For sale here is a Philbrook & Paine Marbleized trout fly reel made in the late 1800s. Francis J. Philbrook was a "Gunsmith's Machinist" in Bangor, Maine when he assigned over his key patent related to the first American-made raised-pillar reel to Hiram Leonard. Philbrook and Ed Payne then went on to manufacture the reels for Leonard. This reel is stamped "H.L. Leonard Maker." on the faceplate. The stamp remains very sharp and crisp, hard to find in such amazing clarity on these very old reels.

The reel's diameter, pillar to pillar, is 2 5/8", without pillars 2 3/16". Spool width is 15/16". Reel weighs 4.45 oz. The reel remains in excellent cosmetic and mechanical condition. The fit is very tight. The click is very smooth. The handle doesn't rub anywhere while winding. The reel foot is full-length and straight. All of the nickel silver screws are original and in excellent condition. The marbleized hard rubber (or "mud" as some argue) is entirely free from cracks.

This reel obviously falls into the ultra-exotic and extremely scarce categories. With that being said, all respectable offers will be considered. Please contact us with any offers, questions, or additional photo requests.