Spiral gears

Steve · Post by **Steve** » Thu Jun 17, 2004 1:13 pm

Has anyone seen spiral gears in F. Vom Hofe or pre-1882 J. Vom Hofe reels?

Reel Geezer · Post by **Reel Geezer** » Thu Jun 17, 2004 8:53 pm

Steve: first you better tell me how to identify a pre-1882 JVH reel.

Steve · Post by **Steve** » Fri Jun 18, 2004 10:32 am

By 1882, Fred was in his mid-70s, so it's my guess that he probably hadn't done much reelmaking since Julius got his first patent in '67. I've always believed that Julius was responsible for the later FVH & Son reels, just as Milam was responsible for the Meek & Milam reels, Clarence Gayle for the Geo. Gayle reels, etc.

Some pre-1882 Abbey & Imbrie reels may be JVH products, too. The co. was born in 1875, I think. In 1882, JVH assigned his second patent to Imbrie, so there was probably a relationship between them before that.

It might be easier to find the spiral gears, then worry about dating the reel precisely. And there's always a chance of finding dated inscriptions on the reels.