A MAGNIFICENT selection of cased fish, by the synonymous names of Homer and Cooper and a rare selection of quality collectors, reels and cased fish are to be auctioned in the West Midlands next month.

Specialist sporting auctioneers, Mullock Madeley will raise the gavel on some 600 catalogue lots, at the Antique and Modern Fishing Tackle auction on Saturday, September 16 at Ludlow Race Course, in South Shropshire.

Says John Mullock: "Among the tremendous selection of Hardy reels we have a 1896 All Brass Perfect 4" salmon fly reel with rod in hand, finished with an ivory handle with good patina, complete with makers leather case. This is likely to realise a four figure price.

"We also have an 1880 Hardy 2.5 inch brass anti-foul crank wind fly reel with horn handle and a brass faced "Perfect" 4.5 inch salmon fly reel with rod in hand and ivory handle, valued £600 to £750 and £250 - £300, respectively."

The Hardy Jock Scott Winder, together with its rare Hardy line drier for two lines, is likely to attract considerable interest as is a 2.5 Hardy brass fly reel, circa 1880, and the Hardy "The Fortuna" 7" sea reel. Both expected to sell for more than £300.

Vying for ranking among the cased fish will be a fine 27lb Pike caught in 1933 and cased by W.F. Homer and a tad more mature 9lb pike caught in 1923 and cased by J. Cooper & Sons, both are estimated to bait bids of £500 - £700.

Among an exceptional selection of lures is a Geens Patent spiral bait, measuring 3.5" and a Geens Patent "Chase Me" bait and a rare Illingworth casting stamped "Pape of Newcastle."

Three superb oils depicting the rising, leaping and landing of a river trout; titled and signed ARK and measuring 4" x 6" are expected to fetch £300 to £400. Other angling items of interest include an exquisite Solingen pocket penknife, with brass emboss and a Royal Doulton Izaac Ware ceramic tankard decorated with four fishing figures signed "Noke."

Comments John Mullock: "This is a tremendous catalogue and we have already had a very positive response from those who have viewed the catalogue released this week."

More information and catalogues are available from Mullock Madeley, tel 01694 771 771, or on the website, www.mullock-madeley.co.uk

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>a.. Caption: Pictured, Hardy "The Fortuna" 7 inch sea reel with capstan wheel, to go under the hammer on September 16.

>b.. Note to the editor: Alternative photographs are available on request by email

>c.. Issued by: Joy Fox PR, Tel 01743 718903, fax 01743 719057, email joy@fox-pr.co.uk

>d.. More information from: John Mullock and Paul Madeley of Mullock Madeley, Tel 01694 771771

>Internet: http://www.mullock-madeley.co.uk