Since posting my comments on the Aerial Match in October 2014, I have acquired one myself and would like to update my position. I bought the reel at a bargain price as it has a tiny crack in the lineguard, which I knew about. My intention was to sell it at a profit as I have done with many other items. Having now given the matter some consideration, I am now inclined to keep and use it, albeit infrequently as I have several other reels. My reasoning is quite simple, as a piece of engineering it is superb, very light and free running. Having compared it to a Chris Lythe version, which is stunning but new. I doubt that I will find another more iconic reel at a price that I can afford. So unless or until I need the money, I will keep it!Lea Dweller wrote:I agree with Macko, having seen and handled a number of aerial matches over the last 20 years the only thing that sets this model apart from other aerials seems to be that the factory producing them was bombed, thereby reducing the number that would otherwise have been produced! Having said that, collecting is all about rarity, so by definition people will pay "silly money" for an item that others would deem "run of the mill " I rest my case!
One other thing that I discovered upon closer examination was the the number 30 is stamped on both of the drum flanges?
P.S. I do not plan to do anything with the back plate, but I would like to clean the drum which still has some of the original lacquer? present, any tips please?