logo
logo
  • About
    • About Us
    • Visit Us
    • Ways to Give
    • Ambassador Program
    • Award Recipients
    • Contact Us
    • Tackle Inquiry
  • Collections & Exhibitions
    • Our Collection
    • Current & Past Exhibitions
    • Online Collections
    • The Stream
  • Journal & Film
    • The American Fly Fisher
    • Traver Award
    • Film Projects
    • Fishing The Collection
    • Online Screening Room
    • Webinars
  • News & Events
  • Online Store
  • Membership
    • Member Portal
    • Member Forum
    • Become a Member
  • Sign Up
  • Search

Representation of a Reel Designed by Thomas Barker

This contemporary reel is based on the original illustration that appeared in Thomas Barker’s second printing of Barker’s Delight: or the Art of Angling in 1657. Barker’s first edition, published in 1651, featured the first description of a reel (or winde) in the English language, with the line drawing in the second printing having the distinction of being the first known Western representation of a fishing reel. This example was built by Dr. John Elder of California and is made of Cocobolo wood with brass fittings.

Courtesy of Jim Schottenham


Yearc. 2022Accession No.L2023.001.001Made byDr. John Elder

You May Also Like

Alonzo Fowler Reel

Alonzo Fowler was a dentist who used the molding technology of his profession to create a reel made entirely of hard rubber. The Fowler Gem was very…

Marbleized Philbrook & Paine Raised-Pillar Trout Reel

Inventor Francis J. Philbrook assigned the rights to his 1877 reel patent to noted gunsmith and rod maker H. L. Leonard. Initially built by the team…

Seamaster Dual-Mode Saltwater Fly Reel

Among saltwater fly anglers, the reels built by Bob McChristian are regarded as some of the best ever made. Seamaster reels feature a hard anodized…

Ready For More?

If you love fly fishing as much as we do, you're going to love this.


PLAN A TRIP

Visit, fish, explore & more

VISIT

DROP A LINE

We are happy to hear from you

CONNECT

COME TO EVENTS

Check out the latest events

EVENTS
© 2025 American Museum Of Fly Fishing. All rights reserved