Frank Fullilove, Owenton, KY
Frank Fullilove was a jeweler in Owenton, KY and sold his reels out of his store. It is not know exactly when he started making his reels, but he received a patent for them on March 14, 1905. Perhaps he felt he needed to patent his reel to protect its design features. There is evidence that he had already been making the reel for a number of years. It is interesting to note that none of the early Kentucky reel makers patented their reels. The fishing reel was made of nickel silver and has an ivory knob. Fullilove only made one known reel model and named it "Crown". Perhaps he did so because he felt it was fit for a king. I agree. The Crown reel did come either with or without jeweled bearings. A note of caution for anyone trying to take off the crank handle. The nut holding the handle on has left-handed threads. The Crown is a scarce and collectable Kentucky reel.
The FULLILOVE CROWN Reel, circa 1903
The Jeweled FULLILOVE CROWN Reel, circa 1893
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