The Traditional Fisherman's Forum

I have recently purchased another vintage float winder for my collection.

When I saw it advertised with the dimensions, it was hard in my mind to imagine how big it was to be, until it arrived.

I was very interested in the three floats it came with, in particular a very early Zephyr 8A paper float circa 1920's

The only problem, it is too big for my display cabinet, so it resides on my TV stand shelf.


13 3/4" long x 4" wide with bone rollers, probably made from rose wood.


I unwound the floats, to see what tackle was attached, and my guess the almost 11" swan quill on thick strong gut, with a wire gimp hook trace, and the 10" Porcupine quill on a silk trace with a short gut fine hook length are original and circa around 1900, the Zephyr 8A has a very early label, so will be circa 1920-25, so added a little later?


Just to compare, the giant alongside a typical standard winder, half the size.


Alongside another large winder of 10", with 2 early giant Nottingham sliders, circa 1890


An early advert for Zephyr floats in a book published in 1920

Fabulous stuff Paul. I just love discovering items like these, real time capsules aren't they? And that Zephyr float advert , they weren't shy about extolling the many virtues (in their eyes) of the product.

That's lovely Paul, you'll need a bigger display cabinet...

That's quite a beast!
Few and far between I imagine?

Very nice winder and floats Paul. Winders are nice collectable things, easy to display and still fairly inexpensive for anyone wanting to start a collection. Mind you I doubt there will be many of that size around.

Wal.

A very rare and well-preserved item Paul! A great addition to any collection.

That’s magnificent …… and a perfect fit for my 12.5 inch Golden Eagle quill float!

Phil

What a marvellous find! The rich history of this wonderful sport of ours does throw up some unexpected treasures….

Another nice find Paul. That’s quite a collection you’ve assembled now

Fabulous Paul.