Talbot hardware store reels were made by both Wm. H. Talbot Reel Co. and Talbot Reel & Mfg. Co. and they marked their standard reels with the store’s names. Stores names like Gus Habich in Indianapolis, VIM in Chicago, Simmons Hardware Co. and Schmelzer Arms Co. in Kansas City can be found on Talbot reels.
Talbot History – The earliest Wm. H. Talbot reels were made in Nevada, MO from about 1895 to 1913. The first models made in Nevada were marked No. 2, 3 or 4 and had four screws attaching the head plate to the reel frame. Talbot received a patent in January 22, 1901 for a design that incorporated only three screws to attach the head plate. The top of the line model was marked No. 50. This model had clear sapphire jeweled bearings and an ivory knob. The forerunners of this high quality reel were the Levison Special and the Talbot Special. These models are very scarce. Other scarce models were the Talbot No. 60 and No. 75. The Niangua is also a high quality reel and was made with and without jeweled bearings. The most desirable reel for collectors is the Ben Hur fly reel. It came in two sizes and are considered very scarce. His bottom of the line of reels (if there is a bottom of the line for Talbot) are named after heavenly bodies like Meteor, Mars and Comet. These reels can also be found with and without garnet jewels for spool bearings.Talbot reels made for the hardware and sporting goods store are consider to be some of the great early reels made in the USA.
In 1913 the company name Wm. H. Talbot Reel Co. was changed to Talbot Reel & Mfg. Co. and was moved to Kansas City, MO. The top of the line reels were the No’s 52, 53 and 54 with the second digit being the reel size. Talbot also made the size No’s 2X, 3X and 4X series reels. The second digit “X” on these reels signified what options came with the reel. The Niangua, Meteor, Comet and Star models were also made by the company while in Kansas City, MO.
In 1920, the company was sold to Richardson Rod & Reel Co. in Chicago. Richardson made standard Talbot reels and also made special free-spool reels for tournament casting. All Talbot reels are collectable and sought after by collectors.
The TALBOT LOTUS 2 made for SCHMELZER ARMS CO. in Kansas City, MO
The TALBOT EAGLE RIVER and TOMAHAWK Reels made for VIM in Chicago, IL
The TALBOT Reels made for GUS HABICH in Indianapolis, IN
The TALBOT PERFECTION Reel made for VL&A in Chicago, IL
The TALBOT VENUS and JUPITER Reels made for SIMMONS HARDWARE CO. in St. Louis, MO
Names of TALBOT Reels Made for Hardware Stores