{"id":6019,"date":"2025-06-01T15:58:53","date_gmt":"2025-06-01T14:58:53","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/percywadham.com\/?page_id=6019"},"modified":"2025-08-24T10:21:21","modified_gmt":"2025-08-24T09:21:21","slug":"accessories","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/percywadham.com\/index.php\/accessories\/","title":{"rendered":"Accessories"},"content":{"rendered":"\t\t
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The number of accessories sold by the company was literally in the hundreds but we will mainly concern ourselves with those\u00a0<\/span>that were<\/span>\u00a0made by the company. \u00a0 \u00a0<\/span><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t

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Accessories<\/span><\/p>

\u00a0<\/p>

Unbreak Rod rings<\/span><\/p>

A patent was applied for on the 15th of August, 1913 and granted on the 30th of October of the same year for an improvement in fishing rod rings. Percy Wadham had claimed that his improvement consisted of inserting a rubber ring between the wire cage and the porcelain ring. This ensured that if the ring received a jolt there was less chance of the ring breaking. If it did again due to the nature of the construction it was much easier to replace the porcelain or agate ring without removing the ring from the rod. The patent was void because the sealing fee was never paid, however, this did not prevent the company from claiming the patent for many years.<\/span><\/p>

Due to the rugged nature of the construction of the rings, the company called them \u201cUnbreak\u201d and\u00a0<\/span>were<\/span>\u00a0recommended for use on sea rods. A second range of rods rings was offered and these were covered in celluloid and were suitable for all types of rods and sold in the same five sizes as the Unbreak range. For small fly rods, extra small sizes were offered. The company continued making rod rings into the 1960s<\/span><\/p>

Unbreak Folding Minnow Trap.<\/span><\/p>

According to the catalogues, this was protected by Registration but I have been unable to find any trace of a registration number. This celluloid trap was a major improvement over the traditional glass trap. Made in three sections it folded down to 3 inches and was offered by the company for many years. It weighed 3oz\u00a0<\/span>as opposed to<\/span>\u00a0a traditional glass trap of the same size weighing 18oz.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>

I suspect that the celluloid traps\u00a0<\/span>that we<\/span>\u00a0see in other tackle catalogues were made by the company and sold through the wholesale side of the business especially when under the control of Milwards. The size stated in the catalogues is 8\u00bd inches long when extended 4 inches in diameter at the large end and 3 inches at the small end.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>

The company claimed\u00a0<\/span>that the<\/span>\u00a0tapered trap was much more stable in a current than a parallel trap. The bait was positioned in the water flow with a piece of red wool at the perforated end acting as the attractor. The trap was introduced\u00a0<\/span>sometime<\/span>\u00a0between 1911 and 1913 and appears in the 1962 catalogue.<\/span><\/p>

In addition to the folding minnow trap a solid parallel one of similar size was offered appearing in the 1937 catalogue and being available as a special order\u00a0<\/span>by<\/span>\u00a0in 1957.<\/span><\/p>

Eel Traps<\/span><\/em><\/p>

During the 1914-1918 War with Britain suffering food shortages the government encouraged alternative uses for parks and parkland to move\u00a0<\/span>over<\/span>\u00a0to agricultural production. It was the same with fish and fishing with a committee being set up to utilise freshwater fish as an alternative food. Marston was so keen and published various articles on eel fishing and even how to smoke them. Wadham came out with his invention the Newport eel trap in 1917. This model did not appear in the 1920 catalogue.\u00a0<\/span><\/em><\/p>

In the 1911 catalogue, the company offered the Simplex folding wire eel trap in three models and various sizes. I do not know if the company made these models but in the 1923 catalogue, we see the introduction of the Avon Eel trap. These were made from galvanised steel with a diamond piercing and covered in Bitumen paint. I suspect that as Percy Scott\u00a0<\/span>was making<\/span>\u00a0galvanised steel punts for Percy Wadham it would not have been too much trouble to make galvanised Eel traps. The company issued a pamphlet \u201cHow to catch Eels\u201d to anyone who bought an eel trap. They did not appear in the 1937 catalogue.<\/span><\/em><\/p>

