Orvis 1874 Patent Fly Reels

Tom Hurst · Post by **Tom Hurst** » Thu Jan 17, 2008 11:04 pm

I am interested in learning more about the early Orvis fly reels. I believe they are sometimes referred to as the 1874 patent fly reels and there were two sizes a trout and a bass size. Could anyone suggest a book or reference material I might use to study up on these great reels? Any information about the early Orvis fly reels would certainly be appreciated. Thank you and good luck ... Tom Hurst

Ron Mc · Post by **Ron Mc** » Thu Jan 17, 2008 11:19 pm

http://orcaonline.org/images/pixel.gif ... &x=57&y=15

can't beat the price, and this book has partial 1889 and 1905 Orvis catalog reprints.

reelsmith. · Post by **reelsmith.** » Fri Jan 18, 2008 8:31 am

A quick summary:

First Model: German Silver, makers mark on foot. Riveted construction.

Second Model: Plated brass, markers mark on flat cap that contains click. Riveted construction.

Third model: Plated brass, markers mark around bearing cap. Screwed construction (I think).

Fourth (final Model): Like third, but adds protective rim. Screwed construction.

There was a wide-spool bass model that is often seen with a counter-balanced handle and there is an all aluminum version as well.

All from memory ...but should be pretty close.

Dean.

Jim Schottenham · Post by **Jim Schottenham** » Sun Jan 20, 2008 7:35 pm

Dean has all four versions covered. Jim Brown wrote a great article on these reels in the 1986 vol. 1, issue #4 Fishing Collectibles newsletter, in which he also talked about the fact that these reels were made in NYC.
Yet another NY reel! While none have been found (yet), there is also a mention of an all hard rubber 1874 model. How cool would that be!?!?!
Jim