Heron Reel

[Richard5691]

I was wondering if anyone has seen this reel before.

Richard

[Patrick Z]

No, there are two entries (one with "Heron", one without) in Ben Wright's Spinning reel book, but no photos. It would seem you have a rare reel - or parts of one!

[Midway Tommy D]

There are at least 2 versions, one like yours and one without the Heron on the side and I have seen pictures of both. Their shapes were similar but the side plates differ greatly. The version without the Heron has a flat side plate with a tubular raise similar to the Mitchell 300 right side rather than the humped side plate like yours. It has "MADE IN ITALY" with "PATENT" under it horizontally in the top portion of the side plate and just the word "HERON" in the bottom portion below the tubular raise. It is thought they were made in the '50s but not much is known about them. They're quite rare. Do you have the rest of the reel, i.e. rotor cup, spool, drag knob, handle, internal parts, etc.? If so you have a nice collectible reel if it's in good condition.

[Richard5691]

Thanks, I have the entire reel minus the handle. I had taken it apart to clean it and I have put it back together now. Do you want a new picture of the entire reel?

[Richard5691]

The handle is missing only

[Richard5691]

Just wondering where can I go to find out information about this reel? I would love to read about it. Do you know ANY where I may be able to get a handle for it?

[Midway Tommy D]

Like I said earlier, not much is known about the Herons, not even by significant Italian collectors. Your best bet to locate one would be from one of the prominent European or Italian collectors but it will surely be a difficult task, and more than likely expensive if found. The handle has a blocked shape at the angle similar to the Garcia handle pictured below but are colored the same as the reel, matte gray/black. The handle knob is similar in shape/style to an Alcedo Micron knob although it has rounded corners on the outer ends. The knob is threaded screw/bolt attached and has linear ridge lines with the word HERON lineally in the inner center above the screw. A general example of the correct knob is pictured below, also.




Nice find! It appears your reel is in great condition, I hope you can find an original handle!