The Allcock Aerial 4” wide drum centre pin reel.

A totally original and fine example of the all time classic 12 spoke ventilated Aerial. The quintessential English centre pin, this reel is as fit to fish with as it was when newly made nearly a century ago. It has, in my view, had only light use. It shows no mechanical wear and its attractive patina is evidence only of its vintage.

This is the model I chose when I wanted a pre-1939 Allcock Aerial to fish with. Many other models and sizes were made but this is the most useful and elegant of them all. With this reel attached to your favourite rod, you’ll feel like a Prince as you approach your swim. ‘Oh look’ the tench will say (they can speak), ‘This fellow’s got real style and class, and look at that Wallis cast he’s just performed!’ (-it’s all that caffeine in my tea).

The drum is very light so you can properly trot even light floats in gentle streams with no trouble and the 4” wide drum is simply the best for Wallis casting. It achieves a respectable rate of retrieve too, without being bulky. No wonder it’s the model Chris Yates and other discerning anglers favour.

This 7950 Type 6 was made for eleven years so while it’s not exceptionally rare, it is hard to find one as good as this. You will be relieved to hear that the price is almost charitably reasonable. Twenty or more years ago, when Aerial Fever swept through the tackle rooms of the nation, you’d have needed nearly twice as much cash as I’m asking to buy this reel.

Technical information.

This pattern, the type 6 with its V-spring check, was introduced in 1923 and made until 1934 (The Allcock Aerial – a Collectors Guide by Bob Singleton). I believe this reel was made in the 1920s for the following reasons:

The blued check wheel is secured with three dowels (later reels used one dowel).

The equally well blued pawl is secured with a brass screw (later ones were riveted).

The check button is secured with a screw (later ones were riveted).

The blued check spring is a different shape than later examples.

The drum spins straight and true with no wobble. The spindle end float is perfectly adjusted and there is no wear or play between the spindle and its bush.

The rims are both stamped 28. The back plate (inside) is stamped 2495

The back plate is stamped with: REG.DESIGN № 689467 and in a roundel: S. ALLCOCK & Co LTD REDDITCH ENGLAND THE “ALLCOCK AERIAL”

The straight, undamaged, un-filed brass foot is stamped 7 and retains much of its original lacquered bright finish.

The drum’s spokes and line pins are tight and untouched.

The xylonite handles rotate completely freely with no sticking and are dead straight.

4” diameter x 1” width between rims (it actually measures one and one sixteenth)

Total weight: 8⅞oz (255g)

Drum weight: 4⅛oz (120g)

Ventilated front rim -8 holes. Solid rear rim.

Button operated V-spring check mechanism set for right hand wind.

Note: Allcock Aerials were always set up for RHW.

Recommended reel lines: 3 – 6 lb BS. I suggest buying 50 yard spools of clear Maxima (which you can see when you’re float fishing) from one of the game fishing suppliers. If you need backing, use an appropriate braid rather than more nylon monofilament.

Care & Maintenance.

Ensure that the spindle and bush are always oiled with a very fine, light oil. We can provide this on request.

Other moving parts should be lubricated only when absolutely necessary. The check wheel and pawl should be lubricated with a tiny amount of molybdenum grease, applied with a small modelling brush. Remove all surplus lubricant with a clean cloth.

It is important not to over-lubricate an Aerial reel. Apart from the spindle and its bush, none of the moving parts are under any great strain (unlike the moving parts of a car engine, for instance) and an excess of oil or grease will only attract grit and dirt, which will exacerbate wear and serve no useful purpose.

Clean reel with a lint-free cloth and if very dirty, wash in warm, slightly soapy water, using nothing more aggressive than a soft bristle tooth brush to remove stubborn dirt. Allow to dry properly in a warm place before re-lubricating.