Horton Mfg. Co., Bristol, CT
Horton Mfg. Co. was known for it's line of Bristol metal rods and Kingfish Brand fishing line. In 1916, they bought the B.F. Meek & Sons fishing reel business and name. They moved the manufacture from Louisville, KY to Bristol, CT. Horton continued to make a high quality reels in the Meek tradition up until late 1940's. Meek reels were the top of the line. The Bluegrass line was the mid-grade and Simplex was their economy grade. In addition to the Meek and Bluegrass line of reels, Horton introduced the less expensive Bristol line of bait casting and fly reels.
The HORTON MEEK No. 6 Reel
The HORTON MEEK No. 3 Freespool Reel, circa 1917
The HORTON MEEK No. 4 Freespool Reel, circa 1917
The HORTON MEEK No. 4 Reel, circa 1930
The HORTON MEEK No. 3 Reel, circa 1930
The HORTON MEEK No. 3 Reel, circa 1930
The HORTON MEEK No. 3 Tournament Reels, circa 1920
The HORTON MEEK No. 4 and No. 3 Reels, circa 1930
The HORTON No. 4 and No. 3 BLUE GRASS Reels, circa 1930
The HORTON MEEK No. 30 Reels, circa 1940
The HORTON BRISTOL No. 88 and No. 77 Reels, circa 1930
The HORTON MEEK No. 55 Fly Reel, circa 1938
The HORTON MEEK Fly Reels in the 1938 Catalog