World Record Price for Reel

The Coxon Aerial - fetched £6,600 at auction

World renowned auctioneers, Mullock Madeley, of South Shropshire, made the coup at their recent antique and modern fishing tackle sale (November 20) at Ludlow racecourse. The extremely rare early model, a Roller Back Coxon Aerial, from John Forrest of London was pre 1st World War and retained a lot of people still bidding, at £5,000, among a packed sale room.

Mullock Madeley fishing specialist John Stephenson, confirms authenticity: “We know it's a record because it was only a couple of months ago that a similar Coxon Aerial sold for a previous best of £3,800. It is clear that quality and rarity set their own price,” says Mr Stephenson who had hoped it might achieve £5,000 against a guide price of £3,000/4000.

John Mullock enthuses, “it was a sterling sale all round with trade very strong throughout; to take a new world record was quite breathtaking. The Frank Sawyer collection generated flying bids with many fresh to the market wanting a bit of the Sawyer history for themselves.” Support delighted the Sawyer family - a highlight being Frank Sawyer's brass microscope - bought by his mother in 1935 - it sold for £1,000.”

The auction saw the market for unusual fixed spool thread-line reels strengthen, with five Dingley of Alnwick, dry fly reels with original dark lead finishing, trebling their guide price to realise £980.

Mullock Madeley will next be in action for its major sporting auction on December 1 and 2 at Ludlow, Shropshire, more details 01694 771771 or visit www.mullockmadeley.co.uk.