Fly/Salmon reel identification

[Roachy]

This reel has got me stumped.The only mark on it is AF on the back.Anyone help me out?

[Olly]

There appears to be another hole in the spool - perhaps for another handle?

It could be then - just a centrepin.

[Silexman]

Not much of a centrepin if it has an enclosed rim therefore no rim control.
Looks like a home-made one to me.

[Nigel Rainton]

It looks like it's been cast rather than machined. A very robust reel, what size is it?

[Roachy]

It looks like it's been cast rather than machined. A very robust reel, what size is it?

3 3/4 x 1 3/4. It has AF stamped on the back.

[Nobby]

That's an exceptionally well-made reel. Look at the steel pins at the tips of the check calliper spring arms! I've not seem that before. Unusual to have the caliper spring mounted where it is..the knob is usually at the top of the reel.

There was a John Ambrose Farlow, of Farlows & Co. in 1919.

https://www.farlows.co.uk/heritage


Fairly common to be known by your middle name then for some reason....AF...???

I'd think that reel from about that time with those dimensions.......nearly 100 years old then!

[Rutland Rod]

That's an exceptionally well-made reel. Look at the steel pins at the tips of the check calliper spring arms! I've not seem that before. Unusual to have the caliper spring mounted where it is..the knob is usually at the top of the reel.

There was a John Ambrose Farlow, of Farlows & Co. in 1919.

https://www.farlows.co.uk/heritage


Fairly common to be known by your middle name then for some reason....AF...???

I'd think that reel from about that time with those dimensions.......nearly 100 years old then!

We all keep saying it but what a wonder this forum is, as usual Nobby does the business...personally I like it, the other hole does look like its for another handle, and it’s a wide spool, perhaps intended for both fly fishing and spinning ?

[Roachy]

That's an exceptionally well-made reel. Look at the steel pins at the tips of the check calliper spring arms! I've not seem that before. Unusual to have the caliper spring mounted where it is..the knob is usually at the top of the reel.

There was a John Ambrose Farlow, of Farlows & Co. in 1919.

https://www.farlows.co.uk/heritage


Fairly common to be known by your middle name then for some reason....AF...???

I'd think that reel from about that time with those dimensions.......nearly 100 years old then!

We all keep saying it but what a wonder this forum is, as usual Nobby does the business...personally I like it, the other hole does look like its for another handle, and it’s a wide spool, perhaps intended for both fly fishing and spinning ?

The hole is indeed for another handle.

[Olly]

I am glad someone else has noticed that!

I have an old Farlows catalogue- pre-WWII - and there is nothing like it in that - most reels being pretty 'modern' looking.

My catalogue refers to:-
C Farlow & Co Ltd
11 Panton Street
Haymarket

So I hope someone can date it!

[Nobby]

Panton Street...1925. Possibly there until the Sixties:

https://www.farlows.co.uk/heritage