Unknown Behemoth

[reeltackle]

I was out west the past couple of weeks and picked up this big fellow in a small town in Montana. Has anyone ever seen another like it? The side-plates measure just over 7 1/2 inches in diameter and are made of either Bakelite or Catalan. The reel came on a flat style, laminated Roy Shaver big game rod. The reels is attached to the Shaver reel seat in the photos. I wonder what this reel was used for in Montana? Perhaps trolling for bears with an elk shank from the back of a pick-up truck?

[Steve]

It's a Butte!

[Shellbelly]

Imagine the look on a deck hands face when that shows up.

[Mike N]

Wow. And from Montana no less. Those Bakelite or Catalan side plates are incredible.

Mike N.

[Shellbelly]

Arthur Kovalovsky for comparison.

[54bullseye]

Wow Montana ???? Very cool looking reel. Does it work good ? Drag work ? Sweet find !!! John Taylor

[KIWI]

Nice Job Ed !

[reeltackle]

t's a Butte!

Yes it is but the you should see the Billings I received for it.
My wife said I might go to Helena hand-basket.

[kyreels]

I would assume the owner had a second home, but who knows. After losing a big fish this weekend, I am thinking of a larger travel rod myself.

[blacklab]

Wow, What a stunningly interesting looking reel.....
Great find..

[Dr. Rob]

”… should see the Billings I received for it.
My wife said I might go to Helena hand-basket.”

Brilliant.
As is the reel. Utterly stunning.

.

[Dustnstuff]

In the 2001 ORCA calendar there is a similar reel shown. The Stead 14/0 reel.
Not quite the same but may be a good place to start some interesting research.
Dustnstuff