J Warrin New York Reel, Possible Kentucky reel imitation?

[Reelholder]

I recently bought a reel marked J Warrin, New York. It appears to be made by Conroy but has design changes that might have been Warrin's attempt to compete with Kentucky reels at the time of manufacturing. It has a flat , non counterbalanced crank. This reel is not altered in anyway. Warrin was a huge force in the 1850's. I once found a Buel metal arrowhead style lure marked, "Exclusvely distributed by J Warrin" I've heard these Buels are some of the very first Buels ever sold. Speculation(?) or knowledge? I've not seen proof. The reel could date into the 1850's. Bottom line, the crank is located at 6 O'clock, crank is flat and dogleg shaped...and non counterbalanced...I believe it's a business flop, but at least one has turned up. I'd like to see pics of more or buy more of similar construction. Dia is 2-1/4"...spool is 1-5/8" wide.

[Reelholder]

I am Wayne Jansen. I posted the Warrin reel above. I have not posted on ORCA for over a year. I am aware of later nicely made Warrin reels. This cruder reel seems much earlier to me.

I can be reached at ***email address removed***.

[Steve]

Half-crank reels of this style aren't that uncommon. Not everyone wanted a CB handle, I suppose. Warrin sold a variety of reels, some of his own mfr., and I figure he was too concerned with competition from other NYers to worry about Ky reels, assuming he even knew about them. The half-cranks I've seen have nothing in common with Ky reels except half cranks.
BTW, those don't look to me like Conroy screwheads.

[john elder]

Wayne, are the screws reverse thread? I had one from Mary Kelly's collection and the screws were lefty-tighty, righty-loosey, to get technical...I think that someone quite close to us still has that reel :-]

[Reelholder]

Steve, Thanks very much for the education. I know nothing about New York reels or lures. Except, Stag's Chapman lure collection is other-worldly. I bought the reel because of the Buel lure I found. The Buel lure sparked my interest in the reel marked with Warrin's name, and the name of the state spelled out in full caught my attention. Did Conroy make the reel you posted? The tolerances and design of the crank collar are remarkable for such an old reel. Always wanting to learn.
John E., I never take reels apart except Kentucky or Talbot reels...and Hardy fly reels. You have alerted me that some NY reels are counter-intuitive...that's why I don't disturb reels I have no experience with. I have no idea of my reels age and I know the numbered screw Kentucky reels must be reassembled carefully or you can strip a screw..perhaps it's true of some early New York reels. Any input would be appreciated. Steve Loves NY reels...I love to learn. Thanks for enlightening us. I don't know a NY reel collector close to us but I don't get around like you. Guitar playing takes up much of my time.

[Steve]

Did Conroy make the reel you posted?

I doubt it, Wayne. Both of our reels use domed screws, and mid-century Conroy reels usually have fillister screws. Not much of a criterion, but it's enough for me. Based on screw types and crank collar construction, mine could be a Crook, but that's just an uneducated guess. Warrin seems to have used fillister screws, too. Problem I have is differentiating Warrin-labeled reels that were made by him from the stamped trade reels he sold.

[Reelholder]

I really question if Warrin ever made anything in his life...but more important...what is a fillister screw? Which of the reels in your 3 page Photobucket album has fillister screws...if any? Or can you post one of your favorite examples?

Thanks for taking the time to teach me...I don't feel like reading your whole book again to learn what a fillister screw is.

IF ANY MEMBERS HAVE NOT SEEN STEVE'S PHOTOBUCKET ALBUM, YOU ARE MISSING TOO MUCH INFORMATION. I'LL SPEND A LOT OF TIME THERE OVER THE NEXT MONTH...IT'S FULL OF MINUTIAE AND ENTIRELY UNSEEN REELS...BY ME ANYWAY.
Sorry to scream but it's an amazing display.

[Steve]

Wayne, thanks for the kind words. (And talk about amazing displays, your marlin pic ranks near the top!)
Screwheads: http://www-mdp.eng.cam.ac.uk/web/librar ... /heads.jpg
In the Photobucket album, the Clerk, Green & Baker ball-handle ( http://s594.photobucket.com/user/reelsr ... sort=9&o=6) has fillister screws. BTW, CG&B succeeded Warrin.

[Reelholder]

Steve, Thanks for taking the time to post links we can all learn from Steve. Now I know what a fillister head screw is. If you have the time, could you tell us the approximate age of the reel in the link. I've not seen another reel with an eagle on it...very nice touch.

[Steve]

CG&B succeeded Warrin in 1857-8 and was succeeded in turn in 1862-3. I've seen one or two other examples of that eagle logo. Probably used it on reels targeted at Yankee markets, but they stamped a boll weevil on reels shipped south.

[Jay White]

Awesume Reels! You have me slobbering all over myself.I see you have picked up several more Holzmanns! Can't wait for your next book. Jay White

[Brian F.]

Thank you, Wayne and Steve, for a great opportunity and exchange of information.