The Farlow Livewire alloy casting reel c 1930

These very rarely appear and are a good find when they do.

Farlow are generally recognised as a game fishing company but decades ago they retailed a good cross section of tackle for game, coarse and sea fishing, including big game rods and reels.

This 4” Livewire reel is one of a range of unusual casting reels for the angler who enjoys spinning or casting from the drum.

Ball bearings help the reel rotate, a screw cover protects it from dirt and debris.

Twin white handles are standard, as is the Silex type casting trigger. The small brass lever sticking out lacks a wire frame into which the line flows and forms an overrun break, much the same as the Allcock’s or Youngs Easicast reels.

A brass knurled adjustable brake wheel is located on the backplate and applies tension to the check spring.

Great looking complicated interior, who thinks these up?

Value is in the hundreds ££ and a great addition to any vintage or Farlow collection. See this one for sale here.