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Kosmic fly reel
$ 1,995
VFT11215
For sale here is a very rare Kosmic trout fly reel. Nickel silver frame and hard rubber construction with nickel silver counterbalanced grasp and knurled end cap. The reel is stamped "The Kosmic Reel". The stamping is very faint and hard to read without magnification. The diameter of the reel is 2 5/8" pillar to pillar. The sliding click switch works as intended. All screw heads are in fine condition. No cracks or chips in the ebonite, just light scratches. The reel foot is full length and includes the "926" model number on it.
Don't miss this chance to acquire a very important piece of American reel making history! Kosmic reels are extremely hard to find in such well-preserved condition.
The following information can be found in A.J. Campbell's wonderful book on the history of fishing tackle, titled "Classic and Antique Fly Fishing Tackle". Everyone should own this book!
A.G. Spalding & Brothers was established in 1876 in Chicago and within 10 years opened branch outlets in New York and Philadelphia. They were the first to carry the rods of Thomas, Edwards and Hawes (Kosmic) and around 1892 bought the Highland Mills company from the remaining original partners and Edward Payne. Spalding also carried rods built by Fred Devine and others. The company's tackle was marked with a number of stamping dies, including "A.G. Spalding & Bros., Chicago", "Spalding & Bros., Chicago", and "Spalding & Bros." with no address - this being the New York - Philadelphia marking. After three or four years in rod manufacturing, Spalding decided to get out of the tacklemaking business and sold its Kosmic label and inventory to U.S. Net & Twine. The most famous U.S. Net & Twine reels were the Kosmic-marked models sold between approximately 1894 and '98. In 1899, U.S. Net & Twine went out of business and sold its Brooklyn reel factory to the Montague City Rod Company. Montague City continued to make and wholesale the reels, adding a multitude of newer models.
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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.
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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.