Allcock Aerial Popular 4” with its ‘BP’ line guard.

You will be aware that, taking Linda Evangelista’s lead, it is not our usual practice to offer items below a certain monetary value. Occasionally though, we come across a rod or reel that’s so good, so rare and special, that we can’t resist.

The Aerial Popular lived up to its name and even the uncommon 4” narrow drum model isn’t going to compete with a roller back Coxon in the bish-bash-bosh stakes, but this one is outstanding.

The cellulose lacquer applied in the 1930s to seal in the black lead finish has weathered a little –it’s about ninety years old so let’s not be too harsh, and the resulting patina is most attractive. Apart from that, the reel is in exceptionally fine original condition. It has clearly seen little use.

Very rarely have I seen such immaculate Xylonite handles. Equally rare is the superb factory fitted ‘BP’ (Bickerdyke Pattern) aluminium line guard in the classic half circle format. It has four brass bars, one of which is a roller. It can easily be removed by unscrewing its three brass retaining screws, should you prefer to use the reel without a line guard.

The brass foot and its three brass fixing screws are perfectly straight, unmarked and clean.

The aforementioned Xylonite handles are perfectly straight and free running.

The spindle and spool bush have no wear whatsoever and the reel runs (spins) exceptionally freely, with no run-out or wobble. The only other reels you’re likely to find that run this precisely are made today by Chris Lythe. This Popular really is a lovely runner –absolutely outstanding.

As the accompanying pictures illustrate, the check wheel, V-check spring and pawl are clean and crisp.

The nickel silver spokes spool hub, spool release and tension regulator are in perfect order. The solid brass line pins are all straight and sound.

The 4” wide drum Aerial Popular is a particularly nice reel to fish with. It’s reliable, practical and sturdy. I would use it for still water float fishing and general river fishing. It’s strong enough to fish for carp with, but I’d advise not over-loading it with too much heavy line.

This reel is a must for an Aerial collection and a super thing to fish with at a very modest price!

Supplied in one of our draw string khaki cotton pouches.