For sale here is a Philbrook & Paine Marbleized Trout Fly Reel made circa 1877, before the patent was issued. 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 was the smallest size made that bears the faceplate stamps "Philbrook & Paine Makers." and "Pat. Apl'd For". The reel's diameter, pillar to pillar, is 2 3/8", without pillars 1 7/8". Spool width is 0.75". Reel weighs 3.4 oz. Most experienced collectors here in the US believe there were only two of this size produced with the "Pat. Apl'd For" markings. As with anything in the collectible tackle world though, no one can be certain.

The reel remains in original and excellent working condition. The click is still very strong. The nickel silver grasp is straight as can be and doesn't rub anywhere while winding. Having never been polished, one can see the verdigris on the inner spool, which could be cleaned off easily with Simichrome if someone desired. There are no dings to the nickel silver rims, just honest wear commensurate with age. 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 (or "mud" as some argue) is entirely free from cracks.

This reel obviously falls into the ultra-exotic and extremely scarce categories. With that being said, all respectable offers will be considered. Please contact me with any offers, questions, or additional photo requests.