J. Deally, Louisville, KY
James Deally was a locksmith and received a patent for a door key on May 29, 1860. He made reels later on in his life from about 1895 until 1902. He had the mechanical ability and realized the market for high quality reels. His earliest 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 have been found with both ivory and buffalo horn handle knobs. All of his reels are high quality and made of nickel silver. His reels are considered scarce and desireable by collectors. The reels have been found in sizes varying from the typical No. 3 size to the large No. 10 size.
The J. DEALLY Reel No. 3 Size Reel, circa 1895
The J. DEALLY Reel No. 10 Reel, circa 1901
Outing Magazine, Dr. Henshall's Evolution of the Kentucky Reel, Dec. 1900
Forrest and Stream Magazine, Interview with J. L. Sage, Jan. 1915
Forrest and Stream Magazine, Dr. Henshall's More About The Kentucky Reel, Feb. 1915