Rubber Reels

If her husband was going to spend time at fishing tackle shows, Miz Beaver decided that she was also going to collect something found at those shows. After some consideration it was decided that she would collect small rubber reels. Hard rubber was used for constructing sideplates in fishing reels in the late 1800s and early 1900s. Now known as the "Rubber Reel Lady" at tackle shows, she has an extensive collection of small hard rubber reels. Some are shown below.

The illustration above shows the rubber reel lady and her husband Phil on one of their fishing outings. Note their Boykin Spaniel, Bert, attacking the lunch basket.

Some small rubber fly reels by various makers

Small multipliers by Hendryx. These all date to the 1870-1910 period.

Small multipliers dating in the 1880s by Kopf and Julius vom Hofe.

Montague Rod & Reel Company was probably the most prolific manufacturer of hard rubber and metal reels. Here are 5 examples. They range from 40 yard raised pillar reels to 60 yard quadruple bait casting reels

Pflueger was also a large manufacturer of rubber reels in the early 1900s.

A pair of hard rubber and German silver fly reels made by Julius vom Hofe. Left: #4 reel marked "Wm Mills & Son N.Y." Right: #5 reel marked "Conroy Bissett & Malleson, N.Y." Both are probably from the 1870s.

This page is being transferred to the Old Reels web site. There are some new pictures already up at that site, and all photos will be transferred to that site eventually.

You can view the new photos and more rubber reels at the link below. (use your back button to return to this page)

Rubber Reels