Farlow was not shy with innovative ideas when developing new or improving current tackle. The Patent Live Wire reel was launched when Hardy’s well established Silex reel was all catching and all-conquering. It was a tall order and never quite succeeded in volume sales. Catalogued in 1927 as a “general purpose salmon spinning, fly fishing […]
One of the most intriguing of all the Hardy reels for the collector is the one with the “Spitfire finish”. Many collectors attribute the use of Spitfire to Jamie Maxtone-Graham, who invented the term some 40 years ago to help describe the bright finish. I knew Jamie well and was happy to do some of […]
Following the successful purchase of a 150 reel collection last week, this week we have secured a 300 reel collection. Spanning over 100 years of reel making from 1840 to the 1960’s, it’s a fabulous varied selection. Ranging from the smallest named true antique brass collar winch I’ve ever seen to a tiny spike winch. […]
Yes, we’ve done it again. This time it’s a collection of 90 plus antique reels that have come our way by recommendation of a previous client. The hard bit is done, now your job is to spot the rarest of all these rare reels here so have a browse around the image. It’s not the […]
Where will it all end and how much old tackle is still out there? A lot, you only have to find it. I always think of it like the inside of a Dyson, tons of tackle flying about, you only have to reach out at the right time and it’s yours. We were contacted recently […]
An interesting little brass reel came to our attention today by way of a request. It’s from the collection of Jarmo of Finland and he’s keen to find the makers of this little beauty. We all know Heaton’s were famous for producing the fishing scene reels which turn up occasionally. This reel is smaller and has […]
One of the most intricate of the Hardy casting reels is this, the Silex Multiplier. Launched in 1924, it remained in production until 1937. This particular model with the external oil pipe was superseded in 1928 by an upgrade pattern so it’s a very short production run reel making it very collectable. Designed to fit […]
I have seen a few of these over the years but they generally have metal spools. This one has a turned wooden spool painted black from the factory. The value is not high, perhaps £50-75, but they represent great value for money. The Patent is a rocking motion while the drum rotates almost as if […]
This oddball reel has been loaned to us by our pal Keith Elliot as a blog item. Bought with a collection of big game fishing reels, you would naturally assume it’s for wire line trolling for larger fish. It’s made by the Ideal Reel Company of Paducah, Kentucky, USA. The company was founded in 1958, […]
The massive Genuine J.A. Coxe Reel 14/0 big game reel built by The Bronson Reel Company of Michigan, USA c. 1930’s. The main and obvious difference in this reel as opposed to most others is the linear alloy cradle in which it sits. The good news is the line runs straight and low through the […]