I found this website and thought I would share. Just thought it was cool.

http://www.orcaonline.org/reel_history.htm

Very interesting. I wish there were pictures of the reels.

Falcon

Go to the home page and there is a button for a bunch of old reels most of them from Pflueger and Shakespeare.  Here is a link for some photos.

http://www.orcaonline.org/shakes_archives.htm

I bought this one at an outdoor flea market about 15yrs ago I think. I dont know anything about it other than its real old and in good shape, it still has the old line in it complete with a backlash. The reel is a Pflueger Supreme and the rod says  "Lucky Boy Delta Queen".

another pic

I read the article with great interest, but I have a different interpretation of one of his statements.

In 1651, English literature first reported a "wind" installed within two feet of the lower end of the rod. This is usually accepted as the earliest known written reference to a reel

I don't think it is "wind" as in "mind".

I think it is "wind" as in "sinned"

The wind passing within two feet of the lower end of the rod clearly refers to "fishermans flatulence".

After all, we well know how full of hot air most anglers are.  

Isn't it nice to know the same was true in 1651?

Fascinating.  Thanks for the link.