Old Martin reel

Question
Hello Robert,
I saw your response to a question about an old Martin fly reel and thought you might have some insight into one I own.  The other questioner had a reel with a date stamped on it. Mine has no date.  All it has is No.2 (the size), "Martin Aut'Fish Reel Co. Mohawk, NY" and "PAT. APPLIED FOR.".  From this information can you guess a manufacturing date?  Would it predate the 1892 date stamped on that reel the other person asked about? That is my assumption, but we all know about assumptions.

Richard

Answer
Richard,

I did a little research, although the earliest Martin patents date to 1892, they had more patents over time.

The Martin Novelty Works became the Martin Automatic Reel company in 1908-09 and relocated in to Mohawk in 1921. Therefore, I would date your reel into the 1920s.

I would post a question at ORCA (Old Reel Collectors Association).

orcaonline.org

from this page select REEL TALK to post a question.



bob