Pre-Civil War Reel

[JoeW]

This is without doubt the oldest reel I have in my collection. Notice, it’s single action but with an external click/anti-reverse that works off a toothed gear. When reeling, a flat spring clicks over the gear and the teeth catch the spring to prevent line from going out backwards. For stripping line for casting (or to let a fish run!), the flat spring can be depressed, putting the reel into free spool! It’s crudely hand made, brass and tin, with the click/anti reverse gear of copper. The gear is actually an American Large Cent, which dates no later than 1857! That would likely date the reel to pre-1860, that’s pre Civil War, or as early as 1808! A great example of the efforts of fishermen before affordable, commercial reels were available! This reel is museum quality, and I personally consider it priceless! I found it at a flea market several years ago.

Note-- click on the pictures for a slightly larger view.

Next post I hope to show a five treble hook Underwater Minnow made by Heddon in the 1920’s. Hope you’re enjoying these posts. Best---- JoeW

[fatworm]

That is insane!!! Great post!

[RAK]

Nice reel! A good Polish and it will look even better.

I found a different reel on some website, but the handle is different.

Here is the websites description:


An early reel from the USA. Circa 1860 - 1870. The diameter of the plate is 2 3/4 " inches in diameter. In fine woking order and condition. The reel foot has been altered to fit whatever rod it was suppoed to go on. Most of my colleagues feel this reel was made by Brandford & Anthony for a generic sports and hunting distributer. For the early pre-1900 fishing tackle collection. Ball handle reels are some of the earliest functional reels made in the USA. Reel has been cleaned up in the past, but was done properly. Lots of wear due to age. Price: $289.00 USD





This site has auctions for old fishing equipment and some of it is just expenisve!!

http://www.nationalantiquecentre.com/index.php/products/title/category/antique_fishing_tackle/P150/

[JoeW]

Thanks for the tip on the website! A little bit on the high side price-wise, I think, but there are some very top quality items there! And if a collector wants it badly enough, "values" go out the window! Been there, done that! Let me add, Most (90%) of all old tackle that anyone encounters will have a value of $25 or less, kind of like collecting "old pennies". But some, older/scarcer are worth hundreds. And a very few that, well... "value negotiable". If anyone is contemplating tackle collecting, remember collect what you want, what you can afford, and collect for fun and enjoyment. When i was a youngster in PA in the 60's, one lure you had to have was called a "Flash-O-Mino". I always had one, even though it cost me a week's paper route money! A few years ago, I started a collection of them and now have several dozen! They're value is about $10-15 each, but I enjoy them immensely and they always make me recall the Smallmouth Bass in the Allegheny River! Thanks for the post! Best---- JoeW
(And PS- DON'T EVER try to clean a vintage tackle item with anything other than your fingers and some mild dishwashing liquids, and even then, rinsing in water can damage old wooden lures!)

[Razor]

I wonder what they fished for ;)

probably catfish

[lip ripper]

Now that is a real treasure! Wow that is a real part of history.