Huge Reel ID

Question

No. 41 Reel  
No. 41 Reel   QUESTION: This old reel was found in my father in laws estate. Nobody knows where he got it from. It has no markings except the number 41 stamped on it. I think it's bronze and weighs around 15 lbs.

My questions are do you have any idea at all how old it is?

Any idea of who made it?

What type of fish was this huge reel made for?  It bolted to the gunnels it looks like.I'm an off shore fisherman, never have seen a reel like this.

Thank you.

Regards,
Jack

ANSWER: Jack

I am not sure its a fishing reel. The handles dont look like a fishing reel and they appear to be directly linked to the spool. A reel normally has multiplying gears.

Bob

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Hi Bob,

Thanks for the quick reply.

It does have internal reduction gears and a drag. The 3/4" nut on the one side is the drag, the other side that has the long spikes with the round knobs on the ends is where you crank it. The spool turns the opposite direction of the handle with at least 1/2 the rotations of the handle. It clicks with a precision type sound when wound and there are holes in the spool where you would thread the line.
No doubt it is a reel.
If you need any other pictures, please specify what areas and I will gladly get them for you.

Thanks Bob,

Regards,
Jack

ANSWER: jack,

Interesting, let me check with some other collectors.....

Bob

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Bob,

Now I'm not so sure it's a reel! lol
It may be that it was some sort of winch used on a commercial fishing vessel. The mounting plate on the bottom is flat with 4 holes leading me to believe it was mounted on the gunnels.
Secondly the spool sure wouldn't hold much line. The center part of the spool is rather fat if you know what I mean. It's made for rather heavy nylon line. The holes in the spool where you put the tag end of the line are about 1/8" diameter.
The puzzling thing is it is built with precision like a fishing reel would be. A winch wouldn't be built so well I wouldn't think.
I can make a video or send more pictures if you need them.
Thanks a ton Bob.

Regards,
Jack

Answer
Jack

I put out some inquiries...so far no one recognized it as a fishing reel. I am not aware of reels that the spool turns the opposite of the crank, but I wouldnt rule it out.

I think your on the right track that its a winch of some sort.

Bob