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Reel Identification
One of the easiest ways to
identify some of those unmarked or "generic" named reels is by
the construction of the reel foot, or plate. These reel foot on these
reels is usually stamped from sheet brass, and has a readily identifiable
pattern. Some are shown below:
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This nice looking little hard rubber plated fly reel
is a Pflueger. Note the rounded ends on the foot, and the ridged
center part of the plate. Remember the nice rounded ends of the
foot. The only markings on this reel is "60" the yardage
designation. |
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I've seen this one called a Vom Hofe, but it's not.
Note the four bent down rounded ears that connect to the pillars.
This foot definitely identifies it as a Montague. This is a nice
hard rubber and nickel fly reel, with protected rims. |
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Note the four rivet ends showing on this foot. The
rivets are "U" shape and hold this foot on to the pillars.
That identifies this reel as a Hendryx. They are usually marked on
the underside of the foot with the name and some early patent
dates. |
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Note that this reel is the same as the one above,
except for the foot. This is a later version of the Hendryx made by
Winchester, or Horrocks-Ibbotson after they bought the Fishing
Tackle Division of Winchester in 1932. The yardage mark was
underlined by both companies. |
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Note the very distinctive hole. This familiar mark
identifies this small multiplier as produced by Julius vom Hofe.
This ID mark is seen on almost all the Julius vom Hofe reels,
whether fly, casting, or salt water. |
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This nice "S" handle reel is readily
identified by the two end plates and the foot all being stamped out
of one piece of metal. Of course the "Dec 16 84" patent
stamp also helps. It was made by John Kopf. This reel also has a
stop latch and revolving click button on the rubber headplate. |
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Notes |
Reel Feet
Most
of the reels shown here were manufactured by major reel makers, but
were marketed by large tackle dealers or wholesale houses as their
own reels. Many were stamped with generic names.
Numbers:
The
numbers on the reel foot usually indicated the size - either the
number of yards of a specified line the reel would hold, or in the
case of the vom Hofe, the size of the reel (shown is a No. 5) . |
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