VFT6593
For sale here is a Philbrook and Paine marbleized salmon fly reel made circa 1880. Francis J. Philbrook was a "Gunsmith's Machinist" in Bangor, Maine when he assigned over his key patent related to the first American-made raised-pillar reel to Hiram Leonard. Philbrook and Ed Payne then went on to manufacture the reels for Leonard. This reel bears the faceplate stamp "H.L. Leonard Maker." I've been told that fifteen to twenty of the P&P marbleized reels are known to exist and only a fraction of those include the Leonard stamp.
The diameter of the reel not including pillars is 3 3/4 inches. The measurement across from edge of pillar to edge of pillar is 4 3/16 inches. The measurement across the spool is 1 3/4 inches
The reel remains in original and excellent working condition. The nickel silver grasp is straight as can be and doesn't rub anywhere while winding. There are no dings to the nickel silver rims. The reel foot is original, full-length, straight with no kinks/bends and it is unblemished. All of the nickel silver screws are original and in excellent condition. The marbleized hard rubber is entirely free from cracks and the stamp is very clear to this day.
This reel obviously falls into the ultra-exotic and extremely scarce categories. With that being said, all respectable offers will be considered. Please contact with any offers, questions, or additional photo requests.