X-Ray Live May Fly Box<\/span><\/p>

The term X-Ray was first used for this item and would in years to\u00a0<\/span>come<\/span>\u00a0be applied to many items of tackle that they sold. This was launched in 1912 and the first mention of the item is when Marston reviewed it in the Fishing Gazette in \u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026.. 1912.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>

He describes it as \u201cperfectly transparent, admirably ventilated and designed\u201d. It was made in three sizes 3, 4 and 4\u00bd inches and was ideal for carrying not only May Flies but also Creepers, Stone Flies, Bluebottles and Harries.\u00a0<\/span>It was also offered\u00a0<\/span>with<\/span>\u00a0the option of having non-perforated sides\u00a0<\/span>and<\/span>\u00a0was missing from the 1927 catalogue.<\/span><\/p>

\u00a0X-Ray Bait Can<\/span><\/p>

This was made from transparent celluloid with wire-bound end caps weighed 5\u00bd oz. It was 8 inches long, 5\u00bd inches wide and 3\u00bd inches high. Additionally, it was available in black celluloid to special order. It first appeared in the 1913 catalogue and was deleted from the 1927 one.<\/span><\/p>

X Rays Safety Cast Box<\/span><\/p>

Another item that according to the company was registered and appeared in the 1913 catalogue for the first time. This was a circular cast case made from a green material with a transparent top and a circular \u201chospital fly ward\u201d in the centre. It was sold in two sizes 4 and 4\u00bd inches and\u00a0<\/span>was only featured<\/span>\u00a0in the 1913 catalogue.<\/span><\/p>

\u00a0X-Ray Damper Cast Box<\/span><\/p>

Similar to the safety cast box but with the circular centre section missing it was introduced in 1923 but only in one size 4\u00bd inches. The cast box came with two felt pieces and the base was later changed from green celluloid to Tortoiseshell Celluloid. It last appeared in the 1962 catalogue.<\/span><\/p>

X-Ray Cast Pouches<\/span><\/p>

These were introduced in 1912 with the No 1 pattern being the top\u00a0<\/span>of the<\/span>\u00a0line. It consisted of a leather cast pouch\u00a0<\/span>which had<\/span>\u00a0six celluloid pockets each with an expanding gusset. This had the advantage over other products on the market that the pockets did not tear when trying to put a cast into it.<\/span><\/p>

It was 4\u00bd inches by 4\u00be and was available in three grades of leather, Best Pigskin, Best Russian and Best Basil.<\/span><\/p>

The No 2 pattern was the same as the No 1 except that the pockets were fixed rather than removable.<\/span><\/p>

The No. 3 pattern was similar to the No. 2 except that the backs of the pockets were lined with chamois leather and had a flap to prevent the ingress of dust and dirt.<\/span><\/p>

X-Ray Salmon Fly Envelopes\u00a0<\/span><\/p>

This was granted Registration No. 649104 of 1915 and was a transparent envelope to hold and protect fully dressed salmon flies. Made in 6 sizes to\u00a0<\/span>hold<\/span>\u00a0hooks from size 8 to 6\/0. The bottom of the envelope had a celluloid strip so that the\u00a0<\/span>name of the fly<\/span>\u00a0could be written in pencil. It was dropped from the 1923 catalogue.<\/span><\/p>

Lines<\/span><\/p>

The company sold many different lines and they were listed in the 1911 catalogue. However, I suspect that they did not make any of them but I have included them because it is possible that they spooled their\u00a0<\/span>own<\/span>\u00a0lines and did their\u00a0<\/span>own<\/span>\u00a0packaging.<\/span><\/p>

