Holmes casting reel / gone to the 'Bay

[Richard Lodge]

I've only seen a couple of these extremely well-made non-level-wind casting reels made by L.W. Holmes of Oronoque, Conn. Holmes died around 1952, so this reel was made before then because the company ceased to exist when he passed away. This reel has a click/drag button on the back and an unusual thumb drag on the edge of the backplate, as you can see in the photo. Mechanically this is a 9. Some finish loss, but overall, a great condition and unusual reel from the mid 20th century. It is clearly stamped on the back L.W. Holmes Co. Oronoque, Conn.

[reelsmith.]

So that's what they look like !

I've had two boxes for them, but have never seen the reel before.

Dean.