Sale

Hardy Uniqua 3 3/8" -- a Unique Hardy Reel?

VFT1029


For sale here is Hardy Uniqua reel, possibly one-of-a-kind from pre~1910/11. 3 3/8" diameter with a "spring lever" check. Pre-radius, hand-filed pillars. Marked HARDY'S PATENT "UNIQUA" REEL. Mechanically and cosmetically excellent. The majority of the leaded finish (and lacquer) remains. Matching stamps on frame and spool with a "TB", most likely denoting reel finisher Thomas Bates. There are a couple of small casting flaws (as commonly seen with early alloys) in the frame and a small flea-bite on the foot – possibly due to a casting flaw as well. Otherwise, the reel is free of any cracks, dings, lineburns or deep scratches. There is some play on the spindle as we often see with these early Uniquas, but it is not too excessive and it cannot be felt while winding the reel. The reel foot is aluminium, full length, unfiled and it retains virtually all of its leading. The ivory handle is unblemished and it spins freely.

John Drewett, referring to a Silex reel, writes in his book (pp. 240-241, 243): ”The 3 1/4” reel shown in fig 199 is also unusual for the fact that it does not have any ratchet pawl. Made shortly after 1904, it has a check formed by a steel spring instead of a conventional pawl and 'C' spring…”

Grab this opportunity to be the one collector in the world to own a Hardy with a previously undocumented check system!

Shipping Information
We ship at cost to the buyer and in the majority of cases do so via UPS with full insurance and signature. There are cheaper options but our experience has been that you get what you pay for and that it's not worth taking risks when shipping what are often one-of-a-kind items. Your shipping estimate will be calculated at checkout and if you have any questions please contact us. Please note the buyers are responsible for any applicable import duties or fees that may levied. Due to the importance of packing items carefully please allow up to two weeks for arrival (depending on how busy we are) though we certainly do our best to get items to you as expeditiously as possible.
Other Terms
Unless otherwise noted, all items come with a 3-day inspection period during which they can be returned to us for a full refund (provided that they are in the same condition in which they left our shop). Return shipping is the responsibility of the buyer. If an item is returned, we will issue a refund within 10 days upon receipt. Refunds will be either administered by providing a check or, when possible, by canceling a credit card purchase.