For sale here is a very rare first model Edward Vom Hofe Model 423 fly reel (before it was called the Restigouche model beginning circa 1911). In the late 1800s this size was designated as 5/0 (became 6/0 circa 1911). The reel is in excellent original condition. This reel carries the Sep 2, 1879 patent on the drag adjustment knob under the handle, as well as the Jan 23, 1883 patent mark for the sliding click drag. German silver safety bands and pair of roller bars. The reel has a strong click and fully functional adjustable pin-in detent drag under the handle (this feature was replaced circa 1907 with the seven detent arrowhead pointer). This reel has a screw-in S-handle reel with a screw-top counterbalance, again a rare feature! Full-length and un-filed foot with two extra holes, also representing an early feature of these reels. It is believed that they started stamping the serial numbers on the feet circa 1908. A truly remarkable early example for the Vom Hofe fisherman/collector!

Note: The 1889 catalog copy shown is not this exact model, but neat for the sake of comparison.