sold THOMPSON 100 FLY REEL, SAN FRANCISCO

THOMPSON 100 FLY REEL, SAN FRANCISCO

This is a remarkable example of a San Francisco Thompson, made by Reels, Inc. during the 1950s and distributed by the Tri-Pak Gun Kit Co. The reel is in exceptional condition in its original box, also in exceptional condition. It was lined but probably never fished. The black anodized finish on the spool and frame is flawless, except for some tiny (<1mm) losses on the coin-edge knurling on the rim, as shown. This appears to be an anodizing issue, rather than any wear.

The Thompson reels (models 100 and 500) were based on the Hardy Perfect but incorporated an over-running clutch to relieve drag resistance on incoming line. There are two rim mounted adjustments—one is a check tensioner (like the Perfect)—and the second is a brake on the spool. The finish is anodized or electro-plated rather than Hardy’s bluing or enamel. Fascinating reel and a landmark in West Coast steelhead fishing history.