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They Can't Touch You For It!

Our December 2001 contribution from Chris Sandford

I don't think I know of a collector of angling memorabilia who isn't a fisherman. Appreciating the craftsmanship and innovative skills of yesterday's tackle makers is not dissimilar to the rewards gained when trotting afloat or casting a fly in a beautiful location. Because of these allied interests, collecting is inclined to take aback seat during the summer months. But now that winter is upon us, and there is every likelihood of contracting 'cabin fever', those of us with a passion for angling antiques tend to enjoy the confines of our 'cabins' as we plan our winter campaigns.

Now is the time to decide if there are any items of our collections we can live without. Have we grown tired of that early wooden reel? Should we swap that brass multiplier with a collector who has a rare lure we would like to own? Should we put one whole section of our collection into auction so that we can afford that once in a lifetime fishing trip?

To add to these deliberations, news of tackle fairs and imminent auctions pile through the letter box. Several 'phone calls a day relate to the latest collector gossip. Those who are computer literate surf , scan, bid and generally interact on the internet. Personally, if I can't get to inspect and fondle the item I'm after, I'm a telephone and postman fan!

So what makes collectors collect? The spur is usually nostalgia. The acquisition of a rod or reel similar to those used in childhood is usually the first step taken on this slippery slope. In my case it was a yearning to own a piece of tackle from an era I had missed. I made the stupid mistake of not fishing between the ages of 15 and 45 when Richard Walker, the Izaak Walton of the last century, was making angling history.

I thought all I wanted was a built cane B James Richard Walker MK4 Carp rod and a pristine Mitchell 300. How wrong can one be? My collection now boasts over 700 items and I can find no way of stopping its growth in the foreseeable future. Perhaps I need counselling?! The amassing of piscatoriana falls into six main categories. Reels, rods, lures, books, cased and carved fish and general ephemera. This last category includes nets, line winders, fly wallets, creels, gaffs and all manner of gadgets whose manufacturers promised bigger catches or a more efficient way of managing one's tackle.

As with the the purchase of any antique item the new collector must tread warily. There are a few dealers and collectors who only consider the short term. 'Rip off today and find another sucker tomorrow’!

So before you start roaming the stalls at car boot sales and tackle fairs I'd advise you to purchase some of the half dozen vintage tackle collecting cooks that are available through specialist outlets. These will give you most of the historical knowledge you need but will not arm you with any sort of current price guide. Prices can only be learnt by talking with trustworthy collectors and attending as many tackle auctions as time will allow.

I have a regular column in The Angling Times under the title 'Golden Oldies' which answers readers queries on origin and value. So you are more than welcome to drop me aline if I can be of help. Please enclose a sharp photograph of the item concerned and your evening telephone number.

My vintage fishing tackle roadshow appears at many game fairs and exhibitions around the country so I'm always happy to appraise any item you care to bring along. All we ask is you make a donation, no matter how small, to our charity SPARKS (Sport Aiding Medical Research for Kids). To encourage you to contract collector fever I've put together a list that gives you all the information you need to join the ranks of what many consider to be the mildly insane! But what the hell... they can't touch you for it! Happy hunting!

Dealers

Brindley John Ayres Tel. 01291 672710
General tackle list and collecting books.

The Old Tackle Box Tel. 01580 713979
General tackle list and collecting books.

Steve Middletonwww.traditional-anglingproducts.co.uk

Dealer and collector

Roger Still Tel. 01359 231726

Dealers of Vintage Angling Books

Paul Morgan at Coch-y-Bonddu Books. Tel. 01654 702837.
Laura Hiscock at Chalmers Hallam Tel. 01425470060.
John and Judith Head Tel. 01722 327767.

Cased and Carved Fish

Geoff Minnis Mobile 07831 205439.

Vintage Tackle Periodicals

Classic Angling Subscriptions: 01480463565. Website: www.classictitles.com
The Vintage Tackle Observer Subscriptions: 01509 852121. Website: www.antiquetackleobserver.com

Traditional Angling Magazine

Waterlog Subscriptions: 01691 623225. Website: www.waterlogmagazine.co.uk
Internet Vintage Tackle Trading Website: www.fishingtackletrader.com (modern and vintage tackle)

The Best Of British Baits

Chris Sandford's book 'The Best of British Baits', which traces the history of artificial lures, from Izaac Walton's detailed description of a silk minnow in 1653 through to the 1930s, is available direct from Chris Sandford PO Box 256, Esher, Surrey, KT10 9W A. Price £60 plus £3 p and p.