A. Hendrick & Star Reel Company Birmingham, CT "EMPIRE CITY" Single Action Trade reel for Abbey & Imbrie Co. New York Circa-1896. Augustus D. Hendrick was born in Forestville, CT in 1832. He worked for the New Haven Clock Company for over 30 years. The city directories list him as a “clock maker” through 1883. In 1884, Hendrick began a fishing tackle business with Henry Whiting. It didn’t last long and the partnership was dissolved in 1885 and the business became Hendrick Brothers. This partnership was also dissolved in 1886. He later entered a business arrangement with Isaac Booth in Birmingham, CT to form The Star Reel Works in 1889. Reels sold by them had several distinguishing design characteristics. This included hard rubber handle knobs with circumferential grooves and a machined one piece reel foot. Hendrick received a patent for a reel in 1892 and assigned it to Booth(see photo’s). Most of their reels are not marked with a name. This extremely rare and fine early raised pillar brass trade reel that comes from one of greatest early makers. Like most early makers the single action reels were made in solid brass and this fine example is no different. Reel spins straight and smooth and amazing for 130 years old. The trade name is for Abbey & Imbrie one of the oldest and Largest fishing tackle retail stores located in New York City and established in 1820. Great historical reel never seen.
A. Hendrick & Star Reel Company Birmingham, CT "EMPIRE CITY" Single Action Trade reel for Abbey & Imbrie Co. New York Circa-1896. Augustus D. Hendrick was born in Forestville, CT in 1832. He worked for the New Haven Clock Company for over 30 years. The city directories list him as a “clock maker” through 1883. In 1884, Hendrick began a fishing tackle business with Henry Whiting. It didn’t last long and the partnership was dissolved in 1885 and the business became Hendrick Brothers. This partnership was also dissolved in 1886. He later entered a business arrangement with Isaac Booth in Birmingham, CT to form The Star Reel Works in 1889. Reels sold by them had several distinguishing design characteristics. This included hard rubber handle knobs with circumferential grooves and a machined one piece reel foot. Hendrick received a patent for a reel in 1892 and assigned it to Booth(see photo’s). Most of their reels are not marked with a name. This extremely rare and fine early raised pillar brass trade reel that comes from one of greatest early makers. Like most early makers the single action reels were made in solid brass and this fine example is no different. Reel spins straight and smooth and amazing for 130 years old. The trade name is for Abbey & Imbrie one of the oldest and Largest fishing tackle retail stores located in New York City and established in 1820. Great historical reel never seen.
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