I've posted photos of my black "Stream-Fly" before seeking information about it, but recently a friend and fellow forum member (GotSpeyed)
purchased a different variation of this reel that I think pre-dates my black one. He sent it to me for a photo op and I think the pair might make a neat
October photo for the 2010 Calendar.
Rick & I would both like to know more about these reels so if anyone has additional information we'd appreciate it being posted.
So far what we know is that these reels were made in Christ Church New Zealand by a machinist named E.J. Brown.
It appears that the earlier models were the bronze color and that they were badged "F. STEANS & COY LTD, CH CH NZ" (Note: the CH CH stands for Christ Church). Some of them are stamped on the inside of the winding plate "E.J. Brown". We have seen the bronze color models in both 3.5 inch and 3 7/8th inch models and the bronze ones tend to have brass feet. The black models that we have seen have all been 3.5 inch models with some being marked like Rick's bronze model and others being marked only as "Stream-Fly", and they have what appears to be stainless or aluminum feet.
Both variations have a single check and utilize a tension regulator like Hardy's used. We speculate that the maker got into some trouble with Hardy's over the basic copy of the Perfect Reel design and that the production may have been fairly short lived.
What would be great to know is what range of years these were made, and really anything else about the company. There was recently a bronze color Silex style reel from this maker on an auction site so this company made more than just the perfects. It would be great to hear from anyone that has seen any other models.
These reels are very well made and extremely smooth operating.
Thanks in advance for any additional information on this maker and we hope in any case that you enjoy the pics of some Perfect Clones that don't show up that often.
Mark B
Possible October Calendar Shot:
Rick & I would both like to know more about these reels so if anyone has additional information we'd appreciate it being posted.
So far what we know is that these reels were made in Christ Church New Zealand by a machinist named E.J. Brown.
It appears that the earlier models were the bronze color and that they were badged "F. STEANS & COY LTD, CH CH NZ" (Note: the CH CH stands for Christ Church). Some of them are stamped on the inside of the winding plate "E.J. Brown". We have seen the bronze color models in both 3.5 inch and 3 7/8th inch models and the bronze ones tend to have brass feet. The black models that we have seen have all been 3.5 inch models with some being marked like Rick's bronze model and others being marked only as "Stream-Fly", and they have what appears to be stainless or aluminum feet.
Both variations have a single check and utilize a tension regulator like Hardy's used. We speculate that the maker got into some trouble with Hardy's over the basic copy of the Perfect Reel design and that the production may have been fairly short lived.
What would be great to know is what range of years these were made, and really anything else about the company. There was recently a bronze color Silex style reel from this maker on an auction site so this company made more than just the perfects. It would be great to hear from anyone that has seen any other models.
These reels are very well made and extremely smooth operating.
Thanks in advance for any additional information on this maker and we hope in any case that you enjoy the pics of some Perfect Clones that don't show up that often.
Mark B
Possible October Calendar Shot:
The foot is
centered on reel and not on spool opening
Spindle doesn,t have recess in center, Brass piece is a repair to pawl post .
My reel is also missing line guard and near as I
can tell was never finished with any colour other than as is. Daryl
