Early Leather Covered Fly Box

Circa 1850-1880: Antique fly fishing gear is always a desirable commodity and this 19th century leather covered fly box is the earliest one we have encountered. Although we can find no information on the Paris Angling Company, but we suspect the firm was located in Paris, Maine, and sold tackle to people who fly fished the Adroscoggin River. This rare survivor is a petite 3 3/8"H x 6"L x 4 7/8"D and is inscribed "anglers are honest men and brothers," a phrase that we all accept as (ahem) true, and the Latin phrase "et libertas ibi patria," which translates to "and freedom is there," a sentiment commending the beauty and solitude of the sport of fly fishing. This beautiful dome top box retains its original leather hinge and handcut closure, and its interior still retains its original soft hide lining and "secret" removable compartment for holdling one's flies. Obviously, this piece could be tucked into the vest for use on the stream. This box has age appropriate wear and is in extraordinary condition for a fragile utilitarian item that survived many days along the storied trout streams of the Northeastern United States.