The Leonard Atwood fly reels were developed using principals from his 8 reel patents. His most interesting patents were his 1902 and 1907 ones describing a reel that was literally split in half. The clam shell design allowed easy access to the reel’s inner features for maintenance. His later 1913 patent for a fly reel showed the drag and anti-reverse features. The three patents are shown below. Leonard Atwood is considered one of the great New England area reel makers.
The ATWOOD Fly Reel Showing His 1913 Patent Features
ATWOOD Reel Article in July, 1908 Field & Stream Magazine
The ATWOOD 1902 and 1907 Clam Shell Reel Patents
The ATWOOD 1913 Reel Patent
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