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AEDZane Grey's 7 inch Hardy Bros. "Alma" Reel by Hardy Brothers Ltd.
Lot 477
About Seller
Copley Fine Art Auctions
20 Winter Street
Pembroke, MA 02359
United States
Founded in 2005, Copley Fine Art Auctions is a boutique auction house specializing in antique decoys and American, sporting, and wildlife paintings. Over the course of the last two decades, the firm has set auction records for not only individual decoy makers, but also entire carving regions. Copley...Read more
Live Auction in Progress ... Currently on Lot Estimate:
$20,000 - $30,000
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About Auction
Live
By Copley Fine Art Auctions
Feb 21, 2026
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2026-02-21 10:00:00
2026-02-21 10:00:00
America/New_York
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Lots 301-368 Copley Fine Art Auctions cinnie@copleyart.com
Lots 301-368 Copley Fine Art Auctions cinnie@copleyart.com
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- Lot Description
Zane Grey's 7 inch Hardy Bros. "Alma" Reel
Hardy Brothers Ltd.
Alnwick, England
1926 or 1927
7 in. diameter
Zane Grey (1872-1939) is recognized today both for his iconic portrayals of the American West, its cowboys, frontier landscapes, and enduring myths, and for his adventurous big-game fishing exploits on the open ocean. One of the most popular and prolific American authors of the early 20th century, Grey wrote more than 100 books and countless short stories, with over 250 million copies sold worldwide and more than one hundred film and television adaptations. His work not only helped define and popularize the Western genre, but also advanced big-game fishing through his writings, photographs, and films, promoting both the sport and the ethics surrounding it.
Grey's accomplishments as a fisherman were second to none. He was the most accomplished and impactful fisherman of his time, drawing new attention to the sport and driving innovations in equipment. Grey sailed far and wide through the Atlantic and Pacific oceans, searching for trophy fish and always finding remarkable experiences. He has held world records for the largest bluefin tuna, yellowfin tuna, Pacific sailfish, yellowtail, broadbill swordfish, mahi mahi, Pacific blue marlin, black marlin, and tiger sharks. Grey broke many of these records multiple times and was the first person to ever catch a fish, a blue marlin, over 1,000 pounds on a rod and reel, a feat once thought impossible.
Offered here is an exceedingly rare seven-inch Hardy "Alma" big-game reel, specially ordered and owned by Zane Grey. This is the largest and scarcest of the "Alma" reels, with only five of these special-order seven-inch reels being made. Between its rarity, condition, and provenance, this is one of the most important big-game reels ever to be offered for sale. The "Alma" is named for New Zealand sportfishing legend C. Alma Baker, who designed and had Hardy Bros. of Alnwick, England, produce a series of two-speed big-game reels in six sizes from 1925 until 1937. A December 1924 letter from Alma Baker to Zane Grey references this reel, with Baker writing, "I have given Hardy the order you gave me for one of my big reels, and a heavy rod...I hope they will reach you in time for the next season." It was likely the first Hardy reel built for Grey, preceding the renowned Hardy "Zane Grey" line of big game reels. This exact reel can be seen in a photo of Grey going through a tackle box, and is identified in a photo of Grey's tackle collection by the black wrapping on the inner spool. It was one of five big-game reels featured in the IGFA's "Zane Grey - The Fisherman" exhibit.
This impressive reel is made of monel, a strong alloy often used in marine and aerospace engineering, and has brass hardware. An adjustable star drag is connected to the reel's handle, and a lever on the rim of the front plate allows the user to seamlessly switch between two gear ratios as needed while fighting a fish. With a flip of the lever, the reel can change from a 1:1 gear ratio to free spool, then to a 2 1/2:1 gear ratio. There are two levers for clickers on the back plate that can be toggled on and off. Additionally, there are two plaques, with one reading "The 'Alma' Reel / Made by Hardy Bros LTD. / Alnwick, England" and the other listing the British, New Zealand, Australian, Canadian, and American patent numbers.
Appears to be in original working condition with moderate fishing wear. In-use repairs to two of the bridges.
Provenance: Private Collection, California
Private Collection, Florida
Literature: John Drewett, "Hardy Brothers: The Masters, the Men and Their Reels," London, England, 1998, pp. 469 and 579, Alma reels discussed and manufacturing numbers listed.
Exhibited: Diana Beach, Florida, "Zane Grey - The Fisherman," International Game Fish Association, IGFA Fishing Hall of Fame and Museum, November 2000-February 2001.Please refer to the description; if you have additional questions, email colin@copleyart.com.Condition
- Shipping Info
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Shipping info
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