R. & L. Lewis fishing reels were made in New York, NY mostly in the 1850’s. Their major business was making harps for about 25 years. According to Nancy Groce’s 1991 book “Musical Instrument Makers of New York.” Reese Lewis was listed in the book as a reel maker from 1852 to 1856. The history of his professions is shown below. Reel historian Steve Vernon says that R. & L. Lewis actually made reels for about 25 years. Reese’s son Laban Lewis was also making the harps and reels with his father. R. & L. Lewis are considered to be one of the great reel makers from New York.
R. & L. LEWIS Size 5 Reel
Reese Lewis Professions and Addresses from 1842 to 1868 According to Nancy Groce
R. & L. Lewis Price List Ad for Harps in The Canada Directory for 1857-58
R. & L. Lewis Ad in The Metropolitan Catholic Almanac in !861