The fly lines sold were The Vectis in level and double taper for trout, The Kelson a double tapered salmon line and The Achilles in level and double taper for trout and salmon. The first two were\u00a0<\/span>the superior<\/span>\u00a0quality and were plaited silk and enamelled \u201cunder the vacuum process\u201d. Both lines were hand-finished and unlike others, no varnish was used. The Achilles\u00a0<\/span>it<\/span>\u00a0was claimed was as good as many companies\u2019 best lines. The Achilles and the Kelson were dropped from the 1920 catalogue.<\/span><\/p>

Various spinning lines were sold with The Newport the best quality line\u00a0<\/span>being<\/span>\u00a0made by the vacuum process like the Vectis fly lines.<\/span><\/p>

The Avon was a high-quality enamelled spinning line dark green in colour and sold in three sizes and two lengths. It was dropped from the 1913 catalogue.<\/span><\/p>

The Hendon was a plaited silk line\u00a0<\/span>but<\/span>\u00a0undressed and sold in five sizes and two colours tan and green, it was dropped from the 1920 catalogue.<\/span><\/p>

The Newport was also sold as an 8-plait undressed silk line but was nothing like the quality of the boxed Newport line as no guarantee of the breaking strain was offered. The company recommended the Dreadnought knot as\u00a0<\/span>being<\/span>\u00a0ideal to ensure that the knot strength was equal to the breaking strain.<\/span><\/p>

By 1923 only the Newport 8 plait lines were listed and in the 1927 catalogue, no lines were sold. In 1937 and 1938 a fly line was listed the \u201cShooting\u201d double tapered silk line. It was sold in three sizes and came in a Wadham box.<\/span><\/p>

For sea fishing, two lines were offered the Medina, a plaited Flax line in 9 sizes and two colours green or brown and a cable-laid sea line. This was in 3 sizes and\u00a0<\/span>in<\/span>\u00a0green only. They were dropped from the 1923 catalogue.<\/span><\/p>

The Compact Collapsible Line Drier<\/span><\/p>

In October 1907 Percy Wadham applied for a patent for an \u201cimproved devise to facilitate the drying of fishing lines and the like\u201d. This was granted in April 1908 possibly being made by Percy Scott and sold in the company\u2019s catalogue from 1911 to 1920. On the same day, Wadham and Scott applied for the patent for the Meteor reel.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>

Some people might wonder what happened between the granting of the patent and the issuing of the first catalogue. Well, Allcock handled the wholesaling of the dryer and the Fishing Gazette of May 23rd 1908 announced the fact. The dryer folded up and could easily fit in a pocket, taking up a space 4 by 5 1\/2 inches. The fact that the reel seat swivelled meant that the line could be evenly distributed and the line left on the dryer until it was needed for use.\u00a0 As the reel was fitted to the reel seat once the line was dry it could be left on the device until it was\u00a0<\/span>needed<\/span>,\u00a0<\/span>no<\/span>\u00a0need to clamp it to a desk or rod before putting it back in use. The dryer was made from steel and polished brass.<\/span><\/p>

Marston did as he liked to, made suggestions for improvement and recommended that the reel plate be half an inch longer as he had a problem getting the reel to fit. He also suggested that the grip used to hold the reel be widened to enable a salmon-sized reel to\u00a0<\/span>the used<\/span>. It appeared in the Allcock catalogues\u00a0<\/span>up to<\/span>\u00a01915 but was missing from the 1919 issue.<\/span><\/p>

The first decade of the twentieth century saw a plethora of new line drier designs and it was not until I started to write this section that I had any idea of\u00a0<\/span>just<\/span>\u00a0how many new designs came on the market. Everyone had their\u00a0<\/span>own<\/span>\u00a0ideas on how a line dryer should look and work. Wadham was not the first to come up with a collapsible line drier but he claimed it \u201cwill fold into a small compass\u201d It was sold in two sizes and was replaced in the 1923 catalogue with the Crossl\u00e9 line drier sold by Milwards.\u00a0 \u00a0<\/span><\/p>

Traces<\/span><\/p>

I think\u00a0<\/span>that the<\/span>\u00a0company bought steel wire traces covered them with transparent celluloid and sold them in 1 and 1\u00bd yard lengths. They could also have various coloured\u00a0<\/span>celluloids<\/span>\u00a0applied to the order. They were only offered in the 1911 catalogue.<\/span><\/p>

