ANTIQUE FISHING REELS

During the 1830s brothers, Jonathan and Benjamin Meek ran their own business as watchmakers in Frankfort, Kentucky.  Around 1840, the Meek Brothers started building high quality casting reels in several small sizes for fishing freshwater lakes and streams.  During the course of their run in business, the Meeks made reels in larger sizes as well to include reels for striped bass and muskie fishing.

The largest reels made by the Meeks were tarpon and tuna reels marked "B.F. Meek & Sons".  These reels are made of hard rubber and German silver in sizes marked on the bottom of the reel seats; "No.8" - "No.9" - "No.10" - and - "No.11".

Over the years Meek reels were stamped differently, here are some of the different ways you will find Meek reels marked. - "MEEK" - "J.F. & B.F. MEEK" - "B.F. MEEK" - "B.F. MEEK & SONS" - "MEEK & MILAM".

B.F. Meek moved to Louisville, Kentucky and the markings on their reels reflect this change from Frankfort to Louisville.  Later Meek reels were massed produced and had - "BLUEGRASS REEL WORKS" or "BLUEGRASS" - stamped on the front side-plate often along with the - "B.F. MEEK" - stamp.  Meek also produced a fly reel made of German silver which was stamped - "MEEK 44" -, these reels are also highly collectible.

For more information about Meek reels please refer to:

CLICK HERE for MEEK in our - FLY FISHING REEL GALLERY

CLICK HERE for MEEK in our - CASTING REEL GALLERY

CLICK HERE to CONTACT US - for more information about or to sell your MEEK reel.

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