Amazing Nightingale reel

[Richard Lodge]

No, not Florence. William. I filched this photo of this rare William Nightingale reel from the recent Mulloch's Auction catalog. It went on the block at a recent auction in England, with a pre-sale estimate of 2,000-2,500 British pounds. I believe it sold for around 4,000 pounds (about $6,100). It was made by William Nightingale in the very early 1900s and has several Victoria & Edward silver coins - all domed - embedded in the front. This photo shows the front and back of the reel, and the original case. Quite a work of art, don't you think? My only problem with it is I can't imagine actually fishing with it. Too ornate, just too pretty to put on a rod and spool with line. Or not?

[john elder]

Beautiful! Richard, did the description say what wood they thought that is?