Fluted Hook.<\/span><\/p>

Percy Wadham designed a new hook and applied for a patent but I have not been able to track any record of the patent being granted. It was designed for sea fishing and sold in two sizes 2\/0 and. This differed from standard hooks in that the cross-sectional area looked like a girder and the barbs were on the outside. This according to the claim resulted in better hooking due to a true dead centre pull and less damage to the hook bait. The bulge in the\u00a0<\/span>shank of the hook<\/span>\u00a0allowed the gut to sit in the recess. This was dropped from the 1920 catalogue.<\/span><\/p>

Celluloid Bound Hooks<\/span><\/p>

With Percy Wadham looking at every potential use for celluloid, it is no surprise that he very quickly saw the advantage of using celluloid to attach hooks to gut rather than the traditional silk. They were available in\u00a0<\/span>a variety of<\/span>\u00a0colours including red, green, brown, white or transparent. They were harder wearing than silk, especially when used on bigger hooks. The famous angler J H Bazley reviewed the hooks.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>

In the Sports Echo, dated April 22nd, 1911, that well-known angler Mr J. H. A. Bazely remarks on celluloid-bound hooks as follows:<\/span><\/em><\/p>

\u201cThe Dreadnought Reel Co., Ltd., of Newport, I. W., have\u00a0<\/span>actually<\/span>\u00a0pressed celluloid into use for wrapping Hooks to\u00a0<\/span>gut<\/span>. I have a few samples before me as I write, the wrappings being\u00a0<\/span>in<\/span>\u00a0red for worm fishing, white for maggot and paste, and transparent for any or every bait the angler uses. The Hooks are beautifully tied quite as neat, in fact, as any, I have seen done with silk and liquid wax-and the bindings possess the additional advantage of being more durable, with a much less tendency to fray than the older fashioned wrappings.\u201d<\/span><\/em><\/p>

Flies<\/span><\/p>

Skip<\/span><\/p>

The Unbreak Oiler<\/span><\/p>

Celluloid oil bottles were very popular after the first decade of the twentieth century and I suspect that Percy Wadham was responsible for making most of them His offering was the Unbreak. It had a small brush and a leather toggle to attach\u00a0<\/span>it<\/span>\u00a0to the waistcoat and could not be split. It was introduced in the 1911 catalogue and was still being sold in the 1939 catalogue.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>

Celluloid Pocket Oiler<\/span><\/p>

The company sold another manufacturer\u2019s bottle but in 1923 they introduced their\u00a0<\/span>own<\/span>\u00a0celluloid oiler for use on reels and rod joints.<\/span><\/p>

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>

Fly Boxes<\/span><\/p>

The X-Ray No. 1 Aluminium Dry Fly Box with Jack in the Box Lids.<\/span><\/p>

This was introduced in the 1911 catalogue\u00a0<\/span>and I<\/span>\u00a0suspect that the basic box was made by others possibly Richard Wheatley with the Dreadnought Casting Reel Company providing the insert to individualise them. Hardy introduced the Girodon Pralon dry fly box in 1895 with fifteen compartments and metal lids. The lids were on a spring and a little pressure on the lid sprung them to hold the lid down and they would lock.\u00a0<\/span>The company improved this by providing a celluloid top enabling the angler to see what flies were in each compartment and\u00a0<\/span>fitted<\/span>\u00a0a celluloid cover in the lid behind which the casts fitted.<\/span>\u00a0There was also the option of having a pair of tweezers fitted in the lid and on the bottom of the transparent lid was a small opaque area where the\u00a0<\/span>name of the fly<\/span>\u00a0could be pencilled in. One variation on this box was to remove the lid and replace it with felt.<\/span><\/p>

