The Finest Mother of Pearl Raised Pillar Trout Reel Ever To Come To Auction. With a demure 2 1/8" dia. and 1 1/16" wide spool and gold plated fittings, this floral etched front plate and fish engraved rear plate reel is just outstanding. A sliding click and knurled rear end cap are furnished on this unmarked maker example, possibly the work of noted reel makers such as Vom Hofe or Malleson. Perhaps a presentation reel to a prominent woman of the 19th century, this mother of pearl grasped reel has raised pillars and is in superb condition, with only a miniscule crack near the front right pillar screw. Equally impressive is the tiny hinged top leather case housing this reel. With a nickel silver patented clasp that folds up to grasp the strap, so marked "Pat. June 29, '75", etched with a serene mill house scene and presentation initials "L.E.D.K. - 1892" on the silver oval top plate. Truly a one of a kind reel and case combination. This lot is part of The Carter Center - John Moores Angling Collection. John Moores is well known as the owner of the San Diego Padres, but he is also a prolific philanthropist, the chairman of the board of trustees of The Carter Center, and an avid fly fisherman. His long interest in fly fishing has been enriched by his relationship with the Carters. This relationship began as a result of their mutual interest in global health issues, but his deep admiration of President Carter began long before and has grown over time. In 1989, John Moores established the River Blindness Foundation to distribute a treatment for that disease in developing countries. The foundation was later absorbed into The Carter Center. Shortly after meeting Carter, their shared passion of fly fishing strengthened the already close bonds formed through their work on river blindness control and treatment programs in Africa and Central and South America. Their trips have taken them to some of the most remote places in the world including Tierra del Fuego in southern Argentina, and Kamchatka, Russia. Despite being consistently out-fished ("Jimmy Carter was the first guy in the river and the last guy out - and he consistently caught the most and largest fish."), John considers Jimmy Carter the best fly fishing companion in the world. One day fishing for brown sea trout in Tierra del Fuego, John asked Carter why he was catching more fish than the rest and he replied, "I don't false cast." John, on the other hand, was madly false casting, which had become a bit of a chore with their 10 and 12 weight rods. The presidential advice did not prove to be helpful to John. John's friendship with Jimmy Carter is the most important in his life. It didn't take but a moment to decide whom to gift the proceeds from his treasured angling and book collection. His many memories of fly fishing inspired him to pay further tribute to the man he calls his hero. Tax deductions for purchases may apply as all proceeds from the sale of this important and historic collection are to benefit The Carter Center to wage peace, fight disease and build hope.
