Antique Nottingham-Pattern Fishing Reel Bookends - Bespoke Cherrywood Bases

A superb and completely individual pair of English Nottingham-pattern wooden fishing reels, circa 1900–1915, sympathetically incorporated into a pair of specially commissioned solid cherry wood bookends. The antique reels are characteristic of the Nottingham centrepin tradition, a distinctive form of English fishing reel particularly associated with coarse and river fishing during the late Victorian and Edwardian periods. Of traditional turned hardwood construction, probably mahogany, the reels retain their attractive original brass fittings and dark horn handles. The construction and fittings are characteristic of Slater-pattern Nottingham reels of the period, although no maker’s mark has been identified and we therefore make no firm attribution to a particular manufacturer. The drums turn freely and the original handles, brass reel feet and mechanical fittings have all been retained. The bases were specially commissioned from an artisan carpenter and individually handmade in solid cherry wood, selected for its attractive grain and warm colour, which complements the rich century-old patina of the reels particularly well. These bookeds would look particularly impressive in a library, study, country house, fishing lodge or gentleman’s office and would make an excellent gift for an angler or collector of antique fishing tackle and sporting memorabilia.