J.B. Crook reels were made starting in the 1840’s. The business was established in 1837. In the 1870’s, the company became J.B. Crook & Co. They were manufacturers and importers of fishing tackle. Unlike a lot of the New York City fishing tackle dealers, Crook made his reels. Some of his reels contained innovative features in the way the free spool and drag systems were designed. Most of his reels were the standard New York style ball handle reels. Crook also made reels with a fancy S-shaped handle. J.B. Crook reels are considered to be from one of the great early New York tackle dealers.
J.B. CROOK Nickel Plated Brass Reel with Leather Case, Circa 1853
Unmarked J.B. CROOK Reel with Drag and Free Spool Levers
J.B. CROOK German Silver 250 Yard Size Reel Made for E. LOVELL in Savanah, GA
J.B. CROOK Ad in 1849 Book “New-York: Past, Present and Future”
J.B. CROOK Ad in 1871 Book “Fur, Fin and Feathers: Game Laws”
J.B. CROOK & Co. Ad in 1876 Book “Descriptive Guide to the Adirondacks”
J.B. CROOK & Co. Ad in 1877 “The Country” Magazine
J.B. CROOK & Co. Ad in 1885 Book “The Angler’s Guide”
J.B. CROOK & Co. Ad in 1892 “American Angler” Magazine
J.B. CROOK & Co. 1880 Invoice