Interesting 2 1/2" reel - Any thoughts on maker?

[BCharles]

Bottom of foot is stamped R5

[john elder]

Perhaps Malleson??

[BCharles]

Thanks for your reply John

[bamboocollector11]

Bill,

I believe your reel is a high end Montague made for a retailer. Is your reel nickel silver or just a top quality nickel silver plate?

Ed

[BCharles]

Hi Ed,

It is nickel silver, not plated.

Cheers

Bill

[john elder]

The reason i did not say Montague was the style of writing on the foot, the style of the foot, and that nice S handle. I’m surprised that more have not piped in on this one... nice little reel!

[bamboocollector11]

I have a similar plated reel with the same foot, pillars, and counter balance. The differences are plated versus nickel silver and the "S" shaped handle. Montague purchased Malleson's reel factory, so it could be either. Unfortunately I have seen or owned more plated Malleson's than the solid nickel silver versions.