Earliest Illingworth Reel Question

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David Lehmann
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Earliest Illingworth Reel Question

Post by David Lehmann »

What are the earliest ads known for Illingworth reels? The earliest I can find is from September 1907. Although the reel was patented in 1905, and it is reported that the reel was likely first offered in 1905, I haven't found any mention of the reel prior to late 1907. Also, in June 1909 an add noted that the reel was in it's second season, which also supports mid to late 1907 as the initial production date for the reel. Any info is appreciated!
wrong99
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Re: Earliest Illingworth Reel Question

Post by wrong99 »

Odd that they would wait two years after it was patented to market the reel.
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Steve
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Re: Earliest Illingworth Reel Question

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In Understanding Threadlines, pp. 8-9, John Stephenson cites William B. Currie's info published in the Fishing Gazette, May 21, 1960. According to Currie, the prototype manufactured for Illingworth by Carswell was made "at least as early as 1905. By 1907 a production reel made its appearance on the market." Apparently, a lot of testing and tweaking went on before the reel was considered ready for the market. The first ad Stephenson cites was published in the Gazette on March 30, 1907.

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