Furthermore, I assume that when the Lord invited the Duke to share his waters, that neither of them was going to be seen, or lent, equipment that was worn and scratched, but still “functional”.
Fly reels of “tradition” were primarily ostentatious baubles displaying wealth with a maximum emphasis on show. As they became more mechanically “clever”, or if they were built thick for durability, then, given the metals of the day, they became heavy. That worked for long, heavy bamboo rods.
The House of Hardy opened its doors in 1871. In 1891 it introduced what has been described as “the most successful fly reel ever” in the Hardy Perfect. The Perfect was distinguished by a solid brass spool which modulated the sound of it’s click and pawl drag as would a bell, and a round nickel silver line guard with an agate insert. The Hardy Perfect has been built, more or less continuously, in various incantations, for over 100 years. You can buy one today online from the Hardy catalogue, with a round nickel silver line guard and agate insert, for $1000. Tradition! One might even choose, under carefully controlled conditions, to actually FISH with the reel.
Fig. 5 and 6. Two Vintage Hardy Perfects, made of brass. Each reel was primarily produced by a single craftsman, who signed the reel, a tradition which lasted well into the 20th century.