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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

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