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

Orvis 1874 Patent Reel

If the Billinghurst is the first American fly reel, then the Orvis 1874 patent reel is the first modern American fly reel. Invented by Charles F. Orvis (1831-1915), the founder of the Orvis Company, the Orvis reel is mounted upright, has a narrow spool, and has ventilated sideplates—all features present in most of today’s models. The earliest Orvis reels came in a handsome black walnut case with a hinged lid. The crank handle was removable and fit into its own compartment.

The American Museum of Fly Fishing Collection
Gift of the Orvis Company


Yearc. 1880Accession No.1971.014.003Made byCharles F. Orvis

You May Also Like

B. F. Meek & Sons Model 44 Trout Reel

The circa 1899 B. F. Meek & Sons model #44 trout reel was the pinnacle of high-grade single-action reels at the turn of the twentieth century. Made…

Willard Bradley 1868 Patent Multiplying Reel

General Robert E. Lee purportedly presented this reel as a gift to his former rival and sitting President Ulysses S. Grant when Lee visited the White…

Fin-Nor Wedding Cake Fly Reel

Designed by Gar Wood Jr. for Fin-Nor, the Wedding Cake series of reels has a distinctive tiered design. Cataloged in three sizes—a small No. 1 for…

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