Bradford & Anthony reels were made for them by other companies. They were a large fishing tackle dealer in Boston, MA. The business did make rods and flies. Bradford & Anthony was one of the largest tackle houses in the New England states area. The original company was Martin L. Bradford Co. and it started in 1845. Bradford & Anthony reels were sold starting in 1867 through 1883. They sold the business to Dame, Stoddard & Kendall in 1883.
The M.L. BRADFORD German Silver 200 Yard Reel, Circa 1850
The Small German Silver Fly Reel, Circa 1880
The 300 Yard Size Brass Reel, Circa 1880
MARTIN L. BRADFORD Ad in 1850 Boston City Directory
MARTIN L. BRADFORD & Co. Ad in 1865 “Wilkes’ Spirit of the Times” Magazine
BRADFORD & ANTHONY Ad in 1871 Book “Fur, Fin and Feather: Game Laws”
BRADFORD & ANTHONY 1874 Ad in “Forest & Stream”
BRADFORD & ANTHONY 1882 Ad in “Forest & Stream”
DAME, STODDARD & KENDALL 1883 Ad in “Forest & Stream”
Another Great Antique Vintage Fishing Tackle Link: