This is a small antique Scottish crank wind fishing reel, made of brass by Cowan, Edinburgh, & probably dating to the early - mid Victorian period.

The reel is made of brass (although the walls of the rotating drum or spool ? seem to be a more copper colour), and has a straight handle with a wooden, probably ebony, knob. The reel does not have a ratchet fitted.

The reel has the makers mark (in a shield shaped cartouche) of 'COWAN over MAKER over EDINR' stamped at each end of the foot.

The reel is in original, unrestored condition, but is overall very good, with the drum turning smoothly. The only things to note is that there is the expected light surface wear to the finish, & the handle which, although it operates properly & smoothly, has a little movement (there was probably a small washer between the handle & the screw when the reel was made, & fitting a small washer would correct the movement).

The reel measures approx 2" in diameter & 1 1/8" wide, with an internal width of 1" (approx 5.1cm, 2.8cm, & 2.5cm).