Reel Repair by Alan Tani

Hi fellow members
I have an opportunity to by a Kovalovsky 16/0 reel, standard model, in excellent condition. Since these reels rarely if ever hit the market i am somewhat at a loss about value. Asking price is 1700$. To me this seems a fair deal. Any ideas about this one?
Greetings
Livinus

Wow, this reel seems to change hands every couple of reels.  I'm not sure if it's worth anything except to the seller and prospective buyer.  I personally don't see any use for something like that with today's superlines, but I'm sure it does have historic/collector value.  I just don't know what it is.

I would recommend checking out the
ORCA - Old Reel Collectors Association website and forum if you havn't done so already...

http://orca-online.org

Here are some theads that mention the reel...

http://orca-online.org/reel-talk/search.php?keywords=%2BKovalovsky+16%2F0&terms=all&author=&sc=1&sf=all&sk=t&sd=d&sr=posts&st=0&ch=300&t=0&submit=Search

Sounds like there has been some speculation as to whether it was only a single reel that was sold and 'hackers' stole the pics and discription to run a scam.   This may be legit, but givin the history here, I'd be careful.

QuoteI have an opportunity to by a Kovalovsky 16/0 reel, standard model, in excellent condition. Since these reels rarely if ever hit the market i am somewhat at a loss about value. Asking price is 1700$. To me this seems a fair deal. Any ideas about this one?

Make sure you know your seller or that the sale is a protected sale. There has been a few instances in the last few years of this size and brand reel being for sale under false pretenses. This is a "Buyer Beware" situation. My first indication that there is a problem with this sale is the price. A true 16/O Kovalovsky is much more valuable than $1700. If it is a true documented reel, it can easily be in the $3000 or more range.

Mike is right, of course.  Make sure you know the seller, or that the auction is protected -- both payment-wise and as to performance of the buyer and seller obligations.

First thing, that reel is priced way to low.

Second, have a talk with the seller -- find out if he is willing to let a member examine the reel in person -- with the reach of this Board, someone should be close to this seller.  Even if he says he is in Singapore or Timbuktu -- tell him you have an associate nearby that would like to examine the reel with the sellers permission.  

Or ask for a few pics of odd angles -- such as the back side of the handle, close up of the spool, etc. (Something odd enough that he would not have it without taking a few new pics).  This shows that he indeed has the reel.

Anyone with this reel legitimately, already knows the true value (at least a reasonable starting number).

If these things can't be shown when requested -- I for one would just drop it -- it is a hijacked auction.

I could be wrong -- but it doesn't feel like it is legitimate.

This sale will likely disappear -- only to surface again at a later date.

Best,

Fred

There is a book, "A Conversation With Arthur Kovalovsky", that described the various reels that were made.  There are different models of that size reel (from what I recall).  Do some homework before taking the leap....what others have said about being cautious about the seller applies.

Just googled some pics, and wow, what a wacky contraption that drag is!  That entire bulky mechanism turns with the handle it looks like.