For sale here is a very rare and historically important Clinton sidemount trout reel. Marked "C. M. Clinton Ithaca N.Y. Pat Oct. 29 '89". Charles M. Clinton of Ithaca, NY was granted patent No. 413,774 on October 29, 1889, essentially for his improvements on the all hard rubber reel patented earlier by Alonzo Fowler, also of NY, in 1872. Built with an oil reservoir that ran through the spool shaft, the reel was offered in both all German silver and later in aluminum. This German silver model is 2 5/8" in diameter and features a perforated spool that allowed lines to dry while remaining on the reel. Small hard rubber grasp. Unmolested and full length foot. In excellent condition, showing only normal wear.