ID for Odd Wooden Multiplying Free Spool Reel

[desertangler]

Hi Everyone,

I picked this one up recently. It has passed between a couple of fellow ORCAns in recent months. What an oddball reel. First time I have seen a wooden reel that is a multiplier. It has a lever to switch into free spool. On the backside it has a knob that rotates to turn the clicker on and off. The handle knob appears to be bone. Thumb nuts allow quick take down. The numbering on the frame "No. 12209" is also puzzling. Any info would be greatly appreciated!

Tight lines,

George

[kyreels]

Cool reel, I would bet its in the Library. Abercrombie and Fitch 1906 has a wood multiplier description similar to this, but it is mahogany and German Silver, no picture or number though.

[Steve]

The A&F reel is almost certainly this young feller, patented here in 1905:

Old no. 12209 appears to be British. I can't ID it, but there are a couple of British patents that might be represented:
G.F. Tate, 14987, 7/20/1899
C.R. Iorns or Xorns or Yorns, 23296, 12/20/1900
But 12209 may be a patent number, and maybe one of our trans-Pond friends can look it up.
FYI, there was a U.S. patent in 1890 for a narrow-spool trolling reel with a clutch that operated just like the one in 12209.

[desertangler]

Thanks Matt and Steve. If the reel doesn't look familiar to you gents, then it is unusual indeed!

George

[Mike N]

I forwarded this question to Stef Duma in the UK. Let’s see if he can help.

Mike N

[Stef Duma]

I am as wise as the next man on this.

The finish on the brass reminds me of the period 1860-1890 a dull finish.

The method of disassembly is very similar to that on the Swedish reels from the 1960's

Multiplying reels from the 19th century are not common on British tackle let alone wood and I know of no British wooden multiplying reel.

I do not think that its British

[desertangler]

Thanks Mike and Stef, I appreciate the help. Steve also sent me one of the patents that he mentioned, and it looks like it might be related, but that is as close as we got. Still a mystery!

Tight lines,

George

[desertangler]

Steve Vernon and I took a closer look at the reel. Surprisingly, the pinion gear on the spool has the same number of teeth as the main gear on the crank. Consequently, it has a 1:1 gear ratio, and is actually not a multiplier. I'll call it a geared wooden reel. This one will likely remain a very well-made mystery reel.