Early Walker Fly Reel

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RonG
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Early Walker Fly Reel

Post by RonG »

I've been looking for an early model Arthur Walker fly reel for some time. The early models had an on/off adjustable click and an internal drag much like that seen on Edward vom Hofe Peerless fly reels.




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reeltackle
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Re: Early Walker Fly Reel

Post by reeltackle »

Ron, I have two Walker salmon reels marked -
“Arthur L Walker Maker N.Y.”
One is a 200 2/0 and the other is a 200 3/0.
Both are excellent in there original cases. Contact me if you are interested.
Ed Pritchard
http://www.AntiqueFishingReels.com
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"Reels As Big As Your Head" Always looking for BIG game reels and anything else that might go along.
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reelsmith.
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Re: Early Walker Fly Reel

Post by reelsmith. »

.
Nice reel Ron.

Here are a few pictures of an early Walker 50-Series reel. This is a 53.











Early Walkers are really nice reels. The TR-series reels pale in comparison.

Dean.
Wanted: Kosmic Items, Small Leather Fly Reel Cases, Early Fishing Related Bottles, Fly Reels and Pre-1900 Angling/Casting Medals.

http://www.tackletreasures.com/
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Mike N
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Re: Early Walker Fly Reel

Post by Mike N »

Just a beautiful reel, Ron.

Walker reels are so seldom seen and I’ve never handled one, but of course know his work by reputation.

Ron, Dean and Ed: How do Arthur Walker’s best fly reels compare in quality and production numbers with Otto Zwarg?

Merry Christmas,

Mike N
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RonG
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Re: Early Walker Fly Reel

Post by RonG »

It went EVH -> Zwarg -> Walker. All made basically the same high quality salmon reel of similar designs. Zwarg didn't make a fly reel so Walker took over where EVH left off with a high quality fly reel. Like Dean said, the later model Walker reels made after Arthur walker passed are not the same quality as the early Walker fly reels.
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reelsmith.
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Re: Early Walker Fly Reel

Post by reelsmith. »

A timely addition given the conversation...

I just picked up this Walker Model 51, which is 2.5" in diameter.







This one is a keeper. I've also had a 53 and a 54 and while very similar, no two were the same, most notably different bearing caps. My guess is Walker reels were all unsigned until he started using sliding bearing covers.

Dean.
Wanted: Kosmic Items, Small Leather Fly Reel Cases, Early Fishing Related Bottles, Fly Reels and Pre-1900 Angling/Casting Medals.

http://www.tackletreasures.com/
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