I get some funny looks for fitting single-legged go-faster rings on my favourite canes, but, Oh Boy, do they benefit from them!
Zephyrs were made because paper was an economical material to use; the owner was quite right to adapt them for his own purposes, just as many regard Drennan's current output as raw material for modification.If the original owner turns out to be a well-known angler of his day, it might even make them more collectable.
I must concur with all those who lust after that winder!

"Write drunk, edit sober" - Hemingway.
Hemingway didn't have to worry about accidentally hitting "submit" before he edited.