're looking at is the basic style of all baitcasters from the 30s to 50s - a copy of the Marhoff LW mechanism.
You'll find many people who like their Shakespeare Marhoff, and Pflueger Skilkast, etc.
But the one Marhoff copy that really stands out for cast distance is the Meek 30.
Like all Meeks, this reel is made to never use grease, but oil daily (note the oil port for the main gear).


Until Lew's, the reel that really cast distance was the NLW, the best made by Shakespeare, Meek, and Talbot

If you look at the Abu 2500C thread or the Abu CT thread (They're Blue), there's some discussion about the different things that cause inertia in reels.
As the system inertia increases, you need to be casting greater weights to have reliable, repeatable casts.

As for distance, no one in casting tournaments uses level wind reels.
For bass fishing, long casts are rarely required, but slow, accurate casts, and lures tend to be large and heavy. The old Marhoffs are pretty good at casting 3/8-oz.
In comparison, the little Shakespeare 1740 NLW will fish 1/8 ounce.


In the surf, while you may be using even more weight, cast distance is most everything, and you'll see tournament casters and surf casters migrating to the same reels.
This is an Abu CT modified with Akios barstock frame and Avail microcast braid spool

Great information thanks for the helpful replies. Yes the handle goes round when casting on the Japanese reel. Will try again with a heavier lure. I like the design and look of it . Would it be 50’s ?

I'm going to take Tom to task on that one. They didn't pull any subtleties or magic veils over styling that reel after postwar Shakespeare Direct Drive
My money says your reel is from the 50s, though I will temper that a similar Marhoff reel came in a fishing kit my dad bought from Sears about 1962.
1951 Wards catalog
Also note, every reel on this page, you can lump together as Marhoff

quite honestly, they're just more fun to cast than any other tackle - a new skill set to put under your belt.
They also have an instant retrieve advantage over any other tackle.

3rd model Pflueger Supreme and American Fork & Hoe (True Temper) square-section steel bait rod