Allcock Four Spoke Coxon Aerial 3½”

This is the very same model that the great Thames trout angler A.E. Hobbs of Henley favoured. In his book, The Trout Of The Thames, there’s a picture of a mighty fish with Hobbs’ four spoke Aerial alongside.

The Xylonite handles indicate that the reel was made post-1910 and its hollow nickel silver line pins and fine ebonite flanges suggest that it was made before 1925.  Production of this model ran from 1905 to 1928.

Condition report.

The mahogany back retains much of its original French polish finish, with some wear to its leading edges, as one would expect on a centenarian reel. It is true and sound.

The hand fettled sand cast star back is in original condition with some patina and the foot is straight and unaltered.

The spool’s ebonite flanges are in perfect order with some age related patina. PATENT is stamped on the front flange in line with the spoke carrying the tension adjuster. The hollow nickel silver line pins are tight and straight. The Xylonite handles have some superficial crazing and attractive patina. They are straight and turn freely. The nickel sliver spokes are clean (with some patina) and perfectly straight. The tension adjuster and spool release work perfectly.

The spool spins sweetly with no play in the spindle/bush and the grub screw that controls end float turns freely. The spool is remarkably true for a four spoke ebonite model and it runs very nicely indeed.

The spoo’sl width between flanges is 13/16”

The calliper check is crisp and easily operated via its brass button (located upper right on the reel’s back).

There is absolutely no reason why this reel shouldn’t be fished with and it represents a once in a lifetime opportunity for the Aerial aficionado to enhance their collection.

*From the collection of the late Andrew Pattison.