The X-Ray No. 2 Corrugated Aluminium Dry Fly Box<\/span><\/p>

This was introduced\u00a0<\/span>at the same time<\/span>\u00a0as the No. 1 box and was slightly smaller but with a corrugated top and bottom. It also had a hasp to fasten the lid and was\u00a0<\/span>slightly<\/span>\u00a0more expensive than the No. 1 box.<\/span><\/p>

Eyed May Fly Box.<\/span><\/p>

I do not know what material the box was made from as it does not say but it had six compartments and a transparent celluloid lid. It could also be used as a bait box\u00a0<\/span>and came<\/span>\u00a0in three sizes. Introduced in 1911 it was dropped in 1920.<\/span><\/p>

The Landem Landing Net.<\/span><\/p>

This was invented by Percy Scott, the arms of the net folded flush against the handle providing a light and portable landing net. The arms of the net were made of steel and were covered in xylonite to prevent rusting. It was only made in one size but could be fitted with the company\u2019s telescopic handle or a plain bamboo\u00a0<\/span>one<\/span>. There were two qualities of net available silk or green cord net. It was included in the 1911 catalogue and sold to Hardy Brothers after a meeting on a train between Percy Scott and John James Hardy.<\/span><\/p>

The Wadham Telescopic Landing Net<\/span><\/p>

This was the premier net sold by the company. Percy Wadham had designed nets in the past and in particular the Paragon net that he sold to Allcock. This net according to the catalogue took five years to\u00a0<\/span>design<\/span>\u00a0before it was eventually finished. The net itself was made on the island and was a neutral green colour. The steel frame was lighter than a comparable wooden one, triangular\u00a0<\/span>in shape<\/span>\u00a0with two arms fitted into a net block. Because the front was steel it did not give like leather and could be used to push through weeds. The handle was the same as the Landem net made from Aluminium Tube and covered with dark green Xylonite. There was another Aluminium Tube inside the first and this had a square profile to stop it twisting when being used. It was featured in the 1911 catalogue and like the Landem net did not appear in the 1927 catalogue.<\/span><\/p>

Seat Box<\/span><\/p>

This box was designed by Percy Wadham in 1903 and was introduced into the 1911 catalogue. The box was made of three-ply wood and then painted in imitation Wicker either in Olive Green or Brown and sold in two sizes. It did not appear in the 1920 catalogue but did reappear one more time in 1923. Also for one year in 1923, a plywood square box was sold for pier or sea fishing but\u00a0<\/span>this did<\/span>\u00a0not have the imitation wicker on it.<\/span><\/p>

The Wadham Spinning Lead.<\/span><\/p>

This lead was designed by Percy Wadham to reduce line kinking it was made in sizes from \u00bc to 2 ounces and appeared for the last time in the 1923 catalogue along with the Ideal spinning lead made by Milwards which would replace it.<\/span><\/p>

The Waterworth Sea Lead<\/span><\/p>

This was invented by C. Worsley Waterworth for paternostering and deep-sea fishing and was included in the 1911, 1913 and 1920 catalogues only. The advantage that this lead had over others was that it was possible to remove sections of lead without removing the line. Each\u00a0<\/span>section of lead<\/span>\u00a0was held in place by a clip simply by pushing down on the loop at the top and then compressing the clip so the lead could be slid off.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>

\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0<\/span><\/p>

Casting Weights.<\/span><\/p>

With\u00a0<\/span>both<\/span>\u00a0Percy Scott and Percy Wadham taking part in various Casting Tournaments it is no surprise that they should offer casting weights for sale. They were only featured in the 1911 and 1913 catalogues. The Rubber Bag Casting Weight was made by the company out of canvas and rubber and was the official weight for the British Amateur Casting Club for the 1\u00bd and 2\u00bd ounce events.<\/span><\/p>

The American Tournament Swivel Leads could be supplied covered in white celluloid so that the caster could see the weight easily. They were sold in six sizes from \u00bc to 2\u00bd ounces. The celluloid casting plugs were sold in the same sizes but\u00a0<\/span>obviously<\/span>\u00a0much cheaper.<\/span><\/p>

