ANTIQUE REELS

Kentucky, Fly, & Big Game Reels

From the collection of Tom Greene

Page 8

Rare Meek Reels

J.F & B.F. Meek brass reel, size 5

One of the earliest examples from this famous maker of Kentucky reels.  The maker name is J. F. & B.F. Meek, who were in business together in Frankfort, Kentucky in the 1850's. 

The screws are numbered and are made of German silver.  The horn finger grip is located on a 12:00 position counter-balanced 'S' shaped handle.  The size is similar to the later #5 made by Meek, but is not marked on the foot.  Based on owner provenance provided with this reel, it is likely this is one of two examples of this size and variation.  The other example is known to have been presented to president Grover Cleveland.

   

 

Meek & Milam 'zero' size

This previously unknown or unreported size 'zero' is one of the smallest Meeks ever reported.  Meek and Milam joined forces in the 1870's to produce some the the finest Kentucky reels ever made.

 

   

 

A comparison of a typical size #1 Meek on the left, and the Meek zero on the right

 

Now go look at this ultra rare # 8 B. F. Meek

 

Click here for a list of Meek maker marks for dating various Meek reels.

If you have early fishing reels you wish to sell, please call me at my business number (Custom Rod and Reel):

Click here to call or Contact Tom Greene

(Please note: I do not wish to buy reels by Pflueger, Penn, Ocean City, South Bend, Shakespeare, Abu-Garcia, or other post WW-II makers.)

Reels:  1  2  3  4  5  6  7  8  9

If you have antique reels, Kentucky reels, big game rods and reels, or fly reels you wish to sell:

Contact Information for Tom Greene

 

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Site created 10- 3-1997   Copyrighted 1997 - 2010

Last updated: Monday, May 31, 2010 03:15 PM

All content copyrighted and owned by Tom Greene, Lighthouse Point, Florida.