Thomas Turner
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With only 77 reels produced by Hardy between 1924 and 1930, this is one of the rarest fly reels produced in 2 variant models.
The word “Fortuna” is registered under N 5909 in the Irish Free State and made under license “Andreas Patent No 12340”.
The 3.5” model started life in 1924 following the launch of the larger big game models in 1921. Made of a special “Alumin” alloy to withstand the corrosive action of both salt and fresh water. However, the reel is factory dark lead finished conflicting with the catalogue information. John Drewett, in his excellent book, ‘Hardy Brothers, The Masters the Men and Their Reels 1873-1939’ investigates the production run and the variants of this model; see pages 192-194. He writes the 3.5” was phased out in 1930 whilst the other two sizes of the Fortuna Fly, 4-1/4” and 5” continued until 1939.
C. 1927 the internal design and operation of the reel changed. Moving from the twin internal check system of 1924-27 to a single set as seen here. The 1930 Hardy Anglers guide states, “These reels are fitted with a quickly adjustable silent brake, the invention of Mr H Andreas of New Zealand” A simple turn clockwise the large brass knurled nut altered the drag tension. When a fish ran, the handles remained stationary and the drum paid outline without fear of injury to the hand. We can therefore conclude this model had an even shorter production run, 1927 to 1930 with approximately 40 models made.
The 3-1/2” reel is suitable to use with “a stout single-handed rod for large sea or lake trout”. Priced at 75/- (seventy-five shillings) in 1930, it was an expensive reel for this time period.
The reel is in outstanding condition and without fault. In addition, it comes complete with its factory-fitted red baize lined block leather reel case.
This and many other fine Hardy reels and accessories have just been bought into Thomas Turner by Dave in our Weston-super-Mare branch. Watch the site for the new listings!
He will shortly be writing an article on the other items from this collection.
If you have similar quality reels, rods, and accessories by Allcock’s, Farlow, Hardy, Malloch, and others, get in touch with us for an appraisal.
Stoke office – John Stephenson – 01782 698787 / 07548 871985
Weston office – Dave Townsend – 01934 516931 / 07535 590617
Or email office@thomasturner.com
The post HARDY THE FORTUNA FLY 3.5” REEL, 1 of 40 appeared first on Thomas Turner Fishing Antiques.
Continue reading...
The word “Fortuna” is registered under N 5909 in the Irish Free State and made under license “Andreas Patent No 12340”.
The 3.5” model started life in 1924 following the launch of the larger big game models in 1921. Made of a special “Alumin” alloy to withstand the corrosive action of both salt and fresh water. However, the reel is factory dark lead finished conflicting with the catalogue information. John Drewett, in his excellent book, ‘Hardy Brothers, The Masters the Men and Their Reels 1873-1939’ investigates the production run and the variants of this model; see pages 192-194. He writes the 3.5” was phased out in 1930 whilst the other two sizes of the Fortuna Fly, 4-1/4” and 5” continued until 1939.
C. 1927 the internal design and operation of the reel changed. Moving from the twin internal check system of 1924-27 to a single set as seen here. The 1930 Hardy Anglers guide states, “These reels are fitted with a quickly adjustable silent brake, the invention of Mr H Andreas of New Zealand” A simple turn clockwise the large brass knurled nut altered the drag tension. When a fish ran, the handles remained stationary and the drum paid outline without fear of injury to the hand. We can therefore conclude this model had an even shorter production run, 1927 to 1930 with approximately 40 models made.
The 3-1/2” reel is suitable to use with “a stout single-handed rod for large sea or lake trout”. Priced at 75/- (seventy-five shillings) in 1930, it was an expensive reel for this time period.
The reel is in outstanding condition and without fault. In addition, it comes complete with its factory-fitted red baize lined block leather reel case.
This and many other fine Hardy reels and accessories have just been bought into Thomas Turner by Dave in our Weston-super-Mare branch. Watch the site for the new listings!
He will shortly be writing an article on the other items from this collection.
If you have similar quality reels, rods, and accessories by Allcock’s, Farlow, Hardy, Malloch, and others, get in touch with us for an appraisal.
Stoke office – John Stephenson – 01782 698787 / 07548 871985
Weston office – Dave Townsend – 01934 516931 / 07535 590617
Or email office@thomasturner.com
The post HARDY THE FORTUNA FLY 3.5” REEL, 1 of 40 appeared first on Thomas Turner Fishing Antiques.
Continue reading...