290 A unique Hardy prototype Exalta stationary drum casting reel,

built by Ian Blagburn (Hardy’s reel maker 1955-1985), the reel is unique in shape and design with a left hand wind folding ebonite handle mounted onto bronze bracket, swivelling shaped alloy foot with hexagonal brass locking nut, milled brass anti-backwind lever to left hand side plate, full auto-bail arm, polished alloy drum housing, alloy spool with nickel silver four point tension adjuster, in original rexine case, the reel is in excellent overall condition and is sold with a scarce Hardy Exalta Mk.I model fixed spool reel for comparison of the evolution from prototype to production model, a unique opportunity for the Hardy collector to secure a reel of historical importance  (see illustration) £4000-6000