The Loomis, Plump & Co. fly reels are based on the 1880 patent by Francis Loomis. The Loomis reel is the first commercially available automatic fly reel. The first model Loomis automatic fly reel is unique in that the end plates are made of hard rubber. Also, it is not marked with his name and only the his patent date. The Loomis 1880 patent is shown below. Loomis later joined up with James Plumb to form the Loomis, Plumb & Co. Later Loomis and Plumb reels are marked with the company’s name. The Loomis and the Loomis, Plumb & Co. reels are considered to be made by some of the great New York reel makers.
The LOOMIS First Model Hard Rubber Automatic Fly Reel
The LOOMIS & PLUMB Ad in the January 27, 1881 Forest & Stream Magazine
The LOOMIS, PLUMB & Co. Ad in the August 8, 1882 Forest & Stream Magazine
The Francis Loomis 1880 Reel Patent
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