This is a vintage centrepin fishing reel in it's original box, made of chrome ? plated metal by 'CIRCLE' of Japan & almost certainly used for float / coarse fishing (the spool is too shallow for fly fishing), & probably dating to the 1950's or 60's, although could be later.

The front of the reel has an open work 'star' design, & has a small handle with a 'button' counterweight directly opposite. The rear of the reel is plain with a sliding button which operates the optional ratchet or check.

The spool or drum is unusual in that instead of being solid, it is made up of six evenly spaced 'bars' around the central spindle. This makes the spool quite shallow & would only be suitable for a nylon type line (fly fishing line would be far too thick).

The back of the reel has the makers mark consisting of a fish swimming through a hoop with 'CIRCLE' underneath, & the top of the foot is impressed with 'MADE IN JAPAN'.

The reel comes in it's original cardboard box which has a paper label to the front with 'REEL', 'No 3693' (presumably the model No), & 'MADE IN JAPAN'.

Condition is Fine, the reel operates very smoothly (with & without check). The only thing to note is that there is a tiny area of corrosion to the plating on the very centre of the backplate - please see magnified photos.

Although probably quite an inexpensive reel when new, it is surprisingly solid & well made.

The reel measures approx 2 1/2" in diameter (including the rim, the actual rotating part is approx 2 1/4"), and 1" wide, with an internal width of 7/8" (approx 6.3cm, 5.6cm, 2.5cm, & 2.3cm).