For sale here is an extremely scarce and possibly unique variation of the Philbrook & Paine Marbleized Trout Fly Reel -- made circa 1877 while Philbrook's legendary patent was pending. 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's size, like the later equivalently-sized Leonard Bimetal reels, is commonly referred to as the "Bass Model" and is the only reel size along with the salmon models that feature a full handle with counterbalance. All of the other trout reels featured half-handles. The faceplate bears the stamps "Philbrook & Payne Makers." and "Pat. Apl'd For". The "Payne" spelling is also somewhat scarce, as most were mis-spelled "Paine". The reel's diameter, pillar to pillar, is 3", without pillars 2 1/2". Pillar length from inner frame edge to edge is 1.05".

The reel remains in original, uncleaned, and excellent working condition. One foot pillar screw is a replacement. The click is still very strong. The full nickel silver grasp with counterbalance is straight as can be and doesn't rub anywhere while winding. There are no dings to the nickel silver rims, just honest wear and tarnish commensurate with age. The reel foot is original, full-length, straight with no kinks/bends and it is unblemished. All of the other nickel silver screws are original and are in very good condition with some obvious use marks. The marbleized hard rubber (or "mud" as some argue) is entirely free of cracks or other than normal wear.

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