Bogdan 300 Salmon Reel - RHW

A rare Bogdan model 300 salmon reel, set up for RHW, with a spare spool. This was one of Stan's two largest catalogued models with a 3 3/4" diameter and 1 5/8" spool width, perfect for matching with a large two-handed rod. This is an all black model, with a black frame and black sideplates, the latter of which have a slight copper sheen to them. The handle is silver as well as the foot, oil port cover, poacher's knob, and Bogdan nameplate. The drag adjuster is the usual black. This reel comes from the collection of Frank Godchaux III, an avid salmon fisherman whose reels are featured in Graydon Hilyard's book on the Bogdans. Notably, Mr. Godchaux had many of his reels engraved by the celebrated engraver EC Prudhomme (1911-1990) known by sportsmen for his masterly gun engraving. Here, Prudhomme has engraved a beautiful triad of Mr. Godchaux's initials in a lovely script, offset by a salmon fly and a leaping salmon engraving to the lower left and right, respectively, all done on the faceplate. This reel is mechanically sound but has a fair degree of cosmetic use, with some rash around the rims. The owner's name has also been lightly scratched into the underside of the foot. The sideplates have some moderate cosmetic use with a few light scratches here and there. The drag adjuster has some brassing. The foot is nice and straight though each end of the foot is upturned slightly from being tightly secured to a reel seat (I doubt it would affect functionality in any way). The foot has "300" stamped into the side. The extra spool is in good condition and comes in it's own leather bag. This reel is set up with a 2:1 multiplier retrieve and has the revered Bogdan double brake drag design that salmon anglers love. Comes in an original suede brown leather bag. These models are exceedingly hard to find and while this one has seen some use it has plenty of life left in it and a nice connection to one of the sporting world's noted engravers.