Rare Follett Patent Automatic Trout Reel

Rare Follett patent automatic trout fly reel marked "The White-Ross Mfg. Co., Carlisle, PA, Pat'd Nov. 19 1889 - Feb. 2, 1892". Follett's patent was assigned to White & Ross at the time the original patent was issued and was produced in New York until O.P. Ross moved production to Carlisle, PA in 1892, obtaining a patent for his improvement to the original design, #468180 issued on 2/2/1892. Later examples like this have the Carlisle markings, helping to identify this as a post 1891 model. This small trout size example features the subject of the patent, which was for an automatic reel with all the gearing and main spring housed in the rod handle. A unique spring-loaded line brake sits at the end of the handle and controls the line as it winds back on the spool. Complete with a spare spool and rod that is threaded to fit the handle section, in VG/VG+ original condition, showing a little brass under the plating from use. A photo of this particular reel appears on page 225 of Antique Fishing Reels - 2nd Edition by Steve Vernon.