Hardy Altex models and marks: more info?

[Deaf Cat]

Does anyone have more detailed information about the Altex range?
Or know where I can find it.

Model Numbers 1, 2 and 3 are clear.

However is it the case that there were marks I, II, III, IV, V for each model?

Apart from the Mk V having the anti-reverse slider, how do you tell them apart without looking at the (removable) silver plaque?

Plus I know there are later (1969?) No 2 Mk VI reels around with the castle logo

Perhaps Hardy catalogues from the period specify the availability of the various marks

Altex No. 1 (1932 -1966)
Altex No. 2 (1932 - 1966)
Altex No. 3 (1935 - 1963)

[Olly]

https://splitcaneinfo.com/?page_id=653 to find Hardy catalogues.

[Deaf Cat]

Thanks Olly,
I will have a trawl through them.

Update: as the site name suggests they have only scanned and uploaded the pages covering rods.

I did spot the advice that a No 1 could be used with line up to 6lb and the No 2 to 10lb which I think someone asked about recently.

[Deaf Cat]

So I am going back to the drawing board, just had a basic assumption destroyed!

Aaron Day (vintagefishingtackle.co.uk) has a No3 MkV which is finger pick-up (so no bail arm) and without ant-reverse.

So a lot more research required! Will report back.

[Beresford]

I think you have confused marks with sizes in this part of your post…

Perhaps Hardy catalogues from the period specify the availability of the various marks

Altex No. 1 (1932 -1966)
Altex No. 2 (1932 - 1966)
Altex No. 3 (1935 - 1963)

There are detail differences. I'm only really familiar with the No2 size. This is not hard and fast detail but from my own observations and what I think may have been done with the No 2 size:

MkIV – often in wartime black. Knurled locking nut for handle. Non-metal spool with red text. No anti-reverse. Possibly gear driven bail arm.

MkV – All metal spool. Hex locking nut on handle. Lead grey/bright alloy finish, first ones no anti reverse lever, four arm capstan. Then the classic version that is the most popular spec, in lead grey and bare metal plus anti-reverse and four arm capstan.

Later All over lead finish.

Last All over lead with two not four arm capstan.


The first Altex I had was a mongrel cross between MkIV and MkV but if I could change the hex nut on the handle of my MkV's, to the knurled type locking piece of the MkIV handle, like my mongrel reel, I would. It's so much nicer but I think they decided to save money on that part with the MkV and also why they went down to just two arms on the capstan.

[Deaf Cat]

Thanks Beresford

[OhMyGoodness]

I have a no.2 mk.1111 . This has the mechanical bail mechanism.
Did only this no. and mark of Altex have this type of bail or was it on the no.1 and no.3?