In my view, Bengt Engelbrekt is among the finest contemporary reelmakers working today, and his small trout reels represent a remarkable refinement of the form. Their proportions, aesthetics, attention to detail and exceptional workmanship are difficult to surpass.
Every component is made in Engelbrekt's own workshop, down to the smallest screw. Aluminium, phosphor bronze, nickel silver and steel are combined with Delrin or ebonite, finished with the distinctive ivory-coloured knob that has become one of his signatures.
This model features a fully enclosed drag system, with a wonderfully restrained click and silent retrieve. The reel is made for #1-3 lines. Drag tension is adjusted by the beautifully machined knob on the rim, allowing precise control while keeping the reel exceptionally clean in appearance.
The reel is RHW and cannot be converted. As with Engelbrekt's finest work, servicing is best entrusted to the maker himself.
Presented with a hand-sewn leather case.
A superb example of contemporary Scandinavian reelmaking—quietly luxurious, beautifully engineered and made to be fished.
Maker
Bengt Engelbrekt
Origin
Sweden
Type
Small trout fly reel
Recommended Rod
#1–3
Retrieve
Right-hand wind (RHW)
Drag
Enclosed drag mechanism
Retrieve Sound
Silent
Materials
Aluminium, phosphor bronze, nickel silver and steel
Handle
Ivory-coloured knob
Condition
Lightly used, essentially as new
Questions about this piece, international shipping, or price are always welcome.
A fine vintage Hardy Perfect 3 3/8", manufactured in Alnwick, England, and dating to approximately the 1930s–40s.
This example features the desirable factory guide-less configuration, offering the versatility of either right- or left-hand wind. A particularly appealing size for traditional trout fishing with approximately #5–7 lines.
The reel retains its characteristic straight-line Hardy logo and an attractive aged leaded finish, with honest surface wear and patina consistent with its age. The spool runs true without noticeable wobble, while the check mechanism operates smoothly and positively.
Inside the spool is the inspection stamp “TA”, associated with Thomas Appleby, whose work at Hardy spanned much of the first half of the twentieth century. Such details offer a tangible connection to the craftsmen behind these celebrated reels.
Introduced in the late nineteenth century, the Hardy Perfect became one of the defining fly reels of British angling. Its distinctive construction, reliable check mechanism and enduring proportions established a standard that has influenced generations of reelmakers.
Early examples remain highly regarded by collectors, while well-preserved reels such as this continue to offer genuine practical value on the water.
A handsome and mechanically sound Perfect, retaining the character, craftsmanship and understated elegance of a classic Hardy reel.
Explore our collection of classic Hardy fly reels, including the Uniqua 3 3/8", Uniqua 3 1/8", and Uniqua 3 5/8" Duplicated Mark II.
Maker
Hardy Bros., Alnwick, England
Model
Perfect
Diameter
3 3/8"
Period
c. 1930s–40s
Configuration
Factory guide-less
Winding
Right- or left-hand wind
Line
Approx. #5–7
Finish
Aged leaded finish
Markings
Straight-line Hardy logo; TA spool stamp
Mechanism
Smooth, positive check
Condition
Good vintage condition; no noticeable spool wobble
Questions about this piece, international shipping, or price are always welcome.
A fine early Hardy Uniqua 3 1/8" fly reel, manufactured in Alnwick, England, and dating to approximately 1921–1926.
This attractive example features the distinctive horseshoe-latch spool release, an original ribbed brass foot and a black ebonite handle. The faceplate bears the circular inscription “THE UNIQUA – 3 1/8 in.”, while the reel carries the early patent markings Nos. 24245 and 8281.
The original leaded finish has acquired a pleasing, naturally aged patina, with light surface wear consistent with a century of careful use. The reel remains unpolished and retains its original character, without apparent alterations.
Mechanically sound, with a crisp check and a tight-fitting spool, this is an appealing example of Hardy's early twentieth-century craftsmanship.
Introduced in the early twentieth century, the Uniqua became one of Hardy's most enduring fly reel designs. Conceived as a more economical alternative to the celebrated Perfect, it retained the dependable engineering and robust construction associated with the Alnwick workshops.
Early examples with horseshoe latches, leaded finishes and brass fittings remain particularly attractive to collectors. In the 3 1/8" size, the Uniqua is also a beautifully proportioned companion to traditional light trout rods.
A handsome early Hardy reel, combining practical fishability with considerable historical character.
Explore our collection of classic Hardy fly reels, including the Perfect 3 3/8" Guide-less, Uniqua 3 3/8", and Uniqua 3 5/8" Duplicated Mark II.
Maker
Hardy Bros., Alnwick, England
Model
Uniqua Duplicated Mark II
Diameter
3 1/8"
Period
c. 1921–1926
Check
Duplicated Mark II
Latch
Horseshoe latch
Patent Markings
Nos. 24245 & 8281
Reel Foot
Original ribbed brass
Handle
Black ebonite
Finish
Original leaded finish
Mechanism
Crisp check, tight spool
Condition
Very good vintage condition; unpolished, no apparent alterations
Questions about this piece, international shipping, or price are always welcome.
