Members Only – View NY Ball-Handle Searchable List
Ball-handle reels are a subset of 19th century reels known as New York-style reels. They get their name from their ball shaped counterbalances and attachment points. They appear to have originated in New York in the 1830’s and were produced through the 1890’s. While most ball-handle reels were made in New York city, the design was copied by reel makers throughout the United States, Canada and Great Britain.
The purpose of this ORCA website section is to help identify the many unmarked or retailer marked ball-handle multiplying reels that we so frequently encounter. The Ball Handle List includes only reels bearing names of shops that we are reasonably confident manufactured reels. Because many shops also sold retail, some of their marked reels may represent trade reels from other makers. In addition, there are other makers not yet represented in this list so please consider contributing photos of your reels by contacting Jason Dennis.
The following have graciously submitted measurements and photographs for this project:
Laurie Bingham
Jim Brown
Don Champion
Jason Dennis
John Elder
Dave Erickson
Bill Hoerter
Tom Kerr
Lang’s Auction
Dave Lucas
Paul Manuel
Newt Potter
Joe Putro
Jim Schottenham
George Stuever
Steve Tillisch
Steve Vernon
Parts of a Ball-handle Reel
This ball-handle reel illustrates the basic structure of ball-handle reels.
- Tailplate. The bearing for the spool journal (not visible) may be a bushing or merely a hole in the tailplate.
- Spool flange. The spool arbor, on which the line is wound, is not visible.
- Foot
- Headcap
- Crank collar, which protects the unseen crankshaft
- Knob, grasp, or handle
- Crank
- Counterweight
- Cap. Depending on what it covers, the cap may be called an oil cap or bearing cap.
- Click button. This sliding button happens to be mounted on the headcap rim.
- Pillar
- Headplate
- Pinion, mounted on the end of the spool shaft
- Click pawl. In this case, it engages the main gear, rather than a separate click gear.
- Gear post or main gear shaft bearing
- Main gear, mounted on the crank shaft