About these Trowbridge Boston reels....

[Richard Lodge]

I was happy to add to my collection of Trowbridge Boston reels (for a total of 2) this week. The smaller reel is believed to be by John Kopf and has the letter B stamped under the foot. When the larger reel arrived this week I thought it was interesting to find some similarities. The grasps (I think they are hard rubber) are both nicely shaped, although different sizes; the oil covers on the back are very similar, with knurling around the edges; and although the way the feet are attached is different, both are stamped with letters. B, for the smaller reel and D on the larger one. Anyone out there have reels from Trowbridge, a Boston retailer, for comparison?

[Steve]

The RP looks more Mallesonian or Sloteish to me. Based on the similarities, I suppose the salmon reel is the same maker's.

[Richard Lodge]

Thanks, Steve.

[Jim Schottenham]

Richard,
I'm not sure if this is going to clear things up, or muddy the waters, but here goes!
I have these two reels that are shown in an 1891 Thomas Chubb catalog as the model 20, and though unmarked, sure look like your larger reel, right down to the knurled spool screw and the hour-glass shaped grasp:





I have two other Trowbridge reels, both marked, but unlike yours.



There are other instances where Chubb and Kopf reels seem to be the same, like with the Kopf saltwater reels that Henry has.
This same reel shows up in the same 1891 Chubb catalog. Steve Vernon wrote about this very reel in the November 2015 issue of the Reel News.

[Steve]

Never argue with Jim!

[Richard Lodge]

Wow! Thanks, Jim. Great information and photos. You're right, it doesn't exactly clear up the possible maker of my reels but it broadens the field and gives me something to study and consider.
And Steve, I would never argue with Jim or you.

[Jason]

Here is the brass model 21 in 40yd size from that catalog for comparison.