Bait & Tackle Boxes.<\/span><\/p>

The Adjustable Bait Box No. 1 was according to the catalogues covered by a registered design and was launched in 1911. It looked like many other bait boxes of the day except that it had celluloid partitions that could be moved to accommodate any\u00a0<\/span>size of bait<\/span>. The lid was fitted with a gusset envelope made from celluloid and was used for carrying traces. It was sold in three sizes and was dropped from the 1923 catalogue.<\/span><\/p>

The Adjustable \u201cClip\u201d Bait Box No. 2 was similar to the No. 1 but\u00a0<\/span>it<\/span>\u00a0had sliding clips to hold the baits rather than the partitions and because of this was only suitable for hard baits. It was sold in three sizes but only appeared in the 1911 catalogue.<\/span><\/p>

The Adjustable Bait Box No. 3 was made from aluminium rather than black\u00a0<\/span>Japanned<\/span>\u00a0tin and\u00a0<\/span>was only sold<\/span>\u00a0in one size. It was ideal for holding baits for trout spinning and had the same internal features as the\u00a0<\/span>No1<\/span>\u00a0box.<\/span><\/p>

The<\/span>\u00a0Adjustable Bait Box No. 4 was introduced in 1911 and\u00a0<\/span>had<\/span>\u00a0the<\/span>\u00a0divisions\u00a0<\/span>running<\/span>\u00a0the length of the box so that larger baits could be carried.<\/span>\u00a0It was made from black\u00a0<\/span>Japanned<\/span>\u00a0tin and had two celluloid envelopes that fitted in the lid. It last appeared in the catalogue in 1920.<\/span><\/p>

Tubular Bait Boxes<\/span><\/p>

These consisted of celluloid tubes in three sizes that held an individual bait. There was a leatherette case like a tool roll that\u00a0<\/span>held<\/span>\u00a0either two or four tubes. The tubes could be bought individually as well and were ideal for carrying loose baits in the pocket.<\/span><\/p>

Sundry Novelties<\/span><\/p>

Listed under this section was an eclectic selection of weird and wonderful items manufactured and sold by the company.<\/span><\/p>

The waistcoat pocket Pike Gag was registered by the company and was 2\u00bd inches long when folded.<\/span><\/p>

Anti-Kinker<\/span><\/p>

This was made out of celluloid and was suggested to the company by Leonard Crossl\u00e9. It was placed between the reel line and the trace and was especially useful when spinning in shallow water as it kept the bait off the bottom.<\/span><\/p>

Ground Bait Grip<\/span><\/p>

Another design suggested to them by Leonard Crossl\u00e9 was the ground bait grip and this one was a registered design. It was made out of celluloid and was invented to overcome the problem of casting out and the ground bait flying off in one direction and the hook bait in another. It was placed on the line above the top shot and the ground bait squeezed around the grip. The bait was then cast out with everything landing in the desired spot. It was sold from 1911 to 1920.<\/span><\/p>

Fly Vice<\/span><\/p>

Claimed to be the company\u2019s\u00a0<\/span>own<\/span>\u00a0design it was the neatest, handiest and cheapest on the market. It was sold from 1911 to 1923<\/span><\/p>

New Pattern Shot Carrier<\/span><\/p>

This was a two-section celluloid tub that held two sizes of shot. At each end was a revolving cap so that the shot could be removed. It was registered and was sold in the 1911 and 1913 catalogue.<\/span><\/p>

Celluloid Shot Carrier\u00a0<\/span><\/p>

Introduced in the 1920 catalogue this was a four-inch long tube that held a single size of shot. It had a celluloid spring that ensured that the shot was dispensed one at a time. It was dropped after the 1923 catalogue.<\/span><\/p>

Fly Tying Materials.<\/span><\/p>

At the suggestion of R. B. Marston the company designed two boxes suitable for holding fly tying materials. The first was the \u201cR.B.M.\u201d No.1covered and lined with xylonite it had two partitioned trays with X-ray covers\u00a0<\/span>that were<\/span>\u00a0to hold hackles, feathers hooks etc. The lower tray was fitted to take tweezers, silks, vice and varnish. The bottom of the box was for capes wings etc. all held in transparent gusset envelopes.<\/span><\/p>

