New member from Sussex

[Kev D]

Here goes with my first attempt at loading a picture.

[Kev D]

Well that seemed to have worked ; though it should probably be in another section .
I know it doesn't look much but there is a story behind it . I bought this reel from a junk shop in Littlehampton over 35 years ago. It came on an old greenheart rod for the princely sum of £4.50.
Believe it or not it was in even worse condition. Despite the brass repair plates that look like they have been salvaged from a carriage clock it was very rickety. So I sort of impregnated the gaps with Araldite mixed with brown Humbrol paint. The foot has just been hacked out of a bit of plate and rivetted on the bracket. Just the sort of thing a young or impoverished angler might have done with only minimal tools to hand.
It is totally worthless as a collector's item but is priceless to me because crudely stamped on the foot is a name. And though I had no idea it was there when I bought the rod and reel the surname turned out to be my Mum's maiden name of Smart .What's more her family originally came from the Arundel and Littlehampton areas. I just like to believe it really is a piece of family history. I do occasionally use it for pike fishing and love the way it sort of runbles when a pike makes a run.
Sorry if this in the wrong section but I was just seeing if I could manage to do a post with pictures.

[Tonkin Wand]

Hi again Kev, Congratulations in posting a photo, that's more then I have achieved to date. Your reel is a case study on its own! I have a reel that is just in a similar state and had a go at" recommissioning" it. I glued it together then cut out a solid brass plate to cover the whole of the face,securing it with brass screws. Yes it heavy and I have used it ..very satisfying and no one has commented. I wish I could post a picture but lack the know how!

[DWW]

Hi Kev,
Welcome! I am also in West Sussex. If you are free for a spot of tea and cake whilst on the bank pm me.
Tight Lines
Dww

[Thameside]

Welcolm aboard Kev, a great post.

[OldAngler]

Hello Kev,
I like your approach

[Carp Artist]

Welcome aboard Kev.

[Carp Artist]

Welcome aboard Kev.

[Iasgair]

Here goes with my first attempt at loading a picture.

Kev, I think that's one of the most beautiful pieces of fishing gear I have ever seen. And the name on it, I don't blame you sir. That would be special indeed to have a reel with a mothers maiden name on it. Who knows, it could be a family heirloom.

Any way, welcome to the forum, I hope you post many outings so I can read them.

[Kev D]

Thanks for the welcomes from everyone. Not quite sure the reel qualifies as an heirloom lasgair but maybe at least of family interest.