Classic Reels

Connecticut Reels

It’s been a while since I’ve posted in here which means it is time to get busy.

When it comes to vintage ‘Good ol’ Made In USA’ reels in my collection, there is one geographical area that keeps presenting itself; Connecticut.

Connecticut is not the most prolific of reel producing states, but it is notable by the longevity and popularity of certain reels produced there. The list of manufacturers almost reads like a who’s who:

Bethel Machine
Connecticut Reel Company
Halkovach Mfg. Co.
Hatch, Anson B.
Hendryx
Holmes
Horton Mfg. Co. (Bristol)
Liberty Bell
Star Reel Works
Sterling Mfg. Co.
Stuart
Terry
Union Hardware Co.
Winchester Repeating Arms Co.

I don’t have reels from all these makers and probably never will. In fact I have a very modest group of CT reels. There are however, a few of those makers up there that I definitely plan on tracking down.

The few that I have so far, and I’d love to see some of yours!


The 1769 Union Fly Reel – Torrington CT.
Three inches in diameter.



A 3-3/8” L. W. Holmes “Perfect” style reel – Oronoque CT.



From the Horton Mfg. Co. the Bristol 65 came in a few different versions – Bristol CT

nice set of reels, excellent condition too! Keep on the good work of collecting (and posting them here). i just got my last SSS, the baby 6/7. so that collection is finalyzed now. will post some new pictures when the light is good again, rainy here now...

Here is my set up, on the Bamboo rod I am in the process of building.

That rod is gorgeous. Great work!

View attachment 40098


Here is my old Hardy Perfect reel.

Sweet Perfect! I have one, 3 3/8" post '53. Just bought a spare spool yesterday. Hitting the lakes with a dry line & chironomids and a type 3 sink with leeches...gotta hear the "Hardy song!!" On bamboo makes it just a little better still! (I'll have to start posting pics...)---Steve :thumb:

I used to fish some bamboo rods, but stopped as I was always afraid to break them. I should pick up another one for small streams. I love the feel of bamboo, although they are sometimes a bit heavy in comparison to the newer rods.

I also like the simple reels. Not much need for more than that when fishing small streams anyway.

I cannot wait for summer, so I can get hit the little streams and rivers! Will be heading to Montana in about 2 1/2 weeks!!!! YEAH!

Now that was nice !! Gotta love the classics! Does anybody else notice how some of these reels cost more now then they did when they were new.

I came across another Connecticut reel. A 3-1/2" Stuart featuring dual handles. I like dual handles and for the life of me can't figure out why more fly reels don't have them. Any centerpin reel worth its salt has 'em - so why not fly reels?

WW; This one's not from Connecticut, but rather closer to home here in Auburn, WA.

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It's marked R.H. Parks Mfg. Co. Auburn, Wash.

I haven't found out much about this maker, but have heard a rumor that there are others like it "out there". This one is 3-1/4" diameter and also has two handles but is a "silent" check. It has a very effective drag and the tolerances are very close.

Anyone else here know anything about R.H. Parks?

Greg

Nice one Greg! You might check with Orca @ http://orcaonline.org/v-web/bulletin/bb/index.php
That's where I got some information on the Sanford reel that I have from Vashon.

Great looking Parks reel Greg.
I'm aware of thier existance. Unfortunately I can't help with further information on Parks reels but Orcaonline should be your ticket for that.

TC

Hi all,
new member from Ireland look forward to forum thanks

what do you think of this reel which I think is a classic from hardy the sovereign 11/12 No 273 never used it yet

Hi Faughan, and welcome to the forum!
What you have there is a modern classic I'm sure...and when we are in the ground it will be a vintage classic!
Have fun with it and be sure to show us a picture of the salmon it brings in.

super collection of reels mike

All Dressed Up!

Here is a couple of reels that look ready to go to the opera. A Beaudex and a Pridex sporting tuxedos for Edgar Sealey. Both in 3-1/2" size, The Flylux and The Flylyte from the early '60s'

I recently found an old Martin Tuna Can...a Martin 7.

Hi Dave,

I have a Martin #7 just like yours. Mine is mint and came with the box for $9.99! Nobody else bid on it and when I asked some of the Martin guys they hadn't seen this one. Pretty cool reel. How's the glass rod collection going? I'm playing with bamboo....

This one is far from mint but i was glad to find one and they are surprisingly rare beasts to find in any condition. I'll upgrade if I get the chance. The glass collection is going well. Five new additions since the beginning of the year. Nothing spectacular...all blue collar inexpensive stuff that just get's the job done with no frills.

Nice Medalist. What "pimping" have you done?? Here is photo of one of my favorites, a Hardy St. John which I have used for over 30 years.