Edward Vom Hofe early Model 423 Fly Reel - Size 5/0

For sale here is a very rare first model Edward Vom Hofe Model 423 fly reel (before it was called the Restigouche model, which was coined circa 1911). In this time period, the model was referred to as the "Celebrated Salmon and Grilse Click Reel". In the late 1800s this size (4 3/8" diameter) was designated as 5/0 (became size 6/0 circa 1911). The reel is in excellent original condition with two small cracks in the hard rubber, one by the foot pillar screws and one in the inner ring by the spool. This reel carries the Sep 2, 1879 patent on the drag adjustment knob under the handle arm, as well as the Jan 23, 1883 patent mark for the sliding click drag. German silver safety bands and pair of double roller bars. The reel has a smooth running operation with fully functional adjustable pin-in detent drag under the handle (this feature was replaced with the seven detent arrowhead pointer on the front and then the back plate). This reel has a screw-in S-handle reel with a screw-top counterbalance, again a rare feature! Full-length and un-filed foot with two extra holes, also representing an early feature of these reels. It is believed that they started stamping the serial numbers on the feet circa 1908. A truly remarkable early example for the Vom Hofe fisherman/collector!