Gone fishing may be a wistful dream in the present flood situation, but anglers could haul quite a net out of Cosford Auction rooms, next Saturday, November 18. Mullock Madeley, top sporting auctioneers, are to hold a first antique and modern fishing tackle sale at the Cosford venue on Shropshire’s border with the West Midlands.
According to auctioneer John Mullock the catalogue is strong and diverse, enough to bait a broad range of bids from both home and overseas markets – with Japanese, American and United States buyers traditionally hooked by quality items. 
John acknowledges: “Interest in fishing antiques has really taken off in recent years. Add to this the accessibility of the Internet and we are talking about a major global market.
“We have a rare and exceptionally fine reel made by Ustonson, maker to the Queen, Temple Bar London, circa 1840,” says John of the brass and ivory reel expected to realise £ 4,000 to £ 5,000.
There are plenty of reels of great interest in the catalogue and at prices which fishermen could relax with by the river banks, including reels by makers Hardy, Charles Farlow, Allcocks and J. MacGowan, a number of which are late 19th century. Among the more prized is a Hardy 1894 all brass Perfect, with rare shaded rod-in-hand.
A scarce bronze bust of the most famous angler and author of all times, Isaac Walton, is already generating considerable interest. John explains: “This is an absolute gem, a five inch high bronze created in the late 19th century and stamped by both goldsmith and artist. Walton is the seventeenth-century author who wrote “The Complete Angler,” one of the most recognised fishing books in the world.”
An exquisite piece of mahogany is to be auctioned in the form of a scarce fly cabinet by C. Farlow and Co. Ltd. The miniature dry fly chest has four drawers, three fitted with dry fly compartments. 
The closest substitute to the thrill of feeling a tug on the end of the line could be taking home a cased fish. “We have a good selection, including pairs of pike, Redmire carp, ruffe, a single roach and three perch,” says John, adding that quality is endorsed by names including, Cooper, Homer and Lancaster.
While rivers roar and brooks burst by what better way to spend the evenings than with a late 18th century book. There is an impressive selection to be lured into including a first edition of Rev W. Houghton’s, British Fresh-Water Fishes, published in 1879, in two volumes.
Says John: “We hope newcomers will come and dip into this event. Of course if they require any further information or assistance we are only too happy to help.”
More details and catalogues are available from Mullock Madeley’s Church Stretton office tel: 01694 771 771; alternatively visit the website for full catalogue and illustrations on www.mullock-madely.co.uk
