Hi there. I have two reels I am trying to value. One is a very small brass reel. It has a very interesting little notch on the left side, which appears to turn of the ratchet noise as it goes round. In my non expert opinion it looks like it could quite possibly be the first reel ever made it looks very old but good condition. The other is wooden, with a groved pattern on the sides. I havn't been succesful in uploading the pictures, if your willing to take a look, if you don't mind leaving your email, i'll send you the pictures.
First reel is a mass produced single action reel with riveted side plates and tabbed foot. Someone else will know by the foot the exact maker, but I am guessing an inexpensive Montague trade reel (or a low end Pflueger). It is probably about 100 years newer than the "first" American made reels.
This wood reel is out of my experience range.
I hope this helps. I used the Upload Picture function at the top of the page - next time you can do it yourself (this was my first try!)
Len's comments about the brass reel are right on, but the pic of the foot is too blurry for a more precise ID. The wooden reel seems to be a fairly "routine" British Nottingham reel, possibly of similar vintage.
Never realised how many websites there were dedicated to fishing reels, i might have to start seeing if i can pick up any bargains, it appears they can be worth a lot sometimes.
The wooden reels is a "boys strapback reel" Millward sold them along with Allcocks etc. A very cheap reel made for boys and begineers, the foot and strap back were stamped out of sheet brass and then bent and shaped.
They sell in England for about £5-10, $8-15
it looks very old but good condition. The other is wooden, with a groved pattern on the sides. I havn't been succesful in uploading the pictures, if your willing to take a look, if you don't mind leaving your email, i'll send you the pictures.
