Hardy 1912 Perfect Fly Reel with Dual Red Agates

A Hardy 1912 Perfect fly reel with dual red agate lineguards, 3 3/8" diameter. This has to be one of the most unusual perfects that I have ever seen. A 1912 perfect with a red agate in this kind of shape would be a prize in its own right, but this reel has an additional red agate opposite the first, which was clearly factory done by Hardy. I have spoken with a number of Hardy experts about this reel and no one is aware of any others. It clearly had to have been a custom reel done at the behest of either a very important client or someone who was willing to a handsome sum for the unusual configuration. I presume the second agate was done so that the reel could be fished rings up. Now to the reel itself. It is in excellent overall condition for its age, free of any major defects. About the only issue to note is that one of the red agate line guards does have a crack in it, which you can feel if you drag your finger across it lightly, though it feels firmly in place. The reel's patina is in good overall shape with some typical loss, though nothing egregious for its age. It boasts matching parts stamps internally. There is no play in the spool whatsoever. The smooth brass foot has been lightly dressed on both ends but still reaches its full length (the dressing done to shape the top of the foot slightly to fit the original rod hardware it was mounted on). The 1912 check is smooth and makes as pretty a sound as you could ask for. The tension drag adjuster works perfectly throughout its range. The ivorine handle spins freely. Overall this is a remarkable little reel that is a joy to behold and it belongs in a serious Hardy collection. It comes in a later Hardy vinyl navy and cream zipper pouch for safekeeping.

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