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 […]
Category Archives: Thomas Turner blog
23
May
May
One of the most attractive vintage brass fishing reels is this model with the embossed fishing scene side plate. Made by Reuben Heaton of Birmingham, England they date from c 1890 to 1910. The reels came in assorted finishes including brass, bronze and silvered. The side plates or medals could at the point of manufacture […]
23
May
May
When Robin sold his Constable Kingfisher split cane rod about 10 years ago in a moment of haste he thought it was lost forever. However browsing through the Thomas Turner website today he spotted an identical rod, even down to the tube, the label, the hand writing….hang on!! That’s my old rod! After sending him […]
22
May
May
This is an Aerial reel that sadly 99% of the collecting fraternity will never see in the flesh, but we have this one in stock at the time of writing here. It’s an Allcock’s late Dominion variant Aerial with script engraved backplate from 1914. Designated model No 5100 ½, it was made with the Allcock’s […]
22
May
May
Often we are asked by sellers, will we get more at auction than Thomas Turner pay? Well, that’s not an easy one-stop answer, but here are some things to consider. If you send your collection to an auction they basically take control of your goods. I know, I worked for one for over 16 years […]
19
May
May
If there is one thing that’s a given, midges will always bite anglers. Gadget collectors worldwide love midge treatments and bottles. This one here is by Hardy Bros of Alnwick, England and dates c 1910. It’s a friendly curved glass bottle to fit in the waistcoat so it’s always to hand. Standing 3” tall with […]
15
May
May
Every once in a while a reel lands on the desk I’ve never had the privilege of collecting. This Fosters Rational reel dates from c 1910 and is unnamed so unless you have done your homework & research it may slip through your fingers. Manufactured with an alloy drum and cast brass backplate, it’s an […]
15
May
May
A revolution for the coarse angler. Patented in 1905 under number 9388, it’s the iconic threadline reel for any specialist collector. With the exception of the Malloch side casting reels which were really for spinning, the Illingworth No.1 changed light line fishing forever. Alfred Holden Illingworth, an ex-Naval officer, designed a series of 6 reels, […]
14
May
May
One of the most tactile and rare French floats is this hollow metal version here by Ferax. The principle is when a fish bites, the line attached to brass lever hinges and a spring rod in the centre of the float pops up. On top is a cloth tricolour French flag making you aware you […]
12
May
May
This is a rarity; most collectors will never see one even if they knew of its existence. The reel has the characteristics of a number of other Allcock’s reels. Any one of a number of manufacturers could have actually made this for Allcock’s including Smith & Wall or Heaton’s. The front is similar to many […]