Reel, Fishing

One "Great Lakes Whirlaway Reel" made by Great Lakes Products, Inc., of Detroit. This "Northfield Jr." model has a handle assembly with a wide, dome-shaped base that is made of stainless steel or chrome-plated brass. A metal hand crank with two red plastic finger rests is located on one side of metal base. The upper portion of the base is made of black plastic which tapers to form a cylindrically-shaped handle that is approximately 1.25 inches in diameter. The top end of the handle has a 0.375-inch diameter, 1.875-inch deep hole with two set screws on the side for attaching a rod (missing) to the reel handle assembly. A short section of beaded chain is tied to the end of a fishing line that protrudes from a small opening near the top end of the plastic handle. The fishing line and reel parts are held inside the handle assembly which can be opened by a small metal thumbscrew that is located near the reel hand crank. Stamped text along the edge of the metal base reads "Great Lakes Products, Inc., Detroit, Mich.," and "Pat. 2299156." A 4-fold brochure was included with the fishing reel which gives operating instructions and a parts diagram.