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

William Billinghurst Reel

William Billinghurst (1807-1880) was a well-known gunsmith whose patent for a side-mount reel built of wire and castings is now considered to be the first American fly reel. The unique appearance of these reels has prompted some to refer to them as birdcage reels.

The American Museum of Fly Fishing Collection
Gift of Donald L. Sargent


Yearc. 1865Accession No.1985.029.001Made byWilliam Billinghurst

You May Also Like

Eaton & Deller Reel

This revolving plate salmon reel was made by Eaton & Deller of London, England and measures 4 1/2 1 3/8 diameter. It is aluminum with brass foot,…

Sun and Planet Reel

Peter Duncan Malloch (1853-1921) is Scotland’s best known reelmaker. His 1880 patent for the so-called Sun and Planet reel did much to enhance his…

Saracione Trout Reel

With designs that pay homage to the classics from the Vom Hofe family, reel maker Joe Saracione has been producing fly reels for several decades,…

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