B.C. Milam & Son Reel

Meek & Milam, B. C. Milam, B.C. Milam & Son Reels

B.C. Milam, Frankfort, KY

Benjamin C. Milam was a jeweler and watchsmith by trade in Frankfurt, KY. He is credited, however, with being one of the earliest of the high quality Kentucky reel makers. Reels that bear the Meek & Milam name were made by Milam from about 1850 to 1880. The earliest Meek & Milam reels have numbered screws that match the screw hole number stamped in the reel's headplate. In 1881, Milam broke off the relationship with Mr. Meek and began making reels under the name B.C. Milam. The earliest B.C. Milam marked reels do not have serial numbers. Ones made after 1883 were serialized. He continued marking them this way until 1890 when he made his son, John Milam, a partner and they were marked B.C. Milam & Son. Reels made between 1896 and 1903 also incorporated the phrase "The Frankfort Kentucky Reel" in an arch above the B.C. Milam & Son name. The most interesting of the B.C. Milam & Son reels are the ones with large jewels for the spool bearings. These are scarce variations of the reels. The B.C. Milam & Son reels were made until 1928 when John Milam passed away.

B.C. Milam & Son were very proud of their reels and were always interested in showing off their craftmanship. They took their reels to the Wold Expos around the modern world and received recognition and rewards. The two medals below are from a relative of Milam that are mentioned in the B.C Milam & Son Catalog.