FISHING TACKLE: A COLLECTOR'S GUIDE. By Graham Turner. First Edition.

1989 1st edition. 4to (220 x 290mm). Pp384. Colour and b/w photographs, illustrations. Brown boards, spine titled in gilt.

This the first edition of the most comprehensive guide to British antique fishing tackle. Chapters include: The early days - A history of tackle from the stoneage to the 17th century; London tackle makers - The history of the London tackle makers and manufacturers, together with illustrations of their products and trade-cards from the 17th century to modern times. The first account of Ustonson, supported by original, archive documents and illustrations of the only known examples of the maker's work in Britain and America; Familiar names - An illustrated account of the better-known British tackle manufacturers and their products from the early 19th century. In addition, the first data on all the Scottish makers and the pioneers of the fixed-spool reel, together with their patents; Hardy Brothers - A comprehensive history and illustrated guide to all the Hardy Bros rods, reels and lures, and original catalogue illustrations of the company's wide range of tackle. Included is the unique story of the Medina Reel; America - The evolution of fishing tackle in America, from the simple but effective implements of the Indian, to the pioneer Kentucky reel makers of the 19th century. It relates a brief history of the early patents and the well-known manufacturers of reels, rods and lures, and describes the sport of decoy fishing through ice; Price guide - A record of prices, which items of fishing tackle have realized at auctions in Great Britain and America over a period of six years. Sections included are: Hardy reels; Hardy rods; British reels; British rods; Miscellaneous tackle; Catalogues; american reels; American rods; Decoys.