Handle Drag Reels

[TampaTarpon]

I love these...

There are several 1900-1930s references in books and articles that recommend a 400-600 yard reel with a strong handle drag for tarpon. I've not found a pre-1900 reference. Maybe there was not a handle drag before then?

If you know of any other versions/manufacturers, let me know. I'd like to add to this little collection.

Thanks

[Steve]

If you're talking about retrofittables, Rabbeth's was probably the first; built-ins go back at least to 1864.

[Paul M]

Beautiful collection!

[TampaTarpon]

Anybody care to throw out some names of other retrofit handle drags that I can add?

Who made OEM versions?

[Steve]

some names

Shipley "Gem"
"F & M Handle"
pre-"Pflueger-Williams" Williams
post-Rabbeth Pflueger "Cub"
MacMahon drag patented in 1905 (suspiciously similar to a drag in a photo Ed Pritchard sent me years ago).