A fine interwar Hardy Uniqua 3 5/8" fly reel, manufactured in Alnwick, England, and dating to approximately 1930–1936.
This example features the distinctive horseshoe-latch spool release, an original ribbed brass foot and a black ebonite handle. The latch bears registration number 734597, while the reel carries British and American patent markings, Nos. 145904 and 369867 respectively.
A particularly appealing feature is the rim-mounted spool tension adjuster, complementing Hardy's dependable Duplicated Mark II check mechanism. The reel operates smoothly, with a crisp check and a firm, functional tension adjuster.
The original dark leaded finish remains well preserved, showing an attractive patina and light, honest wear consistent with its age.
Introduced in the early twentieth century, the Uniqua became one of Hardy's most enduring fly reel designs. Although conceived as a more economical alternative to the Perfect, it retained the robust engineering and reliable check mechanism associated with the Alnwick workshops.
The larger 3 5/8" size offers generous line capacity and is particularly well suited to traditional heavier trout fishing, including DT6 lines.
A handsome and mechanically sound Hardy Uniqua from the interwar period, combining historical character with genuine practical utility.
Explore our collection of classic Hardy fly reels, including the Perfect 3 3/8" Guide-less, Uniqua 3 3/8", and Uniqua 3 1/8".
Maker
Hardy Bros., Alnwick, England
Model
Uniqua Duplicated Mark II
Diameter
3 5/8"
Period
c. 1930–1936
Check
Duplicated Mark II
Latch
Horseshoe latch
Patent Markings
Brit. 145904; USA 369867
Registration Number
734597
Reel Foot
Original ribbed brass
Handle
Black ebonite
Finish
Original dark leaded finish
Drag
Rim-mounted spool tension adjuster
Line
Suitable for DT6
Condition
Very good vintage condition; smooth operation, original patina
Questions about this piece, international shipping, or price are always welcome.
A fine early Hardy Uniqua 3 3/8" fly reel, manufactured in Alnwick, England, and dating to approximately 1923–1932.
This attractive example features the distinctive horseshoe-latch spool release, an original unfiled ribbed brass foot and a brass-capped ebonite handle. The reel retains much of its original dark leaded finish, with a pleasing patina and honest wear, particularly to the rear plate.
The spool is stamped “TH”, a mark associated with Thomas Hall, one of Hardy's craftsmen during the interwar period. The horseshoe latch carries the patent marking PAT. No. 272409, an appealing detail for collectors of early Hardy reels.
Mechanically, the reel remains sound, with a smooth, positive check and a tight, well-fitting spool, free from noticeable play.
Introduced in the early twentieth century, the Hardy Uniqua became one of the firm's most successful and enduring fly reel designs. Simpler and more economical than the celebrated Perfect, it nevertheless offered the robust construction, dependable check mechanism and practical proportions for which Hardy became renowned.
Early leaded examples with brass fittings and horseshoe latches are particularly attractive to collectors, combining traditional craftsmanship with the understated appearance of a working angler's reel.
A handsome and well-preserved Uniqua in the versatile 3 3/8" trout size, equally appealing for fishing or collection.
Explore our collection of classic Hardy fly reels, including the Perfect 3 3/8" Guide-less, Uniqua 3 1/8", and Uniqua 3 5/8" Duplicated Mark II.
Maker
Hardy Bros., Alnwick, England
Model
Uniqua
Diameter
3 3/8"
Period
c. 1923–1932
Finish
Original dark leaded finish
Latch
Horseshoe latch
Patent Marking
PAT. No. 272409
Reel Foot
Original unfiled ribbed brass
Handle
Brass-capped ebonite
Spool Marking
TH
Mechanism
Smooth, positive check
Condition
Good vintage condition; tight spool, original patina
Questions about this piece, international shipping, or price are always welcome.
An early Orvis CFO II fly reel in good used condition. Made in England by Hardys. Originally released in the early 1970's, this model followed the early "screwback" reels that was made in the first few years of production - likely manufactured middle to late 70’s. Fixed click & pawl drag that can be flipped to either RHW or LHW (currently set for LHW). Smooth alloy 3-hole foot, fully ventilated frame and spool with palming rim. The reel shows signs of modest use but is mechanically intact, with no spool wobble. Weight is 2.08oz, best with a 1/2/3wt line. Sold with non-original velvet pouch.
Brand
Orvis
Manufacturer
Hardy Bros., England
Model
CFO II
Period
c. mid-to-late 1970s
Weight
2.08 oz
Line
Approx. #1–3
Retrieve
RHW/LHW convertible; currently LHW
Check
Fixed click-and-pawl
Construction
Ventilated frame and spool
Reel Foot
Smooth alloy, three-hole design
Condition
Good used condition; mechanically sound
Includes
Non-original velvet pouch
Questions about this piece, international shipping, or price are always welcome.
No results match your search. Try removing a few filters.