Question regarding Meisselbach early automatic fly reel

[Randy Fowler]

According to Phil's book the earliest reel shows two small brass rivet caps on the silver plate on the reel top. It also shows Meisselbach above the large brass center rivet cap on the silver plate with Automatic inscribed below the center rivet cap. On the bottom of the reel he states Pat June 17, 1913 is scribed.

I have an Automatic exactly like the one in his book except that it has three small rivet caps around the large center rivet cap on the silver plate on the top of the reel. It is inscribed with two different designs, one at the front of the stamp Meisselbach-Automatic and a design at the end of the name on top of the silver plate. On the bottom of the reel it is stamped Pat June 30, 1914.

Does anyone know why the different Pat dates were used on the early auto and the different plates on the reel top?

[reelland]

Randy,

I may be wrong and I am sure Phil or someone can give the correct answer, But I don't think any of these are stamped 1913. The Meisselbach automatic first models are always stamped 1914 I believe if they have a date. Some of the earliest first models are stamped Pat. Pending with no date though. Bill.

[Randy Fowler]

Hi Bill. I have a pair and both are stamped June 30, 1914. Both also have the same top plate designs and markings. Phil's drawing and pat dates listed on page 43 of his book are different than my two reels. Phil indicated the pat was granted in 1913, I found it odd that they stamped a different date on my reels.

[Rubber Reel Lady]

Pliny's original automatic reel patent was granted in 1913, as shown in the patent section of my book. He was granted another patent on June 30, 1914. If your reel has "pat pending" on it it was probably covered by the 1913 patent. Craig Barber did a very fine article on these early Meisselbach Automatics for the Meisselbach Newsletter several years ago. I will reprint it in the Meisselbach column when we have room in The Reel News. Incidentally, that is not my drawing, that is the illustration that the Meisselbach used in their catalog and advertising when introducing the Automatic reel.

[Randy Fowler]

Hi Phil, I'm pretty much a novice when it comes to Meisselbach reels. I have been able to collect quite a few in a short time. I hope they stay a secret for awhile. Great reels, well made with simple clean designs. Your book has been a great help and contains a wealth of information. Thanks!