This C.F. Orvis fly reel, first patented in May 1874, is a good example of one of the earliest contracted spool fly reels made in America, with perforated side plates to allow the fly line to dry.
This reel was also one of the first to be mounted upright on the rod, unlike earlier side-mounted fly reels. The reel handle with a hard rubber knob is removable and stored in the black walnut case with the reel.
The Manhattan Brass and Manufacturing Company in New York City manufactured the reel for Orvis between 1974 and 1915. There were three main models, including two trout models of nickel silver then nickel-silver plated brass, as well a bass version with a wider spool.
According to the original patent paperwork, the original prototype for the reel was made of hard rubber, although none of these has ever been found.
In addition, there is a very rare aluminum model and an even rarer gold-plated model made “for prizes”. The heavy gold-plated example sold recently in the Langs Auction for over $3,000.
Steve Woit is the author of “Fly Fishing Treasures: The World of Fly Fishers and Collecting”, a book featuring profiles of 30 experts and collectors and over 800 photographs of rare and collectible fly rods, reels, flies, books, and ephemera.
