For sale here is Hardy Uniqua reel, possibly one-of-a-kind from pre~1910/11. 3 3/8" diameter with a "spring lever" check. Pre-radius, hand-filed pillars. Marked HARDY'S PATENT "UNIQUA" REEL. Mechanically and cosmetically excellent. The majority of the leaded finish (and lacquer) remains. Matching stamps on frame and spool with a "TB", most likely denoting reel finisher Thomas Bates. There are a couple of small casting flaws (as commonly seen with early alloys) in the frame and a small flea-bite on the foot – possibly due to a casting flaw as well. Otherwise, the reel is free of any cracks, dings, lineburns or deep scratches. There is some play on the spindle as we often see with these early Uniquas, but it is not too excessive and it cannot be felt while winding the reel. The reel foot is aluminium, full length, unfiled and it retains virtually all of its leading. The ivory handle is unblemished and it spins freely.

John Drewett, referring to a Silex reel, writes in his book (pp. 240-241, 243): ”The 3 1/4” reel shown in fig 199 is also unusual for the fact that it does not have any ratchet pawl. Made shortly after 1904, it has a check formed by a steel spring instead of a conventional pawl and 'C' spring…”

Grab this opportunity to be the one collector in the world to own a Hardy with a previously undocumented check system!