Hardy Perfect vintage trout fly reel 3 1/8″ fly reel with faults

Maker: Hardy

Model: Perfect

Approximate year of manufacture: 1910

Condition: Average

Material: Alloy

Length/ diameter: 3 1/8″

Country of manufacture: England

Ideal use: Trout fly fishing, display

Item stock location: Weston

TT opinion:
Hardy Perfect 3 1/8″ Trout fly reel with black handle, brass bridged rim tensioner, 73mm brass straight foot ( replaced) and early 1896 check mechanism. Right hand wind. Reel winds without any lumps or bumps but there is minor faceplate rock. The faceplate is not original to the reel and its missing its central locking screw. No line grooves to any pillars, just a few very small burns to in rim next to top pillar. Set up for right hand wind. Worn finish but still an easily good usable reel.

The Hardy Perfect fly reel was introduced in 1892. It took three years of testing and research to bring it to perfection. Hardy fearlessly claimed it to “be the best reel made anywhere” doing this with full knowledge of all the reels manufactured on either side of the Atlantic. The  Perfect is one of the longest production reels in the world. The size range is comprehensive for both trout and salmon anglers with models from 2.5” in diameter to over 5” made to special order. The regulating check mechanism and running on ball bearings ensure it’s almost frictionless. A narrow drum core allows increased line capacity over large barrel reels. We highly recommend the Perfect reel to any fly angler whether they use greenheart, bamboo/cane, fiberglass, or carbon rods. Check our listings for an ever-changing range of models and sizes and please contact us if you require further information.