Charles Fasoldt was a well known and accomplished watch, chronometer and clock maker in the 1860’s and 1870’s. He also made a level wind fishing reel. Charles was born in Dresden, Germany in 1819. He moved to Rome, NY around 1849 and advertised that he was making gold and silver watches and other fine jewelry. Around 1861 he moved to Albany, NY and advertised that he was a maker of watches, and later, chronometers. In the 1870’s, his sons Ernest C., Max and Otto were working with him. At this time he was also making clock towers and received awards for them. While making his watches and chronometers, Fasoldt was not able to find a microscope that suited his purpose. So, he invented his own microscope and it also became an award winning and highly respected design.
Unfortunately, there is no known record of Fasoldt making a fishing reel. The reel is marked “Pat. Apl. For,” but no record has been found to date. He apparently made a reel while in Albany since that is how the reel is marked. At first glance the reel looks like a normal brass New York style ball handle reel. But upon turning the crank handle, you realize that this reel is a unique design. There is a fishing line level wind mechanism enclosed in the base of the reel that moves back and forth while the line is being retrieved.
Charles Fasoldt died in Albany, NY on May 13, 1889.
CHARLES FASOLDT 1851 Ad in the Rome, NY Newspaper
The FASOLDT Family in the 1877 Albany, NY City Directory
The FASOLDT Family in the 1882 Albany, NY City Directory
CHARLES FASOLDT Obituary in 1889
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