The \u201cR.B.M.\u201d No. 2 Pocket Box was suitable for carrying in the pocket\u00a0<\/span>and was<\/span>\u00a0made of aluminium fitted with various compartments to take hackles, dubbing hooks silks etc. and was ideal to take on a fishing excursion. It only appeared in the 1911 and 1913 catalogues. \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0<\/span><\/p>

Percy Wadham having trained as a naturalist was in an ideal position to supply feathers and it is interesting to note that he offered among others skins of the Blue Chatterer, Golden Bird of Paradise and many other endangered species.<\/span><\/p>

Isaac Walton Relief\u2019s<\/span><\/p>

The cover of the first five catalogues had a relief of Isaac Walton on the front cover\u00a0<\/span>that<\/span>\u00a0was\u00a0<\/span>modelled<\/span>\u00a0from<\/span>\u00a0the portrait in the National Gallery.<\/span>\u00a0The company offered to supply these made\u00a0<\/span>out of<\/span>\u00a0Ivorine and mounted on a board. It was only offered in the 1911 catalogue.<\/span><\/p>

Jewellery<\/span><\/p>

The company offered to mount any salmon fly listed in the catalogue on a pin or broach and in addition, they could mount it in a celluloid oval case with the\u00a0<\/span>name of the fly<\/span>.\u00a0<\/span>All of<\/span>\u00a0the Nature Series of baits could also be mounted on a pin or brooch. Hat pins described as \u201cAquarium Hat Pins\u201d were offered and these consisted of two small fish with weeds and rocks mounted on a clear transparent celluloid oval. In the 1914 catalogue addendum, the range was extended with chars being available. They were dropped from the 1923 catalogue.<\/span><\/p>

Collapsible Drinking Cup.<\/span><\/p>

In 1913 the company introduced a \u00bd pint collapsible drinking cup made from xylonite\u00a0<\/span>along with<\/span>\u00a0a \u00bc & \u00bd pint non-collapsible version. It was only listed for one year.<\/span><\/p>

Lightweight Celluloid Folding Bait Can<\/span><\/p>

Another innovation for 1913 was the folding bait can eight inches in diameter and one inch deep it extended to 4\u00bd inches and came with a celluloid top so\u00a0<\/span>that the<\/span>\u00a0angler could see his baits. It was only in the 1913 catalogue.<\/span><\/p>

Catherine Wheel Gut Fly & Point Holder.<\/span><\/p>

This was introduced in the 1913 catalogue and was registered. It consisted of a coiled circular tube fitted to a washable celluloid tablet.\u00a0<\/span>You\u00a0<\/span>simply<\/span>\u00a0pushed the bunch of flies in and removed one as required.<\/span>\u00a0It was sold in three sizes and had the advantage that it could also act as a damper for the gut simply by putting water in the tube. It did not appear in the 1923 catalogue.<\/span><\/p>

Unbreak Dead Bait Bottle.<\/span><\/p>

Introduced in 1911 it was another registered piece of tackle it was available in three sizes and had a seal top lid so that it would not be attacked by Formalin or Glycerine substances used to preserve dead baits.<\/span><\/p>

Celluloid Float Caps<\/span><\/p>

This was offered in the 1913 catalogue and consisted of\u00a0<\/span>a tin<\/span>\u00a0with one dozen assorted-size float caps in various colours. To increase the size of the cap all you had to do was put some boiling water over the cap and widen it with a stick while it was still pliable.<\/span><\/p>

The Humwell Pike Gag<\/span><\/p>

This was introduced in 1914 and was manufactured at the suggestion of one of the company\u2019s customers. It had the advantage that a very wide gape could be achieved, locking the mouth of the fish open. Once the hooks were removed the gas was easily disengaged.<\/span><\/p>

