Arthur Kovalovsky Reels - Hollywood, CA -

Arthur Kovalovsky reels were first made using his knowledge and experience he gained as a car mechanic in Hollywood, CA in the 1910’s. His mechanical background and knowledge allowed him to start making reels and rods in 1928. Reel production became full time in the 1930’s. His first reel type was called his Standard Model. It was made up until 1941 when World War II stopped its production. In 1945 he resumed making reels with his son Oscar and did so up until his death in 1958 at the age of 77. Arthur is consider to be one of the great early reel makers.

The Standard Model Type I reel incorporated his May 15, 1934 patent for a drag mechanism. The drag resembles a car break shoe design and is housed inside the crank handle. Standard Model Type I reels are similar to that shown in his first patent. Arthur also created a design that incorporated a drag wheel underneath the crank handle that functioned similar to a star drag. This model is referred to as the Type C design. The Zane Grey Model had a rim control to allow the fisherman to easily put the reel in free spool. This model had the first five patent dates stamped on it. The last model Kovalovsky patented and produced was the Type II Standard Model. It was introduced in 1945 and sold until 1958. It incorporates the features for the patent received on Aug. 26, 1952.

Arthur and Oscar Kovalovsky received 7 patents associated with reel design. Below is a summary of the patent dates, patent numbers, inventor’s names and major patent features.

May 15, 1934 – 1,958,919 – Arthur – Standard Model, Type I Drag Brake Shoe and Ball Bearing Designs
Nov 26, 1935 – 2,022,204 – Arthur – Adjustable Rim Control Drag Lever Design
Oct 31, 1939 – 2,178,120 – Arthur & Oscar – Cradle Reel Design
Nov 14, 1939 – 2,180,321 – Arthur & Oscar – Improvements to Gears and Click Designs
Apr 29, 1941 – 2,240,075 – Arthur & Oscar – Type C Drag Wheel (Star Drag) Design
Sept 4, 1951 – 2,566,803 – Arthur & Oscar – Drag Brake on Rear Plate Design
Aug 26, 1952 – 2,608,359 – Arthur & Oscar – Standard Model, Type II Drag Design