G H Mansfield “Sea Serpent” made by A. H. Fox Gun Company

[Biggamereels1988]

I’ve been collecting these reels from the Fox Gun Company. This is one of the more unusual ones made by them for G.H. Mansfield. If you have any that look like this or that look like the Fox Gun Company reels - I’d love to buy em!

[Biggamereels1988]

All Cleaned up -

[Biggamereels1988]

So of course I went into a deep dive on G. H. Mansfield and here is the findings -

George H. Mansfield and Company originated in 1821, when Simeon Presbrey began the manufacture of twine and thread using the first water privilege on Massapoag Brook. Mr. Presbrey sold his business to Thomas Baker Vose in 1844; Vose, in turn, sold the business to William Mansfield in 1849. Mansfield manufactured cotton twine and threads that were made into cotton blankets widely used during the Civil War. Shortly after the end of the war, the company was turned over to his son George H. Mansfield, who began producing braided silk fishing line as early as March 1866. The company expanded several times over the years and occupied may of the other mill buildings in the town. After the company moved to a building in the Rising Sun complex, the original factory stood empty; it was demolished in June 1952.



I found Another Model " Sea Sport " on another forum.


Here is their showroom that they made into postcards, so you can find them floating around. I've seen a few sales for them.




Some original Documents

[Nick in NY]

You have to appreciate those marbleized side plates... It's nice knowing they are being appreciated. Nice!

[Richard Lodge]

Great information about a somewhat obscure Massachusetts company. Thanks for posting all of this!

[RonG]

Coming up after a deep dive is always satisfying. You did a great job documenting facts about this obscure reel maker.