Miniature Dillender Fly Reels

[EclecticGuy]

Hi all, as most of you probably know, I'm a reelsmith. Along with my other reel collecting interests, I collect hand-crafted and prototype reels. These were made by Tony Dillender from Lexington, KY. and are my latest acquisition. The three larger have click checks with a slider to disable the click. The smallest is friction only.



These are very nicely machined and quite petite.

Cheers,
Michael

[Jim Schottenham]

Great little reels Michael - my favorite Dillinder reels are the little birdcage reels he made of brass (His is on the left - the right one was made by Washington, D.C. jeweler).

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[tacklerus]

I have also some miniatures by Tony, The minature Billinghurst & Orvis reels where something I talked Tony into making some years ago (2000-2002?) I think?! As fare as I know only 10 Billinghurst where made and they are numbered 01 of 10, to 10 of 10. The first and only one was made in silver I have that and also the brass numbered 10-10. The other thing if you know Tony,he is one of the nicest guys you will ever meet! A complete suprize he sends me this miniature display of all the parts it took to make the Billinghurst reel marked (DAVE'S PUZZLE). The other two miniatures Tony sent me for Chrismas one year.

[EclecticGuy]

Gentlemen, thank you for sharing! I love the puzzle, very neat presentation. I would enjoy the opportunity to talk shop with Tony - reelmaker to reelmaker!

cheers,
Michael

[Doug Carpenter]

Here is another wonderful reel made by Tony Dillender. It is a tournament caster, the handle is two inches long. Press down on the thumb bar to disengage the handle and make it free-spool. Tony is one of the best people I know and has been extremely instrumental in me collecting reels.

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Dillender 2.jpg

Dillender 1.jpg

[Mike N]

Wow, I'm blown away by the variety of reels he has produced. Great thread.

[EclecticGuy]

I agree Mike. And, I know that he made a neat little Orvis 1874 reel in a walnut box. If anyone has that reel and could post a photo that would be great.

cheers,
Michael

[tacklerus]

super neat reel!

[ghstrydr164]

Here is a link to pictures of 2 cased Miniature Orvis 1874 Fly Reels Made by Tony Dillender, next to 2 full size reels.

http://antiquesicollect.com/images/aic020.jpg

Here are my three Tony Dillender reels, two 1" no click and one 1 3/8" adjustable click.

[Mike N]

Had to wake up this old discussion and ask if anyone has (or has even seen) one of the miniature Orvis 1874 Fly Reels made by Tony Dillender discussed above. I have seen two on a collector’s personal website.


Mike N.