Julius Vom Hofe Reel

[washburp@ohio.edu]

I recently got a Julius Vom Hofe brass reel at an Ohio antique store for only $35. While I do not collect Vom Hofe reels, I bought it because I knew it had to be worth more than that since it was in very good condition with the original patina. I also wonder how old it is--I am guessing in the late 1800s or early 1900s. The headplate and backplate are 2 1/8 inches across, and it is 1 3/4 inches wide across the reel. It has no drag, it has no clicker, and the handle is counter balanced. The only words on the reel are on the faceplate: Julius Vom Hofe, below that is MAKER, and below that is --NY--. There is no number on the foot. I have been told that it may have been sold as an early fly reel.

I have never seen a Vom Hofe reel with the word MAKER and --NY--, and when that is combined with being all brass, which I cannot find in looking at Vom Hofe reels online or in books, I wonder if this is an unusual reel and what it might be worth. If you collect Vom Hofe reels and have some helpful information, it would be very appreciated.

[Nick in NY]

Hmmm without a photo it’ll be pretty hard to identify but as you noted if it’s stamped Julius Vom Hofe make yeah it’s early AND worth the $35 price tag… it’s got to be pre 1900’s… it’s still out there in 1 form or another as older tackle continues to surface from a seasoned collector or passed. Tight lines Nick n NY

[washburp@ohio.edu]

In describing my Vom Hofe reel, I forgot one thing. This is not a raised pillar reel.

[RonG]

Here's one marked the way you described, but it's made of German silver.

Ron

[washburp@ohio.edu]

That is exactly how my brass Vom Hofe reel is marked. So, was this an early Vom Hofe mark from the 1800s?

[Midway Tommy D]

If you really want to get an accurate assessment of your reel post a few quality photos from varying angles. Who knows, you may even spur some interest, or maybe even a purchase offer.

[RonG]

If it has a sliding oil port cover, it would be from the 1800's.

[washburp@ohio.edu]

The reel has no sliding oil port cover.

[RonG]

Please send me some photos and I'll post them for you.

[kyreels]

Sir,

Please post photos using the instructions here viewtopic.php?t=15596. Alternatively, please email photos to a member using the Contact Icon.

[RonG]

Below are the photos.

[Nick in NY]

Pictures worth a thousand words... Yes it's early, unfortunately the foot doesn't help but a neat old reel.