One of the problems with reel collecting is that sometimes you like a reel so much that you can justify buying the same reel again because it is slightly different than the one you already have. I know a person that once told me about a collector that bought a large expensive reel that was identical to the one he already had. And when asked why he bought the same reel again, he said "It has a different serial number." Well, this may be an extreme, but it emphasizes my point. I had a B.F. Meek & Sons No. 11 and when given the opportunity to buy a left hand version, of course I had to buy it. And then, when given the opportunity to buy one with a front plate sliding drag button rather than the rim mounted thumb wheel, of course I had to buy it. Oh well, here's hoping I get more opportunities to buy more of the same reel again. I'm sure I can find some difference in the reel that would justify it.
Below are photos of the three reels I've described above. As a bit of background information, the B.F. Meek & Sons No.11 was introduced in their 1901 catalog along with their other reels. After 1905, I could not find the B.F. Meek & Sons hard rubber and German silver reels in catalogs or advertised. If someone has a later catalog or ad of one, please let me know.
Below are photos of the three reels I've described above. As a bit of background information, the B.F. Meek & Sons No.11 was introduced in their 1901 catalog along with their other reels. After 1905, I could not find the B.F. Meek & Sons hard rubber and German silver reels in catalogs or advertised. If someone has a later catalog or ad of one, please let me know.