Treble Hook Protector.<\/span><\/p>

This was introduced in 1914 upon the recommendation of Prince Pierre D\u2019Arenberg the famous French tournament caster. Made from celluloid it enabled a spinning bait to be carried in the pocket. It was only available for this year.<\/span><\/p>

Celluloid Clip<\/span><\/p>

This was another invention of Leonard Crossl\u00e9 that the company took up. It was ideal in the making of paternosters, for fitting a flying lead or for ledgering.<\/span><\/p>

Celluloid Disgorger<\/span><\/p>

This was introduced in the 1920 catalogue and was 4 inches long with a hole at one end\u00a0<\/span>so that it could<\/span>\u00a0be attached to a piece of string.<\/span><\/p>

Sea Tackle<\/span><\/p>

In 1920 the company introduced two pieces of sea tackle a 3 Hook Paternoster and a Straight Pull Sea Boom. These were made out of transparent celluloid and due to the nature of their flat construction swung whichever way the tide was flowing.<\/span><\/p>

The View all Celluloid Bait Boxes<\/span><\/p>

Two models the No. 5 and No. 6 were introduced in 1923. They were made out of celluloid and the No. 5 had seven partitions to take as many as eight baits up to 1\u00be inches long. The swivel end of the trace was kept in place\u00a0<\/span>by means of<\/span>\u00a0a rubber band and the trace could be wound around the box keeping everything neat and ready to hand.<\/span><\/p>

The No. 6 was the same size but had three partitions running along the length of the box enabling four baits up to 3\u00bd inches to be stored. Both boxes were withdrawn from the 1927 catalogue.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>

X-Ray Bait Box No. 7<\/span><\/p>

This box was made from Tortoiseshell pattern celluloid with a clear celluloid lid and came in two sizes. As it was made from celluloid it was particularly suitable for saltwater fishing as it could not corrode. It was only available in the 1923 catalogue.<\/span><\/p>

\u201cRoll Up\u201d Minnow Case.<\/span><\/p>

On similar lines<\/span>\u00a0to the Tubular Bait Boxes, it was ideal for carrying baits spoons and spinners. Sold in three sizes the pockets were made of celluloid and\u00a0<\/span>they were<\/span>\u00a0fitted on to rexine. It only appeared in the 1923 catalogue.<\/span><\/p>

Celluloid Floating Weight.<\/span><\/p>

This was designed by Percy Wadham and was a very ingenious device. It worked on the principle that sometimes fish would\u00a0<\/span>be feeding<\/span>\u00a0sub-surface and a conventional lead would take the bait below their feeding depth. This weight enabled the bait to be cast out and would\u00a0<\/span>either float or be<\/span>\u00a0sub-surface. It was possible to fill it with four different fluids to give four different weights. It was sold in two sizes and could be supplied either filled or empty. The fluids were Medicinal Paraffin, Water, Glycerine and Water glass. It was only sold in the 1923 catalogue.<\/span><\/p>

Line Greaser<\/span><\/p>

In 1923 the company introduced its own line of greasers and again they turned to celluloid to find the answer to the problem of how to stop the grease seeping through the traditional leather case. By using celluloid they overcame this problem. The item was last shown in the 1939 catalogue.<\/span><\/p>

Natty Ledger Attachment<\/span><\/p>

Introduced in 1923 I do not know if this item was made by the company but it was used in conjunction\u00a0<\/span>the<\/span>\u00a0invisible Paternoster and other sea fishing traces.<\/span><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

The number of accessories sold by the company was literally in the hundreds but we will mainly concern ourselves with<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"colormag_page_container_layout":"default_layout","colormag_page_sidebar_layout":"default_layout","footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-6019","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/percywadham.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/6019","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/percywadham.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/percywadham.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/percywadham.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/percywadham.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=6019"}],"version-history":[{"count":7,"href":"https:\/\/percywadham.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/6019\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":6941,"href":"https:\/\/percywadham.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/6019\/revisions\/6941"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/percywadham.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=6019"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}