The Hardy Sea Silex reel has always been on the wanted list for both Silex and big game collectors. This set is unusual and rare in that the Hardy block leather case is rarer than the reel itself. The reel is a genuine find, not cleaned, played with or altered and features the extended brass […]
08
Jul
Jul
Once again the lure of selling your entire collection without fuss and drama brought our client to Thomas Turner. Unlike some dealers who like to “cherry pick” we will endeavour to buy the entire lot, pay on the day and take it away. This collection is huge; over 150 rods and reels, plus a van […]
08
Jul
Jul
I’ve been waiting for one of these to land on my desk for years. A scarce alloy fly reel made by Rueben Heaton of Birmingham to the specification of Fredrick G Shaw, author, angler and casting champion. Shaw was a lover of Hardy tackle and a devotee of the Hardy Special Perfect, which bears more […]
13
Jun
Jun
THeralded as the “best all round rod for general purposes” in the Hardy Anglers guides, it’s as popular today as ever. Hand built in the Alnwick factory it came in 3 standard lengths, 11’, 12’6” and 13’6”, the 11’ being the rarer of the range. The 1960s rod is the most collectable/ desirable with modern […]
13
Jun
Jun
This is one of the best true stories attached to a fish capture I have come across, read on! The unique 3/4 block carved wood world record sea trout, weight 19lbs 8 oz, was caught on dry fly from the Laerdal River, Norway in 1939, carved and mounted on a 17” x 45” wooden board. […]
12
Jun
Jun
Many of the tackle shops at the turn of the century used the term “Maker” loosely. It’s common knowledge that the big tackle makers including Heatons and Smith and Wall, Mallochs etc. manufactured trade reels. Initially blank, the shops or retailers could have their names stamped onto the reels, (or any tackle) so they appeared […]
10
Jun
Jun
This is one of my favourite wacky collector reels. The rare Auger Tackle of England “The Augermatic” Patent App. vintage spinning reel. Measuring approx. 6-1/2” long, it’s a left hand wind reel with an unusual lever pull system, which pushes the drum into the front cone housing to release the line. A screw disc adjuster is […]
09
Jun
Jun
One of the firm favourites for wall decoration or classic angling use is the Hardy Simplex Landing Net. Supplied in two basic varieties; the first and early model being a short handle version with bamboo handle and alloy pear shaped alloy frame. The 1923 Hardy Anglers Guide (containing some of the best bedtime reading a tackle […]
01
Jun
Jun
Not true, we were all it but they seem to do it so much better. For the gadget collectors among us you can have as much fun with little bits and bobs as larger expensive items. This was the princely sum of £0 having been found in the bottom of an old tackle box. In […]
31
May
May
A rather distinguished if slightly demure voice came from the Facetime link with a gentleman calling from France. Attempts to show a fishing tackle collection on a mobile phone are always fraught with difficulties so the agreement was made that when in England the following week, he would call me from his Cotswolds residence. Call […]