Overview
Shakespeare Electronic Products Group was the communications and electronics division of the Shakespeare Company, an American corporation originally known for fishing tackle and fiberglass products. During the 1950s through the 1970s, Shakespeare expanded into communications equipment, including Citizens Band radios, marine electronics, and antenna systems.
The company became especially well known for fiberglass antennas used in marine, CB, military, and commercial communications applications. Shakespeare-branded CB radios were typically imported from Japanese OEM manufacturers and sold in the United States under the Shakespeare name.
The Shakespeare communications division was directly connected to the same Shakespeare company that produced fishing rods and reels.
Company Background
The Shakespeare Company was founded in Kalamazoo, Michigan, by William Shakespeare Jr. as a fishing tackle manufacturer. The company became one of the largest producers of fishing reels and later pioneered fiberglass construction for fishing rods.
Shakespeare’s expertise in fiberglass technology eventually led the company into the manufacture of antennas. Fiberglass materials proved ideal for marine and communications antennas because they were lightweight, durable, corrosion-resistant, and electrically suitable for antenna housings.
This expansion naturally evolved into Shakespeare’s communications products business, which included:
- Marine antennas
- CB antennas
- Military antennas
- Citizens Band radios
- Marine communications equipment
- Communications accessories
CB Radio Operations
During the 1960s and 1970s, during the Citizens Band boom, Shakespeare marketed a variety of CB radios and accessories. Most Shakespeare radios were not manufactured directly by Shakespeare itself. Instead, the company imported radios from Japanese OEM manufacturers and rebadged them for the American market.
Known or suspected manufacturing partners included:
- Matsushita Electric Industrial Co. (Panasonic/National)
- Other Japanese communications equipment manufacturers
Examples of Shakespeare-branded CB radios included:
- Shakespeare 240
- Shakespeare 740
- Shakespeare GBS series
- Various mobile and base station CB transceivers
Many Shakespeare CB radios shared chassis designs and circuitry with radios sold under other American brand names during the same era.
Marine and Antenna Products
Although Shakespeare sold CB radios, the company became far more successful and better known for its antenna systems. Shakespeare marine antennas became industry standards for recreational boating and commercial marine communications.
Products included:
- VHF marine antennas
- CB base antennas
- Mobile whip antennas
- Fiberglass marine antennas
- Military communications antennas
- AM/FM broadcast antennas
The company’s fiberglass antenna technology became one of its most important long-term business segments.
Historical Timeline
| Year | Event |
|---|---|
| 1897 | Shakespeare Company founded by William Shakespeare Jr. in Kalamazoo, Michigan |
| Early 1900s | Company became major fishing reel manufacturer |
| 1940s | Shakespeare pioneered fiberglass fishing rod technology |
| 1947 | Shakespeare introduced the Wonderod fiberglass fishing rod |
| 1950s | Company expanded fiberglass manufacturing operations |
| 1950s | Shakespeare entered antenna and communications markets |
| Early 1960s | Shakespeare Electronic Products Group established |
| 1960s | Shakespeare marketed tube-type CB radios and marine communications equipment |
| Mid 1960s | Japanese-built Shakespeare CB radios imported into the United States |
| Early 1970s | Shakespeare expanded solid-state CB radio offerings |
| Mid 1970s | Shakespeare participated heavily in the nationwide CB boom |
| Late 1970s | Decline in CB market reduced consumer radio sales |
| 1980 | Shakespeare acquired by Anthony Industries |
| 1996 | Anthony Industries renamed K2 Inc. |
| 2007 | Shakespeare acquired by Jarden Corporation |
| Present | Shakespeare continues producing marine and military antenna systems |
Historical Addresses
| Year | Address |
|---|---|
| Early Operations | Kalamazoo, Michigan |
| 1960s–1970s | Shakespeare Electronic Products Group, Columbia, South Carolina |
| Present | 6111 Shakespeare Road, Columbia, South Carolina 29223 |
Legacy
Shakespeare became one of the most recognizable names in fiberglass marine antennas and CB antennas during the peak years of Citizens Band radio popularity.
Although the company is less remembered for its CB radios, Shakespeare-branded transceivers remain collectible today because of their connection to early imported Japanese communications equipment and the transition from tube electronics to solid-state CB technology.
The company’s marine antenna business continues to operate today and remains one of the best-known names in marine communications equipment.