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Fly Reels

        Last Update:    10/10/05

 1.    H.L. Leonard Bi-Metal

2.    Earl Shapiro "Custom Built" Meek 44

       

       

Earl Shapiro of Pittsburgh, PA has been building custom fly reels for 15 years now, primarily for his own personal use.  He has finally agreed to build a few reels for sale to the public.  This particular reel is a copy of the Meek 44 with the raised back-plate.  Will handle up to a DT4 line.  Instead of being made entirely of nickel silver this reel has the side-plates made of aluminum to reduce the weight.  Has an ivory hand grasp with a beautiful pendulum shaped handle.  The back-plate has an on/off click butt as per the original.  The reel comes in a leather drawstring pouch.  Reels can be ordered through me as I am the sole dealer for Shapiro reels.  Everyone who has seen Mr. Shapiro's reels has been amazed by their quality.  They are entirely hand-built to the finest tolerances.  They have an old-world feel to them just like and Edward Vom Hofe, Meek, Zwarg, Leonard, or Walker.  The quality is on par with these reels.  You will not be disappointed by any means.

$2000

3.    Hardy St. George 2 9/16" Jr.  ORIGINAL

           

This is one of the best small reels you can buy for a light line bamboo rod.  It is a Hardy St. George Jr. that is 2 9/16" in size.  It is RH wind and has an aluminum ribbed foot.  The catch is the 2-screw style and it has an ebonite handle.  Has an agate line guide.  The agate has a tiny crack or blemish that cannot be felt.  This reel is from the 1950s and has the enamel finish with about 85% of the finish remaining.  Most all of the wear is on the rims.  A great reel to fish or collect. 

$685

4.    Hardy Uniqua 2 7/8"

   

Here is another Hardy Uniqua in the desirable 2 7/8" size.  This one is from the 1940s or 50s.  It has an ebonite handle and a ribbed brass foot.  The latch is more similar to a St George but it is riveted on instead of being screwed on.  I would bet it is a transitional reel.  It has the straight line writing on the back.  It is extremely tight and ready to be used.  Retains about 95% of its blued finish.  Overall condition is excellent.

$275

5.    Julius Vom Hofe Raised Pillar #3

       

   

This is a magnificent find for the Vom Hofe collector.  It is a Julius Vom Hofe raised pillar trout reel made out of nickel silver and hard rubber.  It has a full counterbalanced handle.  The foot is all full length and has the "little round hole" in the center with the number 3 stamped next to it.  Has an on/off click button on the back as well.  Has beautiful beading on the counterbalance and click button.  There are markings on the front plate with the "Patented Oct. 8, 1889" stamping.  With the click on the reel feels like it would be best used left handed, another rarity.  It measures 2 1/4" to the outer pillars and has a 3/4" line opening.  This is possibly a predecessor to the famous Mills fairy reel which has near identical dimensions.  This reel has been cleaned but not buffed and polished.  It is in excellent condition.

$2000

6.    Bogdan Standard Trout 3 1/4"

           

Here is a very highly sought after Bogdan Standard Trout model.  It is 3 1/4" in diameter and is perfect up to a #5 line.  It has the champagne anodized frame with the black perforated side-plates.  Classic S-shaped handle.  It is set up for RH retrieve but can easily be reversed, just ask.  This reel has been used sparingly and has a few light marks on the rim.  This reel was made by Stan Bogdan in the early 1980s and was sold by Bill Hunter in Boston.  Reel remains in excellent condition and comes in the original leather bag with drawstring.

$1850

7.    Hardy Flyweight

       

Here is a nice Hardy Flyweight.  It is the smallest of Hardy's Lightweights series of reels.  Measures 2 1/2" in diameter.  This reel is from the 1980s and has the single screw line guide.  It is in near new condition.  Handles up to a DT3 line with minimal backing.

$210.

 

8.    Hardy Uniqua 2 7/8"

   

This is a beautiful Hardy Uniqua in the desirable 2 7/8" size.  It has the white celluloid handle, horseshoe latch and a smooth brass foot. Duplicated mark II check.  Has the curved writing on the back of the reel.  Dates to the late 1920s.  This reel is nice and tight with only minor spool play.  Overall condition is very good.

$300

9.    Hardy Uniqua 2 7/8"  In Box

       

Here is a very rare find.  This is a beautiful Hardy Uniqua in the desirable 2 7/8" size.  It has an ebonite handle, horseshoe latch and a ribbed brass foot.  Duplicated mark II check.  Has the curved writing on the back of the reel.  This reel also has the stamping that it was made for Von Lengerke and Detmold, NY.  The reel is about as tight as you will ever find and is in excellent plus condition.  The finish has a fine patina.  Amazingly this reel comes in its original box with the Hardy label still attached and marked for the 2 7/8" size.  Dates to the late 1920s.  A great find for the collector.

10.    Hardy St. George Jr. Reproduction

   

Here is one of the Hardy St. George Jr. Reproduction fly reels.  It is 2 9/16" in diameter and will hold up to a DT with no backing.  This reel is RHW and comes with all of the papers, leather case and original box.  The reel has a line on it but looks like it hasn't been used.  Virtually new condition.

$395