Chris Lythe ‘Spitfire’ Aerial centrepin reel № 14.
In outstanding condition, this is a very rare version made without line guard lugs.
£1,200.00
I am told that this is one of only a couple of Spitfires made by Chris Lythe without line guard lugs. The Spitfire is Chris’s homage to the pre-1940 Allcock Aerial Match, which was made only very rarely without a line guard. This means that the reel can be used either left or right hand wind, and one can perform the Wallis case with it, which is not possible with a line guard fitted.
Aesthetically, the reel is very similar to the Allcock Aerial Match but dare I say it, the quality of its manufacture is even more refined than its ancestor’s. It is a supremely elegant light line trotting reel- the perfect instrument for grayling, roach or dace. That said, it’s so well made that it would not be in the least bit troubled by hefty tench or chub.
The spool has six spokes with ten small holes to the front rim and a solid back plate. The finish is natural aluminium. The spool hub is phosphor-bronze. The tapered black handles have nickel silver spindles with polished domed ends -very classic.
Nominally a 4″ diameter narrow drum reel, the spool measures 3⅞” x 19/32″
The reel weighs 255g (9oz). The spool weighs 133g (4.7oz)
The reel’s back is black anodised.
The line pins and spokes are nickel silver. The foot, check button and check screws are brass. The check wheel and pawl are case-hardened steel.
The reel comes in its maker’s embroidered drawstring bag.