C. F. Orvis, Manchester, VT

Charles Orvis patented his fly reel on May 12, 1874. The first model had the head-plate and tail plate riveted on and was engraved on the bottom of the foot with his name. The first model also came with a nice form fitting, hinged wooden box. He continually improved upon the reel and later models were screwed together. The reels are usually found made of nickel plated brass. Solid nickel silver (German silver) models are scarce.