The Traditional Fisherman's Forum

I am new to the Forum and recently inherited 4 cane rods and 10 old reels from my uncle in Cornwall. Some seem to be in good condition and some will need to be repaired before I can use them. I have done some searching online but am hoping members of this forum can help. I have included photographs of 4 of the reels.
Hardy The L.R.H Lightweight with a one-rivet L-shaped line guard and "5Y" marked inside, mid 1950s? 3-3/16"
Hardy The Silex Major with "J.A.J" marked inside (Joe Johnson?). 3"
Robert Turnbull reel with telephone latch and "VII" marked inside. 3-1/2"
Unknown (no markings). 3-1/2"

Thank you

Nice collection of old fly reels bluenose, beyond my remit but I dare say someone will know about such things.

Welcome to the forum.

Thanks. I am interested in learning more about the reels, particularly the "unknown" one with no markings

They are all fly reels, apart from the Silex reel, which is a spinning/casting reel.

Just give them a gentle clean with warm soapy water, re oil/grease where applicable.

I would strip off and clean the fly lines too with warm soapy water, make sure they are nice & dry before winding back on.

Thanks, Paul F. I wondered how best to clean them.

The "unknown" reel has been identified as a Cortland 444 Ltd multiplying reel.

Welcome aboard sir….pull up a pew by the fire, pour a favourite tipple and enjoy

Your Hardy Silex Major is from 1923-1924, one of the first. I can date the reel by the regulator on the backside. Your Hardy LRH Lightweight is probably from the time 1953 ( two screw spool-locker ) to 1956/57,from around there the LRH got a two rivet L-shaped lineguide.// Steen