English or American fly reel?

[kevinhaney1]

I picked up the below brass raised pillar fly reel from the Angling Marketplace auction. It was advertised as an English reel but there are no markings. It is 2 3/4" wide with a constant clicker. I would think it is circa 1890-1900. Anyone have any ideas about its origin?

Kevin

[Stef Duma]

In my opinion, it's English. I will try and find some catalogues to see if it's listed in the early Heaton's.

[john elder]

Kevin, are the pillars hollow with long screws going all the way through and into the back plate?

[kevinhaney1]

Kevin, are the pillars hollow with long screws going all the way through and into the back plate?

Yes John, but the screws go from the back plate to the front plate.

Kevin

[reelsmith.]

It is English.

It is essentially a Birmingham style reel with raised pillars. A few things give it away as English. First, the revolving handle plate held with two screws, which is distinctly English. Second, the screws that go thru the pillars, which are another commonly seen English trait. Lastly, the use of steel/iron screws, which is again, commonly seen on English reels.

I have seen many English reels with all of these traits, but none American. I agree with Stefan, very likely by Heaton.

Nice pictures !

Dean.

[Eric J]

The horn handle tells me it may be British.
Interesting that you say it is 2-3/4” and it appears to be marked 2.75 on the bottom.