A nice Edward Vom Hofe Model 504 Tobique Salmon reel, in 2/0 size (3 3/8" diameter). Good used condition. There is some minor play in the spool (I suspect this might be addressed by taking it apart) and the end of one foot has been filed and is slightly rough. There is also a little residual varnish from a silk line on the inside of the foot crossbar though that should be removable as well. Lastly, I suspect that one of the two large headed screws near the handle collar appears to be a replacement as it is noticeably brighter and appears, to my eye at least, to have an ever-so-slightly wider slot. Otherwise the sideplates, rims, the rest of the screws, and other parts are in excellent shape. The original owner's initials "ATF" have been professionally engraved in one sideplate with the same red used on the indicator dots, and about half the color remains. The reel carries the 1902 patent "Edward Vom Hofe Maker -N.Y.-" marked drag knob cover, and has a strong click and fully functional adjustable drag with bright red indicator dots. The drag is smooth and strong, and is adjusted by the arched bar adjuster that EVH introduced starting in 1929. This model, of course, has the multiplying 2 1/8 : 1 retrieve. It comes in a handsome leather case (the initials "DW" are embossed in the top so it is likely not the original that came with this reel, but it appears to be correct). A nice example for the EVH fisherman.
This reel comes from the collection of Dr. Earl Fleegler, a passionate angler and well-known collector in the fly fishing community as well as a renowned hand surgeon. Dr. Fleegler was close friends with a number of angling luminaries including Tom Maxwell, Vince Marinaro, and Stan Bogdan (among others) and devoted considerable effort to collecting some of the finest tackle available from masters of the craft.
