mystery

[m3040c]

I saw these photos on Facebook. Did not see who posted them, but the reel intrigued me. I have no idea what it is and was wondering if the answer is a simple one or is this reel obscure?

[wrong99]

No idea what it is, either, but I can tell you the side plates will never become loose.

[m3040c]

No idea what it is, either, but I can tell you the side plates will never become loose.

[john elder]

This is really an interesting beast! Its designed as a levelwind, which is not easy if it is a one-off reel. Of more interest is that its apparently made to fish below the rod with that levelwind (note position of seat) and is a multiplier! Would love to have it to unzip and examine.

And i can’t figure what those two circles of screws on the back plate are holding ??!

[40fordflathead]

Would they be holding the gears to run the level wind?
Bruce Harlan

[Dr. Rob]

I like it. Intriguing!

[Steve]

its apparently made to fish below the rod with that levelwind

Agree. The level-wind cover (worm shield) would not keep the snow out, otherwise. Seems odd, though, that those swiveling harness lugs are at the sides of the foot. Would they function properly there?

That housing in the middle of the headplate has a tiny peripheral extension, so I wonder if it rotates some kind of drag doohickey. Would love to see if it has a magnetic brake.

[Jay White]

I would venture to say the reel is Australian. Number one , they liked "under the rod" reels. Number two, they seemed to favor a level wind big game reel. I have two large Australian big game reels that have level winds. The only other example of level wind this size I have seen was a Hardy prototype reel that is also in my collection. Could not have been very practical, hooking into a 500lb Marlin going straight away. I can't imagine seeing that worm gear tearing back and forth across the face of the reel. As far as the lugs under the reel, a shoulder harness would hook up to them , no problem.

[Nick in NY]

I agree with Jay.... Australian 99%. Through the years I've only had 3 big game reels (10-16-0) with levelwinds and all originated in Australia... Sometimes wish I still had them! Tight Lines Nick n NY

[m3040c]

I have made contact with the owner, hopefully there will be more to come concerning this reel.

[joe klaus]

Good Lord. Those screws on the tail plate are something else.

[Shellbelly]

So...what is it. Looks Pflueger-esque. 50+ screws kind of leans toward prototype/one off and what is the plate material? Looks similar to vintage circuit board stock or some other "early" laminate. Sorry if I missed the answer somewhere else.