Exceedingly Fine,Rare Vintage 3¾” J.S. Sharpe "The Scottie" Wide-Drum Salmon Reel – Dingley Built #5.

A magnificent, highly collectible 3¾-inch J.S. Sharpe "The Scottie" Wide-Drum Salmon, Grilse & Sea Trout Fly Reel. This premium pre-war angling artifact represents a historic collaboration between two legends of British tackle: retailed by the prestigious J.S. Sharpe of Aberdeen, and bench-built in Alnwick by the renowned Walter Henry Dingley workshop.

This reel combines every highly sought-after "premium tier" attribute that vintage collectors and traditional Spey anglers actively hunt for.

Authentic Dingley Craftsmanship: Built as a high-grade trade contract reel by the Dingley workshop. It features the classic, unmistakable Dingley hallmarks: the iconic "UNSCREW TO OIL" engraved central spindle cap and the distinctive standalone internal hand-stamped numeric assembly marks.

100% Original & Component-Matching: Frame and spool components are all explicitly hand-stamped inside with matching factory assembly number "5". This absolute part consistency proves the reel is completely original and free of ‘Frankensteinian replaced parts’.

Desirable Wide-Drum Configuration: Measuring a generous approximately 1¾ inch overall frame width and 1¼ inch internal spool width, this is a heavy-duty wide-spool salmon layout. It offers the massive line capacity required for early silk backing or modern double-handed Spey/shooting-head lines without frame rub.

Factory Integrated phosphor bronze Line Guide: Equipped with a beautiful, swept line guide ring securely anchored to the frame pillars—a major rarity marker that instantly elevates its collectibility. This is creased with minor line burn- probably engaging big fighting fish.

Premium "Unfiled" Brass Foot: The smooth brass reel foot is solid as a rock, stamped with #5, straight, and completely unaltered. Finding an intact, unfiled vintage foot is incredibly rare today, as most were sadly filed down to fit modern plastic reel seats.

Manufacturer: W H Dingley (1858–1946)

Year manufactured: circa 1940s/1950s

Wind: Right hand

Maker/Retailer: J S Sharpe

Model: Dingley 

Approx Diameter: 3¾ inches

Approx Drum width: 1¼ inches

Approx O/A width: 3¾ inches

Material: Alloy

Ideal use: A fine Collection & Fishing reel.

Country of manufacture: Alnwick, England

Approximate Weight: 348 grams. 

SKU: X1208

I do not ordinarily clean every reel that passes through my hands, believing collectors or end users would prefer them fresh as they come to market and handle the necessary TLC themselves. 

Make sure to purchase with confidence. Please look at the past customer feedback. I have a no-returns policy, which means I do not accept returns due to buyer’s regret or purchase errors on your part. If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to contact me before making a purchase.