I have a "thing" for old Uniquas...

[sovereign]

sovereign, the various checks were not specific to any particular reel type. You can go through the search function to find pictures of checks used on the Uniqua that members have posted.

Thank you ! // Steen

[flyuvo]

I'm a little confused If the MK I check was introduced in 1917 and the stancions in 1919, how did the MK I check look like 1917 - 1919?

[MFRS]

I'm a little confused If the MK I check was introduced in 1917 and the stancions in 1919, how did the MK I check look like 1917 - 1919?

viewtopic.php?f=72&t=78886&p=618051&hil ... ck#p618051

[flyuvo]

Ok, got it. Thx for education
Urs

[Ramcatt]

Here are my two 1912 check Unique Salmon - 3 3/4 and 3 1/2
going to be selling these in the near future, so I thought I'd at least document them together

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yVam8e70ZzY

[NewUtahCaneAngler]

I posted this reel in a separate thread before I received it, however, it really belongs here. After spending additional time researching these early Uniquas, I believe that this one may be unique (no pun intended). Thanks to SpringCreek and Sovereign (and everyone else who had contributed to this site for years!) for assisting with dating this reel. Let's just say if it isn't already a centenarian, it will be in a year or two. I found this in Kilkenny, Ireland of all places!






The unique features to this 2 5/8" version are:
- the obvious Abercrombie & Fitch badging and lack of Hardy badging or the name Uniqua on the outside
- the flat stanchion rather than a mushroom or screw
- the lack of the stanchion on the outside rim (all other reels that I've seen missing this feature have the adjustable drag, sans a single WW2 era spitfire)
- the solid (vs having a hole on the outside) brass spindle

Did any/most/none of the Uniqua models have a dovetailed foot? This petite one does not.

I intend to have a new handle installed and will be fishing it with an Orvis flea.

Thanks for looking,
Joe

[Oxbow]

I still have a deep rooted "thing" for Uniquas. In the hope of keeping this thread going I will post the two newest additions to my Uniqua family. While there are many reels out there that look good when paired with bamboo rods, I think there is no reel that looks soooo natural than a Uniqua on a bamboo rod. Seems to my eye like a marriage made in heaven. The two on the right were just added - 3 3/8ths and 3 1/8th.

[KLNC]

In the spirit of keeping a good thread active, I'll contribute a couple more. 4" and 3 3/4" salmon Uniquas, both with regulator.

[upstream2]

The thing, this time, isn't the looks, faded away, neither the mechanical condition, partly worn anyway. Not even the size, as a 3 5/8", perhaps the least desired. Thus, this time, I think, the thing is just the handedness, leaving nothing more to be desired.





Sami

[customline]

Thanks for sharing
Lefty Uniqua is certainly very rare reel indeed.
I have personally owned 2 x 2 7/8' reels and know one 3 1/8" from well known forum fellow. Never seen 3 3/8' and this is first 3 5/8" I know

[Brian K. Shaffer]

Finally I get to make a proper post of my Uniqua's :



On a straight line now boys and girls...



Better... and if I could get the background right.. I would be onto something, huh.

You should hear the different click check sounds... I played some for our friend Chuck on the tele.
The lower left reel ratchet is amazing - it echoes' on itself.

I love this shot of the Uniqua 2 7/8th insdes or guts on this reel... which I fixed the handle :

(Shows how much extra hot sauce product I wasted in there huh.)

[salmonid1]

Brian, have you seen the two remaining Uniquas on my site? Both very cool. Carmine

[Lorncell]

Thought I would add this one to the bunch, lots of beautiful reels here. This one has always made me scratch my head. Haven't seen it in a catalog but maybe someone has. Certainly looks factory-made although it could have been a special order. Does anyone have any ideas?.

[sovereign]

Interesting Hardy Uniqua Salmon you got there, and I think you are right that it was factory made. Your reel has the same check as was used in the Hardy Eureka, the Hardy Wallis and Hardy The Longstone. Here a picture of the check from a Hardy Wallis no. 1 31/2`(1931-1939) made by Hardy reel maker GT = Gordon Talbot, Hardy reel maker between 1929 and 1939. The Hardy Wallis had no spare pawl. the most Hardy fly reels had a spare pawl after 1922, as seen on your Hardy Uniqua. // Steen Ps: The Hardy Sunbeam fly reels all came without a spare pawl.

[Brian K. Shaffer]

What an intense Uniqua - a lot going on there. Wow.
Not a traditional Mark II check at all, eh ?
It's seen little use too.. what a gem you have there Lorncell ~

[oddsnrods]

I was fortunate to come across a 4" clear finish Uniqua (with spare drum stamped- 2) to sit beside the 2 7/8" version featured earlier in this thread, both reels initialled J.S
The 4" reel, although stamped 'Duplicated', does not have a spare pawl.
Very fond of the 'fat' handles..

Malcolm

[flyrodman]

An early one

[Brian K. Shaffer]

That is a beautiful reel above.
Love to see 4 screws holding the foot on there.

Would be to neat to see a 5 inch Uniqua, or bigger...

[Silver Doctor]

OOps double post.

[Brian K. Shaffer]

Those appear to be the same (very similar) brake gut parts found the in the Longstone... almost as if retrofitted.
(Not likely... but it looks like it could be done.)

again - if only reels could talk.