The Allcock Improved Coxon Aerial reel came about in an attempt to resolve the binding issue with wooden reels. Even when fitted with a brass starback the reel would warp with changing weather conditions and not “spin with a breath of wind” as the catalogue claimed. So in 1925 Allcock’s launched The Improved Coxon Aerial […]
29
Sep
Sep
A bit of a mouthful title, this rarity belongs to long time collecting buddy Nick from Bristol. On a fly by visit today he produced this beauty and I have to say I’ve only seen a couple similar in 3 decades of collecting. The backplate and centre screws are identical to the standard trotting reels. […]
15
Sep
Sep
For some unknown reason I thought it would be a good idea to open this big salmon reel to look at the check mechanism. I know it’s a bit anorak, but it seemed the right thing to do at the time. Surprise, the check was in the usual place behind the front plate against the […]
08
Sep
Sep
A great find this week, a collection of vintage spinning and Threadline reels with some weird and rare models. Mainly UK models, it’s a great selection in one buy: Virtually every pattern of Allcock’s Felton Cross Wind reel including the rare Junior model An Augermatic green hammer finish reel with lever casting 3 x George […]
02
Sep
Sep
Edward Small of Boston Massachusetts is responsible for this little beauty. The Holliday 30 reel is part of a range of reels in large and small sizes. They were sold for a short period in the 1960s having been Patented in 1959. Manufactured by the Zangi reel company of Torino, Italy and sold through the […]
01
Sep
Sep
These are a rarity, English made alloy spinning reel with curious full circle bail arm. It’s operated by back winding the handle and the bail arm rotates outward releasing the line, a forward wind re-engages. Various makers over the years have been playing with this principle including the French made Crack reels. Fitted with large […]
19
Aug
Aug
Moran, a self-taught craftsman, climbed to the top in the specialist rod-building world. Malayan born and Lancashire educated he travelled the world in the Merchant Navy. It was in Lancashire he developed his passion for cane rod building when he read Richard Walkers book “Rod Building for Amateurs.” Refurbishing some old Hardy split cane rods […]
14
Aug
Aug
I just had to tell this story. I met a young chap called Roy, 88 years young who lives in Birmingham England. He called me to his home to look at and buy his fishing gear. His collection of mainly modern fly fishing rods had a hidden gem. The outstanding piece is this little 5’6” […]
13
Aug
Aug
Few of these come up these days: the Howban Reel, made by The Howban Fishing Tackle Company of 108c Alcester Road, Moseley Birmingham, England. It’s a 1950s creation looking rather odd and out-dated if you compare it to the established Mitchell 300 which had been about for nearly 20 years. It shows the effort to […]
09
Aug
Aug
Most of us at one time or another will use or have collected a creel or two. Some for use, some for decoration and others for both. Many creels are the simple woven reed affairs with wicker hinges and hasp, making the basket weaver’s job simple. Not so in the Victorian times! In the pursuit […]