Vintage Aluminum Gut Cast Box c. 1910-1935 with Hooks & Floats | English Fishing Tin, Hardy Bros.

For the angler …  a small collection of vintage English fishing tackle, featuring an aluminum gut cast box, c. 1910–1935, together with two packets of nylon-tied hooks, a Hardy Bros. envelope with a two-hook snelled leader, and two painted fishing floats. A small, characterful fishing display, it would make a distinctive addition to a gentleman’s desk, side table, or lakeside cabin.

Gut cast boxes were used to hold natural gut leaders, which were often soaked before fishing (sometimes in tea!) to keep them flexible and less prone to breaking.  Long after nylon replaced natural gut, these boxes were still in use and a common part of the British angler’s kit.  Ours also includes a Hardy Bros. envelope containing a two-hook snelled leader, a blue “Courier” packet of size 14 nylon-tied hooks made for Richard Forshaw & Co. of Liverpool, a white “Tudor Spade” packet of size 14 nylon-tied hooks by Bernard Sealey & Company of Redditch, and two vintage fishing floats with painted stems and bodies.  Some hooks show signs of oxidation and should be considered for display only.

Hardy Bros. of Alnwick are one of Britain’s leading fishing tackle houses, founded by William and John James Hardy in 1872.  The blue “Courier” packet was made for Richard Forshaw & Co. of Liverpool, with the hooks themselves made by C.E.D. Harris & Co. of Redditch.  It includes information on the dace, a small freshwater coarse fish, and a catch record, practical details that add to its period appeal.  The white “Tudor Spade” packet was made by Bernard Sealey & Company of Tudor Works, Redditch.  “Spade” refers to flattened-end hooks tied directly to nylon leaders rather than eyed hooks.

Dimensions (Box Only): 4-3/8 Diameter x 1/2"
Weight (All Items): 1.6 ounces

Condition notes: Very good vintage condition overall, with honest wear consistent with age, handling, and use. Aluminum box remains structurally sound, with scattered surface wear, scratches, rub marks, and small dents throughout. Remnants of what appears to be an indistinct owner’s name are visible on front cover below hinge. Lid opens easily and closes securely as intended.

Two included fishing floats show age-related wear, scratches, rub marks, and areas of missing paint. Both retain loop fittings at one end and remain attractive for display.

Hardy Bros. envelope contains one two-hook snelled leader. Envelope is marked “HARDY BROS. (ALNWICK) Ltd.” and lists branch addresses in London, Edinburgh, Manchester, and Glasgow. Envelope shows signs of oxidation, and leader should be considered for display only.

Blue “Courier” packet is marked “1 Dozen ‘Courier’ Brand Hook to Nylon,” “Size of Hook 14,” “Size of Nylon .007 – 12 Inches,” and “Colour Sorrel,” with Richard Forshaw & Co. Ltd. address in Liverpool and C.E.D. Harris & Co. Ltd., Redditch, noted as manufacturer. Glassine envelopes contain 2 nylon-tied hooks. Envelopes show signs of oxidation, and hooks should be considered for display only.

White “Tudor Spade” packet is marked “The most popular ‘King of Spade’ Limerick Reversed Flatted Hook to Nylon,” “18” Nylon,” “Tested and proved unbeatable,” and “Size 14,” with Bernard Sealey & Company, Tudor Works, Marsden Road, Redditch, noted as maker. Glassine envelopes contain 5 nylon-tied hooks. Envelopes do not show obvious oxidation, but hooks have not been tested or examined closely and should be considered for display only.

All items are hand-wrapped and packed with care for secure delivery. We offer flat rate shipping via USPS Ground Advantage for $10, or USPS Priority Mail for $15. Orders over $100 (not including taxes) ship free via USPS Priority Mail — any shipping charges for orders over $100 will be refunded after checkout. We pack with safety and care using recycled and recyclable materials whenever possible.

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