Jack Richards from Newcastle started making Ajax reels in the early 1940’s. Most of them had Ajax stamped on the bearing cover plate or the back. The early reels were made from Australian Red Cedar with brass starbacks. He then started making reels from Teak which was easily salvaged from shipwrecks on the banks of the Hunter River. The handles were made from cow horn. He made reels for Mick Simmons and Reg A Baker Ltd. The majority of his reels were ball bearing.
Insert from an ad on the 5th of November 1949- “Reels also made to your specifications. Buy from the maker and save money. Ajax Fishing Reels. 2A Albert Street, Wickham, Newcastle.”