Hardy Perfect 2-7/8” antique alloy fly reel 1917 check + s/spool + leather case Eric Clapton Gary Brooker

Rare Hardy Perfect 2-7/8” antique alloy fly reel in fine collector condition. Factory white handle. RHW. Correct factory smooth alloy foot stamped England. Agate line guide in Hardy’s Pat nickle frame. The agate has natural flaw lines but no chips. Mk1 internal check mechanism. A Very rare reel dating c 1917. it comes with a spare spool. The original fine condition Hardy fitted bock leather case has its original strap & buckle, the lid impressed Dr C.R. H. Ball, Hunstanton. A paper tag inside typed “Eric Clapton”, Gary Brookers fishing companion with the reel details penned to rear.
This item is part of the late Gary Brooker MBE collection. Famed for his lead in the pop group Procol Harum shooting to fame with the iconic single Whiter Shade of Pale launched in 1967. He was appointed an MBE in 2003. A Whiter Shade of Pale was honoured by the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2018 sadly with Gary passing in February 2022 at the age of 76. All the items in this collection were bought by Thomas Turner from his widow Francoise (Frankie) assisted by Peter Cockwill in June 2022. A unique piece of musical history for any fishing tackle collector.