Drag handles

[Reelman2]

Occasionally I come across reels that have a drag handle such as the Williams and Rabbeth. Sometimes there will be one for sale and it might be labeled wrong. If you have a reel with one of these could you provide a pic and label it I am pretty familiar with the Williams but others I am not sure of. Is there a book that would list the various ones ?

[RonG]

Bill Hoerter had his collection of reels with external handle drag variations at the St. Augustine Show. It was very interesting seeing the various designs. See Photos.

[Steve]

Is there a book that would list the various ones ?

My book includes photos when possible and descriptions of what I believe are all the U.S. drag handles patented up to 1920 and a couple of later ones. An example:

[kyreels]

The Bill Hoerter display was very interesting, I had never seen another display of drags like that. It would be interesting to see a reel display with the freshwater (or bait casting) reels with special drag handle variations.

If you don't have the Vernon flagship book Antique Fishing Reels, you will regret it when it goes out of print. There may never be another printing. I may buy a second copy so I can sell it to you.

[Steve]

Thank you, Matt.

I wish I could have seen Bill's display and read the cards. Some are readable in the photos, but there are others I don't recognize.

[BILL HOERTER]

Steve it was your Great Book that gave me the idea to collect the salt water drag handles that were made in America pre star drag. I am having a great time finding all the different varieties and also interesting ones that have been altered by fishermen. I am also finding interesting handle stops that go with the drag handles. In looking for these items I am wondering if the drag handle and handle stop is strictly American. I can't thank you enough for all your research and your book that I use almost every day.

[Steve]

Bill, it's great to learn you find the book useful. Thank you for the kind words. That's a very interesting collecting niche, and you clearly have been unusually successful in filling it. Spiffy! We can deal with the American? question later.

[Brian F.]

Hi Bill,
I was always curious about the drag handle on the reel 2nd from right on the 2nd row from top. I know it's marked Cozzone but never saw it in Phil's book (maybe in Roger's?). Looks very much like a Williams drag handle.

[Jeff Johnson]

I was wondering if anyone has seen this handle? I collect interesting drag handles as well. This may not fall into that category since it's using the the reels existing wheel but it's got the cool factor. It's made by the company who makes the Drone lure - LB Huntington. It's the only example I've seen.

[Jeff Johnson]

[john elder]

Neat! Never seen that one! It looks like it’s mission is to add mechanical advantage for cranking by lengthening the throw on the handle? I see a stop 2/3 of the way up the handle…. Implies that there is another stop, unseen, on the other side of the square centerpiece? Is it free to slide in that centerpiece to change the length of throw?

[Jeff Johnson]

John, you are correct - it's an early adjustable power handle. The stop on the other side is just a screw at the end of the arm. It's easily adjustable with no tools and could be done while fighting a fish. Anybody else have one or seen one? It was a first for me. Thanks! Jeff