Ustonson

Onesimus Ustonson Reels

Onesimus Ustonson Fishing Reels & Winches - London, England

Onesimus Ustonson reels are some of the earliest fishing reels made in the UK. The company was in business from about 1760 to 1855. Onesimus was born in 1736 and died in 1810. It is known that fishing reels (winches) have been made in England for a long time. Reels by Onesimus Ustonson are desirable to collectors since they represent the earliest known multiplying reels. He also made fly reels and salmon size reels. It is interesting to note that most of the Ustonson marked reels were in fact not made under Onesimus's supervision. They were in fact made by his daughter-in-law, Maria, who had married Onesimus's son Charles. Charles died shortly after the marriage and Maria took over the business in 1816. She obtained prominence with royalty and was able to so mark her reels. The oldest reels are marked "Ustonson, Maker, Temple Bar, London." Starting in 1837, the reels were marked "Ustonson, Maker to the Queen, Temple Bar, London" since this is the time Queen Victoria took the throne. The business was sold to William Peters in 1845, and hence the reel marking change. The multiplying reels are not as common as the fly reels. The Utonson company probably made reels for about 85 years, although they were only marked with the name for about 50 years. Onesimus Ustonson reels are considered one of the early great reels made in the UK.

The earliest fishing rods did not have a metal seat or locking band to securely attach the reel to the rod. The reel was fastened to the rod with leather straps laced through holes or notches in the reel's foot. Reels with a perforated foot were made in the early 1800's. An example of this type of reel design is shown in photos below. The estimated dates of the reel markings are as follows:

1800-1824: Ustonson, Maker, Temple Bar, London
1824-1837: Ustonson, Maker to his Majesty, Temple Bar, London
1837-1845: Ustonson, Maker to the Queen, Temple Bar, London
1845-1855: Ustonson & Peters, Maker to the Queen, 48 Bell Yard, Temple Bar, London

A more detailed history of Ustonson and his reels can be found in the Old Reel Collectors Assoc. (ORCA) newsletter issue of May, 2010 by Tom Kerr.



Ustonson Reels Ustonson Reels

The USTONSON Reels


Ustonson Salmon Reel Ustonson Salmon Reel Ustonson Salmon Reel Ustonson Salmon Reel Ustonson Salmon Reel Ustonson Salmon Reel

The USTONSON "Maker" Engraved Salmon Reel


Onesimus Ustonson small Reel Onesimus Ustonson small Reel Onesimus Ustonson small Reel Onesimus ustonson small Reel

The USTONSON "Maker to his Majesty" Engraved Fly Reel


Onesimus Ustonson Multiplier Reel Onesimus Ustonson Multiplier Reel Onesimus Ustonson Multiplier Reel Onesimus Ustonson Multiplier Reel Onesimus Ustonson Multiplier Reel

The USTONSON "Maker to His Majesty" Wide Spool Engraved Multiplying Reel


Onesimus Ustonson Multiplier Reel Onesimus Ustonson Multiplier Reel Onesimus Ustonson Multiplier Reel Onesimus Ustonson Multiplier Reel Onesimus Ustonson Multiplier Reel Onesimus Ustonson Multiplier Reel

The USTONSON "Maker to His Majesty" Engraved Multiplying Reel


Onesimus Ustonson Fly Reel Onesimus Ustonson Fly Reel Onesimus Ustonson Fly Reel Onesimus ustonson Fly Reel

The USTONSON "Maker to the Queen" Engraved Fly Reel


Ustonson Peters Reel Ustonson Peters Reel Ustonson Peters Reel Ustonson Peters Reel Ustonson Peters Reel Ustonson Peters Reel

The USTONSON & PETERS "Maker to the Queen" Engraved Multiplying Reel


Onesimus Ustonson Fly Reel Onesimus Ustonson Fly Reel Onesimus Ustonson Fly Reel Onesimus ustonson Fly Reel

The USTONSON Fly Reel


Onesimus Ustonson reels & winches Onesimus Ustonson reels & winches Onesimus Ustonson reels & winches

The USTONSON Fly Reel w/Folding Crank Handle Knob


Onesimus Ustonson reels & winches Onesimus Ustonson reels & winches Onesimus Ustonson reels & winches

Unmarked Brass Reel from Ustonson Era, circa 1820



If you have a vintage antique fishing reel or lure, I can tell you what it's worth.

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

Frostproof, FL



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