sold ALLCOCK “AERIAL” REEL, ENGLAND

ALLCOCK “AERIAL” REEL, ENGLAND

Fascinating British reel for fresh-water fishing.  Made early in the 1900s but exhibits many elements of contemporary fly reel design.  These include the frameless design, the large arbor, and the extensively perforated spool. The check mechanism is gear and pawl, with the option of locking the pawl out for free spool or disengaging it temporarily with finger pressure.  Not sure how this was meant to be fished, but I believe it would work as a light line fly reel.  Certainly would be distinctive.  Condition is excellent.  Frame and spool appear to be machined alloy, foot is brass, grasps are a white composite material.  Adjustable bearing is fine—turns freely, and with the check off, spins forever.