A scarce Thompson No. 500 fly reel, 3 3/8" diameter and set up for RHW. These reels were made in California in the late 1940's and similar in style and performance to the classic Hardy Perfect, (but considerably more scarce). This one is in near mint condition with just a few trace marks here and there and given the overall condition they may be handling marks as I see no obvious signs that the reel has been fished. Circular line guard and full-length, unmolested smooth brass reel foot measuring 2 1/2" in length. The No. 500 was built to handle 6/7/8 weight lines. This drag system was unmatched in the American market back in the 50's. This is the ultimate steelhead and light salmon reel for single handed rods. This one also comes in the original Thompson box with the paperwork inside, something that I've seldom seen. A very nice example of this scarce reel.