Thos. Chubb, 3rd version Henshall - Van Antwerp, Black Bass reel, sn. 699, multiplier, GS, steel gears, Pat. '83/87, c. 1895

$3,800

Dr. James A. Henshall, along with Kentucky born Dr. William Van Antwerp designed a reel specifically for the Black Bass and turned production over to Thomas H. Chubb early in the 1880's. The later model Henshall Van Antwerp reels were made by Julius vom Hofe. 

Meek & Milam, Frankfort, Ky., No. 3, numbered screws, 3 dots on foot, counter weight, wide spool, brass

$2,400

Talbot Reel & Mfg. Co., marked 'L. Harris, Al Foss, Cleveland, 1914', No. 52, sn. 5393, date on foot, cork spacer, narrow spool, large jeweled bearing cap ,GS

   SOLD

J. F. & B. F. Meek, Frankfort, Ky.,  numbered screws, wide spool, heavy double 'S' handle, with counter balance weight. 

$42,000

This is the 'Judge Mason Brown's reel'; same as the Pres. Grover Cleveland's reel in the Smithsonian Museum.  One of only two reels made.  Documented by book: 'Fishing Reel Makers of Ky.', a news paper article, and a letter from the family and owner or the reel, George Maddox.  Documents are in the possession of Tom Greene and will be included with the reel.  View the documents on Judge Mason Brown.

Meek & Milam, Frankfort, Ky., No. 2, numbered screws, marked 'H. N. Snyder'

$4,900

James Heddon & Sons, No. 40, #1 marked on foot, screw off back plate, GS

$4,500

Meek & Milam, Frankfort, Ky., No. 1, no serial number, no numbered screws, GS

$4,550

Thos H. Chubb, Henshall -Van Antwerp, number 418, marked 'J. W. Smith, Aug-90'

$3,800

G. W. Gayle & Son, Frankfort, Ky., No.3, Hand Made, marked 'J. W. Feamster / Frankfort, Ky', very rare level-wind feature, c. 1900

$2,950

George William Gayle was born in Kentucky and worked as an apprentice in his early years in the J.F. and B.F. Meek shop and later with B.C. Milam. The first Gayle reel was crafted in 1882. The earliest known and dated reel is a brass No.3 size that was made for a relative Lent Tanner dated 1884. In the mid 1890's, son Clarence Gayle was making two styles of casting reels. One was the traditional Kentucky style or Frankfort reel. Clarence made reels from brass, German silver and hard rubber. He would later make some out of aluminum.  Reels were made in sizes ranging from the No.1 size for women and children to the larger No. 10 designed for tarpon and other large saltwater fish. (Gayle website)

B. C. Milam, Frankfort, Ky., No. 2, sn. 5568, GS, wide spool

$1,300