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Yawman & Erbe Reels
The first commercially successful automatic reel was patented
in 1880 by Francis A. Loomis of Onondago, NY. Phillip H. Yawman & Gustave
Erbe of Rochester, New York, purchased the rights to the Loomis & Plumb reel
in the mid 1880s. Early Y&E reels were identical to the Loomis & Plumb
reels, and were stamped with the Loomis patent dates (1880 & 1881). In 1888
Yawman patented a stronger gearing system; in 1891 he received a patent for a
reinforced brake lever; and in 1899 he patented the famous key wind mechanism.
Y&E produced a full line of automatic reels: the "old reliable"
Keyless reel in three sizes and fives finishes. These reels are scarce. The key
wind reels were manufactured only in aluminum, and also in three sizes. Yawman
and Erbe sold their automatic reel business to Horrocks-Ibbotson Co. of Utica,
NY shortly after 1910, but continued in business, manufacturing a wide variety
of products, until 1961. H-I continued the manufacture of both the Old Reliable
until about 1920, and the Key Wind reel into the 1930s.
The Reels:
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A pair of rubber Y&E's. Note that the small one, c1884
has the line guide at the rear. It was used for trolling on a Conroy
bait rod. The larger reel is a #2 size from about 1891 |
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A couple of brass Y&E's. The small one is c1884-1890,
and is rigged for a fly rod. The larger one is the #3 size, and rigged
for a bait rod. Note the cover over the spring on that reel, which dates
it to 1892+. |
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Some boxed Y&E reels. The two reels are both "Key
Wind" or automatic-combination models. The left reel is the
smallest size made. The oldest box is the pale green one at the bottom
left, and the newest one is the blue, bottom right one. |
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Some fantastic Y&E paper. Left: 1891 catalog; top
center: trade card c1890s; bottom center: Envelope, 1896; Right: 1893
catalog. |
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Notes |
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Y & E Reels are
really unique. They are old, and they look it.
I'd really like to
find a Loomis & Plumb reel for my collection. |
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