Early E. Holzmann "The Wolf" Surf Casting Reel

With a German silver frame that has developed a brass-like patina and hard rubber head cap and tail plate, this early model is only marked "The Wolf" on the head cap, styled similarly to the Surf King model made circa 1900. Unmistakably made by Holzmann, the 3 3/8" diameter, 1 9/16" wide spool reel features a free-spool lever that moves the main gear away from the pinion gear on the spool shaft, and a quick-apart head cap that used two spring loaded pins to keep secure, requiring the angler to depress them to remove it. The tail plate side sports a sliding click switch that works well and a spiral knurled journal cap that appears fixed. Condition of this rare example is about VG, having two thin hairlines that emanate from the tail plate "medallion", a foot with one end slightly nipped and a coating of what appears to be epoxy applied to the interior in an attempt to prevent the hard rubber cap from coming off, applied long ago. The serial numbered 101 reel would be a great addition to any Holzmann collection, pre-dating the few known Wolf reels associated with Holzmann's friend and New York City tackle retailer A.H. Dirkes, whom Holzmann assigned half of the patent rights to when patent number 422786 was issued on March 4, 1890.