Thumb pirn recreation

[EclecticGuy]

For those of you who know me, you know I like "reel" challenges and figuring out old technologies and materials. A while ago, I was thinking about thumb pirns (aka thumb reels) after seeing a photo in Andrew Herd's The History of Fly Fishing. I have tried to collect images and information about these little reels but there is not a lot available. They were small little reels, worn on the thumb to spool line.

I've re-created a thumb pirn in mahogany and brass. It is 1.75" D and 3.45" overall length. The spool was turned and finished with 10 applications of hand-rubbed linseed oil. The spindle & thumb ring are silver soldered from brass rod and hand filed and finished. The one deviation I made was to use a brass tube bushing in the spool. You can't see it and it significantly improves the smoothness of rotation and will reduce wear. Here is the prototype:







I am making 5 thumb pirns in total. The prototype is mine, and the others will be numbered 1 to 4 with my maker's mark. One of these is spoken for but the remaining 3 will be available to collectors, historical angling recreationists, and loyal supporters! PM or email if interested.

Cheers,
Michael

[john elder]

Neat piece, Michael! Great job! you might try tung oil instead of linseed oil on your next one...tung oil dries a lot harder...both look great!

[EclecticGuy]

Thanks John, based on my research, linseed oil would have been more likely. I agree about tung oil, use it all the time.

cheers,
Michael