This is a 3 1/2 inch "The Hardy No. 2 Wallis Reel," initialled on the back plate "J. D." ... having been made by James Dodds, who worked for the company from 1920 to 1966. The list of 'Hardy Reel Makers Initials' I have seen only lists him as having made Silex reels ... so the Wallis can be added to that information now.
This is the No. 2 Wallis which was a 'budget' version, having a 'telephone' or 'drop' catch ... the No. 1 having a jewel bearing.
Only made between 1932 and 1939, the factory production figures reproduced in "Hardy Brothers. The Masters, The Men, and Their Reels" by John Drewett shows that only 173 of this model were manufactured.
After a light clean-up, light greasing on the ratchet levers, and light gun oil on the pillar ... this lovely reel spins perfectly, a testament to the excellence of Hardy engineering.
