Antique Line Winder
Antique Line Winder
Victorian Fixed-Frame Silk Fly Line Winder, Line Drier.
A handsome late Victorian or early Edwardian fixed-frame silk fly line winder, retaining its original wooden mounting board, cast gunmetal supports, winding arms and handle. Although unmarked as to maker, it is a well-made example of the practical accessories once considered indispensable by the serious fly angler during the era of silk fishing lines.
Unlike the later folding Wilson-Wetherall pattern line winders, this earlier design features a rigid cast gunmetal frame permanently mounted to its wooden base. The substantial construction provides excellent stability during use while the four winding arms offer ample space for drying and storing a silk fly line. A simple metal clip fitted to the opposite end of the base secures the fishing reel while the line is transferred from the spool onto the winding frame, with each revolution of the winding handle taking approximately 82 cm of line.
The reel is sold separately to the winder and is not included in the price.
Before the development of modern synthetic fly lines, anglers relied on braided silk lines that absorbed water during use. Although treated with oils and waterproof dressings, silk inevitably retained moisture and, if left on the reel after fishing, could mildew, weaken, rot internally or develop cracks in its protective coating. As a quality silk line represented a significant investment, drying it thoroughly after every day's fishing was an essential part of routine tackle care.
The line was transferred from the reel onto the winder by turning the handle, each revolution laying the silk around the four projecting arms. This allowed air to circulate freely around the line, ensuring it dried evenly while avoiding the tight coils that could damage the silk or its dressing. Once dry, the line could be wound neatly back onto the reel, ready for the next day's fishing.
Although lacking the portability of the later folding Wilson-Wetherall pattern, fixed-frame winders such as this offered several advantages. Their rigid construction made them exceptionally stable in use, with fewer moving parts to wear or become damaged. Many anglers appreciated their simplicity and reliability, particularly when used as permanent fixtures in the tackle room of a fishing lodge or country house.
Today these early line winders are appreciated not only as attractive pieces of angling history but also as practical working accessories. They remain an effective means of transferring line between reels, replacing backing or reversing a fly line to extend its service life.
With its pleasing combination of cast metal, polished wood, this example has all the character and craftsmanship associated with quality British fishing tackle from the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries. Whether displayed alongside vintage reels and rods or retained for practical use, it is an increasingly uncommon survivor from the age of silk fly fishing and would make an excellent addition to any collection of antique angling equipment.
Dimensions:
1900-1949
Circa 1900
Brass & wood
United Kingdom
Very good and usable.
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