Late 19th Century Silver Plated Fishing Reel Trophy

This silver trophy was designed to celebrate the winner of an angling competition. Three fishing rods with large reels intersect over one another, forming a three-pronged base for the trophy. Looped onto the rods is a wreath, signifying victory for the recipient of the trophy. The chalice of the trophy is clear and nondescript, free of any markings or initials. Well maintained and sturdy, this is an excellent example of antique silver craftsmanship.

Sportfishing began in earnest in 15th century England with the publishing of “The Treatyse of Fysshynge with an Angle.” Written by Dame Juliana Berner, the article was one of the first to promote fishing for pleasure instead of food. The publishing of the article is widely considered to be the birth of modern angling.

Further developments were collected and released in “The Art of Angling” by Richard Bowlker in 1747. While “The Treatyse of Fysshynge with an Angle” is considered the birth of modern sportfishing, “The Art of Angling” marks the start of modern fly fishing techniques including dressing flies for certain species and specialized casting techniques for different situations. “The Art of Angling” was followed by “Vade Mecum of Fly-Fishing Trout” in 1846 which was the first published work to describe how to tie a dry fly.

The 18th and 19th centuries saw much more progress towards modern fly fishing with Spanish silkgut replacing horsehair for leaders and lines, the development of reels, the appearance of guides on rods, and the tapering of lines. Fly fishing continued evolving mostly in the United Kingdom with the emergence of angling clubs, several new books on technique and how to tie flies, and new methods for fishing thanks to the weeds that grew close to many British riverbanks. The Victorian era of fly fishing is also the era fly fishing jumped from a practical form to haul in dinner to an art.

This trophy would look fantastic on a bookshelf, in an office, or a well-appointed game room. It also can serve as a display for flowers or small dried arrangements, making it a very versatile design element.

CONDITION:
Overall very good condition. No severe wear is visible, with bright and clean silver plating. Dimensions: 8 1/2″ H x 3 3/4″ W x 3 3/4″ D