J.F. & B. F. Meek Kentucky Fishing Reels

J.F. & B.F. Meek Kentucky Fishing Reels

J.F. & B.F. Meek - Frankfort, KY

JF & BF Meek reels were made by the two brothers Jonathan and Benjamin starting in 1839. Jonathan F. Meek was a jeweler and watch smith in Frankfort, KY. He specialized in making jewelry and repairing watches. The Meek name first appeared on Kentucky reels in the late 1830's. In 1839, Jonathan formed a partnership with his brother Benjamin as his apprentice. They made reels marked "J.F. & B.F. Meek" from about 1839 to 1852. The reels were typically made on brass, but some have been found made of German silver or sterling silver.

The earliest reels are simply marked with the "JF & BF MEEK" name and city in which they were made - Frankfort, KY. Later reels were also marked with a reel size like No. 2, No. 3, etc. The reel size indicates the reel's line capacity. The larger the number, the larger the reel. Another apprentice with the Meeks was Benjamin C. Milam. He was hired in 1848. At this time, the company name was J.F. Meek & Co. In 1852 the company failed and J.F. Meek moved to Louisville. B.F. Meek stayed in Frankfort, and with B.C. Milam, formed a new company "Meek & Milam." J.F. & B.F. Meek are considered to be a couple of the great Kentucky Reel makers.


J F - B F MEEK Sterling Silver NO 6 Reel circa 1850 1 J F - B F MEEK Sterling Silver NO 6 Reel circa 1850 2 J F - B F MEEK Sterling Silver NO 6 Reel circa 1850 3 J F - B F MEEK Sterling Silver NO 6 Reel circa 1850 4

The J.F. & B.F. MEEK Sterling Silver NO. 6 Reel, circa 1850

J F - B F MEEK NO 1 Reel circa 1845 1 J F - B F MEEK NO 1 Reel circa 1845 2 J F - B F MEEK NO 1 Reel circa 1845 3

The J.F. & B.F. MEEK NO. 1 Reel, circa 1845

J F - B F MEEK Brass NO 1 Reel circa 1845 1

The J.F. & B.F. MEEK Brass NO. 1 Reel, circa 1845

J F - B F MEEK NO 2 Reel circa 1845 1 J F - B F MEEK NO 2 Reel circa 1845 2 J F - B F MEEK NO 2 Reel circa 1845 3

The J.F. & B.F. MEEK NO. 2 Reel, circa 1845

Three Screw J F - B F MEEK NO 2 Reel circa 1845

The 3 Screw J.F. & B.F. MEEK NO. 2 Reel, circa 1845

Photo of this Meek Reel by Doug Carpenter

Pocket Watch Containing J F - B F MEEK Advertising Insert Inside Case 1 Pocket Watch Containing J F - B F MEEK Advertising Insert Inside Case 2 Pocket Watch Containing J F - B F MEEK Advertising Insert Inside Case 3 Pocket Watch Containing J F - B F MEEK Advertising Insert Inside Case 4 Pocket Watch Containing J F - B F MEEK Advertising Insert Inside Case 5

A Pocket Watch Containing J.F. & B.F. MEEK Advertising Insert Inside Case

To see an interview with B.F. Meek contained in the April 13, 1895 Frankfort Roundabout Newspaper, click on the link below.

Link to B.F. Meek Interview in 1895 Frankfort Roundabout Newspaper

To see magazine articles written about the history of the Kentucky Reel, click on the links below.

Outing Magazine, "Evolution of the Kentucky Reel", by Dr. James A. Henshall, Dec. 1900

Forrest and Stream Magazine, "History of the Kentucky Reel", Interview with J. L. Sage, Jan. 1915

Forrest and Stream Magazine, "More About The Kentucky Reel", Dr. James A. Henshall, Feb. 1915

Field & Stream, "The Kentucky Reel", by Robert Lincoln Page, March, 1930

Field & Stream, "My Old Kentucky Reel", by A.J. McClane, January, 1953


For any questions about vintage antique fishing reels, lures or tackle, please feel free to Email or Call me. I always like to talk about old tackle.

Remember, I'm always buying old vintage fishing lures and reels!

Email me at: ron@luresnreels.com or Call or Text me at: 407-496-7940

Thanks!

Ron Gast

Orlando, FL

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