I'm hoping someone can identify this old reel and give me the maker and date range. The only markings I can find are pictured in the center of the drag. The side plates are 4 1/4" in dia and are spaced 2" apart. The brass bands encircling each plate is held in place by a nut and bolt. It runs silky smooth and the click is loud. The drag works by tightening or loosening the center cap. Any ideas about who the maker was?
The handle is an "add on" Readle drag handle, patent #1467250, issued on Sept. 4th, 1923. The reel, with the "hole in the foot" appears to be a Julius Vom hofe.
I would imagine the bands were an add-on to keep the cracked portion of the side plates in place. If it were mine I wouldn't discard the bands but I sure find would find more pleasant looking clamp adjusting bolts.
Love those Open Face Spinning Reels!(Especially ABU & ABU/Zebco)
Reels a Julius tarpon reel with replacement handle. It's often found with the hard rubber collar like pieces under handle cracked. About 20 years ago I found this reel with a 5" side plate and a narrow spool. The front plate was banded and rear plate stamped. The thumb drag was made just for the reel and was nickel silver backed.....wish I still had it! Happy Holidays Everyone, Nick in NY
Wanted Ultra rare salt water reels including big game as well as unknown rare surf reels!
Mike - Yes JVH made your reel & you will find it in his 1914 catalog. The reel came in 2 ways - Hard rubber rims & metal bound rims. It was made in a surfcasting size & a large tarpon size.
I have 2 1/0 reels one HR rims & one metal bound & they are marked JVH at 12 o:clock on the back plate. I have one tarpon size foot missed getting marked I would say it is a 5/0 size HR rims & marked at 12 o:clock on the front plate. I would love to have the tarpon size metal bound to go with my other 3. Come on I know there is a good Santa out there that can fill my stocking.
Mike- You can also find this reel in Don Champion's JVH Book on page 83 A&I 1907 catalog & you can read the sizes they came in. 250 & 400 & Nickel Plated or German Silver.
Thanks for all the info gentlemen. It makes collecting more enjoyable when you can unravel mysteries like this. See my next post for another mystery reel.
