Hi,

Just got one brass reel. No markings of any manufacturer, so i tought it might be a reel made by somebody for his own needs, but after opening it, i think it was actually in serial productions, as (as you can see on pics), some parts are marked with 4 lines. This could be individual mark of a workman (just guessing), which would mean it is a serial production reel. Clicker spring has become loose, so i will have to resolder it, as i plan to use it. Reel foo shall have to be straighten as well, but otherwise a nice little reel. Any idea of what kind of soldering material was used on brass? How were or better with what were such reels lubricated? Pics below and thnx for any help you can give.

BlueOne

Almost certainly made by Reuben Heaton; who supplied the trade.

Nice patina.

Brian

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Thank you Brian

BlueOne

Well i have put this reel in use with Terenzio artificial silk 3.5. I like it a lot although it is rather primitive by todays standards, and tends to vibrate when line is pulled out fast.

But i have a few questions and hope some of you who have used such reels in the past or are still using them might help.

Do you grease such reel? When i received it there was no sign of grease, but sometimes during usage it makes some noises which show, greasing would not be a bad idea. Plus that spring is actually rubbing on the fixed body so some grease there would not be a bad idea either. What did you use on such reels as grease?

I must fix the spring of a rattle. Any idea on what was used as soldering material on such reels.

Any other info on brass reels is more than welcome i think i am developing a soft spot for the shine of brass in the sun.

Thank you,

BlueOne

Certainly a good quality reel from yesteryear. As for maker no idea. Unlikely you will find out now after so long. As for grease I would use a Lithium based one if you can get it but companies such as Garcia & ABU sell small tubes of reel grease & they will do nicely. Brass I believe is brazed rather than soldered or welded
but best check with a metal worker to confirm or deny. Oh & do not polish it. Enjoy the Patina as it is. That elipical brass washer is not in keeping with rest of reel looks home made. Why is it there? perhaps to take up a bit of free play in spool.
Tight Lines

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"The Future's Bright The Future's Wet Fly"

Blue One, visit the fiberglass flyrodders forum or the clarks classic fly forum and look at the stickies under classic fly reels.

I was wondering about that washer too, but when i removed it, there was a huge gap between two parts.

Thank you both for your help.

Patina is staying on the reel, love the diffrent color effects in diffrent light.

I tried to rebraze the spring today, but it gave up after a while so must repair this. Otherwise i am having lots of fun with it.

Thanks again,

BlueOne

A few pictures of reel for those who like such reels:

Some cracking photos there Blue one.
You are obviously very proud of the reel, and quite rightly so.
I have one which is extremely similar, if not identical, and I don't think there are any makers marks on that either.
Such a shame. Looks great on your rod, hope you have loads of fish on it.
Nice to think that something that age is still being used to great effect.

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"A glint of sun has warmed the air,The flies will soon hatch out, To lure and tempt from their deep lair, The bonnie speckled trout." SKB tackle supporter. I love Furled Leaders.

Perheaps proud is not the right word, but overjoyed, it is unbelivable how much joy can one find in such old and simple reel. It has all come together, a friend has brought up interest in me for bamboo, i loved glass before, had this reel, got an oportunioty to get that artificial silk...a bit like rediscovering fishing again, lots and lots of joy.

Cheers,

BlueOne

There was a thread on here recently about horse hair line, from Zoomer. Worth a look.

Might go back a bit too early.

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