B:
B. A. & W. - N.Y.
Initials found stamped on an 1800’s brass ball handle reel.
BAIT CASTING REEL. Usually refers to a
multiplying reel that was originally used to cast bait (in the 1800s) directly
from the reel. In the 20th century, as artificial baits were developed, bait
casting reel evolution turned toward casting and retrieving artificial lures.
BAKELITE.
A phenolic resin widely used in fishing reel side plates and crank knobs. It was
patented by Leo H. Baekeland in 1907. Bakelite replaced hard rubber in most
fishing reel construction shortly thereafter.
BALL HANDLE REEL.
A type of reel usually manufactured in New York City by various makers. These
reels were made in the mid to late 1800s. The crank featured a round ball
counterbalance weight that gave these reels their common name. Most examples are
constructed of brass, but those of German silver are highly sought after. All
ball handle reels are quite collectible.
BILLINGHURST
REEL. The Billinghurst reel was the first patented American fly reel,
having been registered on August 9, 1859. An improved version was introduced in
1873. This distinctive horizontal “bird cage” type reel was manufactured by
gunsmith William Billinghurst of Rochester, N.Y. The reel is also noted for its
folding handle. The earliest reels were brass, but later production was nickel
plated. They have been found in three sizes, a rare small version, the more
common mid-size reel, and only one example known of a trolling size, or salmon
size reel. These classic American reels are very collectible and usually quite
high priced.
BLUEGRASS REELS. A generic term used for
Kentucky reels. A reel manufacturing company from Louisville Kentucky called
themselves the Blue Grass Reel Works.
BRASS. An alloy consisting equally of
copper and zink.
BRONZE. An alloy chiefly of copper and
tin.
BROWN, BACHE. 1930s and 1940s importer
and promoter of spinning tackle. Imported Luxor reels from France before World
War II. The Airex Bache Brown series of reels manufactured by the Lionel Train
Company was named by and for him.
