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Part 105: Reed hook

105	Reed hook, for loom	1916	1940	1	1	0

The parts

The Meccano reed hook was introduced, along with the other special loom parts, in 1916.  It was added to the largest outfit (number 7) in 1921.  It was also supplied in the 7 outfit's replacement (the Outfit L) in 1934. 

With the new numeric outfits 1 to 10 in 1937 the reed hook and many of these special parts were dropped, although it was still available as a spare part until production stopped in 1941.  It was never reintroduced.

A picture of the end of the reed hook is shown here, as many viewers of this site might not have seen one of these in the flesh.  The reed hook has only one purpose – to assist with stringing the warp threads on the Meccano loom.  The hook is passed between the reeds, the warp thread is hooked on, and pulled through.  In my experience it is possible to 'post' the reed hook not only through the reeds but right through the correct healds too, and draw the thread completely through the appropriate holes.  It would be extremely difficult and time-consuming to thread a loom without this tool, or at least one very much like it.

William sent me a picture of the end of a different reed hook, where the slot has a very much more pointed end. It's unclear whether this is the 'right' version and the one above is broken, or whether the notch was deliberately cut to make it easier to thread the hook. Perhaps when we've got a few more photos together we might be able to make a better decision.

Chronological variations

None known

Variations and oddities

Dealer spare parts boxes

Nigel Collins has pointed out that there is a wrapped example of part 105 shown in the "Bible", on page 328 (Hornby Companion Series Volume 6). However, the one there appears to be French, by the look of the yellow and red scalloped label. About as good as we're going to get, however.

Some opportunistic spotting by Richard has produced this example too, looking similar. Are these parts from Binns Road, do we think? Most of the parts I've seen with this sticker are French, but I might be wrong, as usual.

Individual part numbers

Part numbers for the parts on this page are as follows:    Unique part numbers
For identification, each variation has been given a suffix to the main Meccano part number. These suffixes consist of a two-character code for the colour, and if there are many variations, a further number and sometimes letter code to identify each variation. See the bottom of the 'Parts' page for further details.

You don't need to worry what the codes are, just click on any one for a photograph.

The button above turns on and off the display of DMS numbers (where they are known). The DMS (Development of the Meccano System, Hauton and Hindemarsh) published in 1972 and added to in 75 and 82, suggested part numbers for every variation of every Meccano part. These numbers aren't perfect, but they are recognised and also referenced in the EMP (Encyclopedia of Meccano Parts, Don Blakeborough).

Description	from	105
Small red wooden handle, nickel silver shaft	??	.ni
		ALL

Please send us pictures of missing parts! Hints and tips for pictures
Take a picture of the part in very good light, preferably on a plain yellow background, without a flash but with a tripod.
Ideally, trim the picture to about 150 pixels per inch of the Meccano part (unless the part is particularly big or small), save it as a reasonably good quality jpg file with a filename of exactly the part number, for example 19b.ni1.jpg, and email it to us by clicking on 'Contact us' at the top of the page. Thanks!

• A greyed-out box shows that no part exists for that colour combination.
• Part number codes with a green background have an attached picture of the part, just click once on the code to show a photograph of that part in a separate window.
• Parts marked "†" were temporary or economy parts, or existed only within specific themed outfits. The previous part continued throughout or afterwards.

Further information

keith stanley      (at 1:37pm, Mon 5th Aug, 13)

I thought I'd point out that Reed Hooks aren't a Meccano invention - they were in widespread use in the weaving industry - and examples looking very similar to the Meccano part do appear from time to time. It strikes me as a distinct possibility that these items were a stock trade tool bought in by Meccano and are likely therefore to have a number of variations. Also, I have to tell you that the blade is some sort of spring steel (you'll know that if you've ever tried to bend/straighten one) - nickel silver it ain't!!!

Tim G      (at 11:57am, Mon 22nd Nov, 10)

Re the pictures above: the pointed end to the notch is the 'right' verson. I'd venture the other one shown is broken or was altered.

T Gant      (at 12:14pm, Sun 14th Mar, 10)

Some wonderful material coming to light on this site. Please keep up the good work!! FYI, re the Reed Hook: There are at least two versions that I'm aware of - those with and those without the brass ferule around the handle. I have a handful of those 'without' in a 1917 dealers cabinet.

Nigel Collins      (at 1:17pm, Mon 19th May, 08)

Re wrapped part - HCS6 shows a wrapped one on page 328 Reply: You're right! However, the sticker on that appears to be the French variety, showing it to be a French-made part. Although it's hard to tell shades from the picture, the handle looks much more pink, too.

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