sold H.L. LEONARD SALMON REEL, MODEL 48N

H.L. LEONARD SALMON REEL, MODEL 48N

Excellent Leonard raised pillar salmon reel, 4” wide measured at the full extent of the pillars.  Good choice for Spey. Spool width is 1 ¼” at the inside of the frame.  I believe this is the model 48N, the narrowest of the three sizes of the model 48, as shown in the William Mills and Son 1930 catalog.  The catalog adds that “the narrow reels have a fine appearance and balance well on rods up to 15 feet long.”  The reel is marked “H.L. Leonard /Pat. No. 191,813.”  This is the famous patent filed by Francis Philbrook and Edward Payne in 1877.  The reel itself was probably made by Julius vom Hofe under contract to Mills.

The mechanism of this reel disconnects the handle from the drag for incoming line.  When the line is outgoing—pulled by a large fish one hopes–the drag engages. The drag itself is set on the “light/heavy” scale common to the Leonard salmon reels.  But, on this reel, there is a range of detents on the drag adjustment so that the drag locks into the desired setting. The drag knob is about 1” in diameter, knurled for firm handling, and can be actuated with one hand while the reel is in use. Very slick arrangement.

Condition of the reel is excellent.  The hard rubber side plates are free of any cracks, chips, or blemishes.  The nickel silver frame remains in fine shape.  The grasp and the roller pillar turn freely.  The nickel silver foot is full-length and straight.  All in all, a fine reel to use or collect. Made for right hand use.