I messaged the chap who ,quite literally wrote the book on J.W.Youngs reels . His reply supported what Nobby suggested . He felt the shaped handles the norm but if there was a shortage they might have used anything to hand .Duckett wrote: ↑Thu Nov 08, 2018 10:45 pmI see what you mean. That one is a bit of a mixed bag. If it is as original, it eaither adds to Nobby’s suggestion of them doing a “Grice and Young” (though my impression is that this was a later development as I’ve not seen it in early G&R pins) or help your dating exercise.Keston wrote: ↑Thu Nov 08, 2018 9:52 pmI have 4 rounded handle Rapidex now ., they are about and there are some Allcocks Flick ems on the forum with these handles.
There is one on a dealers website that looks like round handles but it's not cheap and oddly has the later high boss and pointy spindle.
I think the early reels look much nicer with the round handles.
I think that's why im hoping to find the origins of the round handles.
It could take years of looking at and complaring The early Rapidex family without ever getting clear understanding or answer .
I guess if you find a subject interesting There is value in trying to support a theory even without the promise of a definitive answer .