For more information and to order, visit http://www.kovalovskybook.com
When I was new to big-game vintage-tackle collecting, I quickly learned that the reels made by Arthur Kovalovsky were highly prized among collectors. His reels had the reputation as the finest ever made. With the help of his two sons, Oscar and Lewis, Arthur built them by hand, every part, every piece, one at a time, in his little shop in Hollywood, California. He was known as “the reel maker to the stars.”
Unlike many fine Kentucky reels made by watchmakers and jewelers, an auto mechanic first built these reels in the back of his repair shop. Arthur’s design criteria were simple: Build a fishing reel that could put the brakes on a runaway semi-truck. Keep the reel from freezing up and disintegrating during a battle with a 700-pound tuna freight train. Make the gearing, posts, spool, crank handle, and side plates stout enough to not bend, break, or buckle under sustained drag pressures exceeding 75 pounds. Design simplicity into the reel, with few but purpose-driven parts. No, Arthur did not build these reels like a fine Swiss watch. He built them like a Chrysler A727 TorqueFlite transmission!
In 2017, the estate of Oscar’s late wife, Arlene, quietly sold at auction in Bakersfield, California. Included in the sale were the contents of Oscar’s machine shop and his collection of reels. Oscar’s one-of-a-kind prototype fly reels and commemorative saltwater reels were among the collection. The auction company did not widely advertise the sale, and I am unaware of any tackle collectors who attended.
The individual who purchased all the reels specialized in buying and selling estate jewelry, but he recognized the reels on the auction listing as something special. After acquiring them as one big lot, he almost immediately posted the entire collection for sale on eBay and invited offers. I made a quick estimate of the most I thought another collector might pay for the reels, doubled that figure, and submitted my offer. The seller immediately accepted it, and soon after, I had the collection in my possession.
I subsequently met the executor of Arlene’s estate. She had rescued several suitcases full of photos, letters, and assorted memorabilia from Arlene’s heirs. They saw no value in the collection and were ready to toss the lot into the trash. It was a treasure trove of history. The collection contained all of the original reel patents, letters from Zane Grey, and numerous photos of big game anglers proudly displaying their Kovalovsky reels alongside their catches. I wasable to purchase the collection and subsequently decided to write this book.
Soon after, I met Elizabeth Kovalovsky (Liz), the wife and widow of Arthur’s youngest child, Lewis. She was still alive and lived close to me in Oxnard, California. I would drive down to her house and video tape interviews with her. She let me acquire a large collection of photos, letters, and assorted ephemera Lewis had saved, as well as a collection of reel-making jigs and tools dating back to Arthur’s day.
It took me over four years to complete my book. During that time, I made countless trips crisscrossing the country to interview collectors and photograph their reels. The book is packed with photos, letters, and documents from the Kovalovsky estate. It includes an in-depth examination of all the reels, including patent drawings, detailed descriptions, pictures of the internal mechanics of the different models, and photos of many of the tools and jigs Arthur used to make various reel parts.
Chapters cover Arthur’s early years in the reelsmithing business, early big game fishing history, the family’s gunsmithing business, famous (e.g. Zane Grey) and not so famous clients, the reelsthat competed with Kovalovsky, tuna physiology and what made them such a formidable gamefish, old-school and modern machining, Oscar and Lewis’ reels and tackle, a complete history of Oscar’s partnership with Fin-Nor and Angling Products, Inc. (API), and some interesting and inspiring stories about the family. Fly fishing anglers will particularly enjoy the chapter on the history of the API fly reels that Oscar designed, as well as the chapter on Oscar’s other prototype fly reels.
This hard cover, 385-page, limited edition (300 copies) book is 12”x10” in size and landscape-orientated to showcase the photography. It includes over 800 images. Exceptionally crafted with the utmost care, it features a Smyth-sewn binding for durability, a slipcase for protection, and is offset printed on heavy-weight 100-pound high gloss paper. Each book is signed and numbered.
“Destined to become a part of the Smithsonian…one of the most comprehensive, inspiring and engaging books on the sport I’ve ever read.” – Michael Fowlkes, producer and director of the award-winning fishing series, Inside Sportfishing and the documentary film series, The History of Sportfishing
“The absolute best work on fishing tackle I have ever read.” – Mike Cacioppo, author of the books, Chronological History of Penn Reels and Ocean City Fishing Reels – A Collector’s Guide, 1922-1957
For more information and to order, visit http://www.kovalovskybook.com
