Jim,
If you're reading this, I've always wanted the solid gold reel displayed by Abbey & Imbrie at the 1876 Centennial Exposition in Philadelphia.
Mark
I don't have a grown up Van Staal but here it is next to a big ol' Luxor Ledger Seven Seas NR-3-LA. Looks like a little baby.
I wasn't going to take the chance but my curiosity got the best of me. I decided i might as open it up. It has a main gear, pinion gear and oscillation block. I cleaned and lubed it with a little Super Lube before I closed it back up. Man those screws are tiny for these decrepit ol' clubby fingers.
Love those Open Face Spinning Reels!(Especially ABU & ABU/Zebco)