Deally

J. Deally Fishing Reels

J Deally reels

J. Deally - Louisville, KY

J. Deally reels were made from about 1890 to 1900. He was born in Pennsylvania in 1825. Later in life, he moved to Louisville, KY and was a locksmith. His company was James Deally & Co. and he received a patent for a door key on May 29, 1860. The Louisville City Directories list him as a model maker from 1885 to 1891. He later was listed as a fishing reel manufacturer and model maker from about 1892 until 1897. In the 1894 Louisville City Directory, he his listed alongside B.F. Meek as Fishing Reel Manufacturers. From 1898 to his death in 1901, he is listed as only a fishing reel manufacturer. He had the mechanical ability and realized the market for high quality reels.

Most J. Deally reels were not marked with the size number. Later, he followed the style of his fellow Kentucky reel makers and marked a size number on the reels. The reels are usually found with buffalo horn handle knobs, but sometimes came with an ivory knob. Most of his reels are high quality and made of German silver (nickel silver). Some models have also been found made of brass or aluminum. His reels are considered scarce and desirable by collectors. The reels have been found in sizes varying from the small No. 1 size to the large No. 12 size. Deally is considered to be one of the great Kentucky reel makers.



J Deally No. 1 reel J Deally No. 1 reel J Deally No. 1 reel J Deally No. 1 reel

The J. DEALLY No. 1 Reel, Serial Number 180


J Deally reels J Deally reels J Deally reels J Deally reels

The J. DEALLY No. 2 Size Reel, Serial Number 43


J Deally reels J Deally reels J Deally reels J Deally reels

The J. DEALLY No. 3 Size Reel, Serial Number 16


DEALLY No. 3 Brass Reel DEALLY No. 3 Brass Reel DEALLY No. 3 Brass Reel DEALLY No. 3 Brass Reel

The J. DEALLY No. 3 Brass Reel, Serial Number 57


J Deally No. 3 reel J Deally No. 3 reel J Deally No. 3 reel J Deally No. 3 reel

The J. DEALLY No. 3 Reel, Serial Number 103


J Deally No. 3 reel J Deally No. 3 reel J Deally No. 3 reel J Deally No. 3 reel J Deally No. 3 reel

The J. DEALLY No. 3 Size Reel, Serial Number 193


J Deally No. 4 reel J Deally No. 4 reel J Deally No. 4 reel J Deally No. 4 reel

The J. DEALLY No. 4 Reel, Serial Number 149


J Deally No. 4 Aluminum Reel J Deally No. 4 Aluminum Reel J Deally No. 4 Aluminum Reel J Deally No. 4 Aluminum Reel

The J. DEALLY No. 4 Aluminum Reel, Serial Number 197


J Deally reels J Deally reels J Deally reels J Deally reels

The J. DEALLY No. 10 Reel, Serial Number 200A


Deally tombstone

The J. DEALLY Tombstone, Louisville, KY


To see magazine articles written about the history of the Kentucky Reel, click on the links below.

Outing Magazine, "Evolution of the Kentucky Reel", by Dr. James A. Henshall, Dec. 1900

Forest and Stream Magazine, "History of the Kentucky Reel", Interview with J. L. Sage, Jan. 1915

Forest and Stream Magazine, "More About The Kentucky Reel", Dr. James A. Henshall, Feb. 1915

Field & Stream, "The Kentucky Reel", by Robert Lincoln Page, March, 1930

Field & Stream, "My Old Kentucky Reel", by A.J. McClane, January, 1953



If you have a vintage antique fishing reel or lure, I can tell you what it's worth.

For any questions about vintage antique fishing reels, lures or tackle, please feel free to Email or Call me. I always like to talk about old tackle.

Remember, I'm always buying old vintage fishing lures and reels!

Email me at: ron@luresnreels.com or Call or Text me at: 407-496-7940

Thanks!

Ron Gast

Frostproof, FL



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Link to reelsnlures.com Website


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