Kovalovsky "Zane Grey, Duplex" by Arthur Kovalovsky (1881-1958)

Lot 120

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Lot Description

Kovalovsky "Zane Grey, Duplex"
Arthur Kovalovsky (1881-1958)
Hollywood, CA, c. 1935

"I used three big tackles, favoring the Coxe, Hardy-Zane Grey, and Kovalovsky reels, carrying a thousand and more yards of thirty-nine-thread [lines]." - Zane Grey writing about his preferred tackle in "An American Angler in Australia," 1937

Arthur Kovalovsky (1881-1958) began his career as a metalworker at the ripe age of twelve in his hometown of Whitechurch, Hungary. After immigrating to the US in 1904 and moving to St. Louis, Kovalovksy worked as a machinist for car and motorcycle companies. Ever an innovator, he briefly became interested in aviation, designing and building his own rotary engines. He even received a US patent on his design for the valve gearing. Reportedly, he built an airplane frame to go with one of his engines, only for it to be stolen before he had a chance to fly it.

As an avid big game fisherman, Kovalovsky wasn't satisfied with the quality of the reels available and knew he could do better. After moving to California, Kovalovsky built his first fishing reel in 1928 in his automobile repair shop. By 1931, he had closed the repair shop and was making reels full-time in Hollywood. Kovalovksy gained a reputation for making the finest big game reels available and was continually improving his designs. His reels were the top choice for affluent fishermen, such as Zane Grey, one of Kovalovsky's best customers. Grey even endorsed a line of reels that were made to his specifications.

This exceedingly rare Kovalovsky "Zane Grey, Duplex" big game reel is one of only two "Duplex" models known to exist. Lang's Auction Company cataloged that "this huge reel was made for and used by the famous writer and sportsman Zane Grey." It is thought that Kovalovsky made this reel to Grey's specifications as an improved version of the previous "Duplex" model. The reel has an interesting two-tiered "wedding cake" construction, hiding its precisely machined internal mechanisms. Also on the front plate is a large drag adjustment knob. With an 8 3/4 in. diameter and 4 1/8 in. spool width, this massive reel is marked "Capacity 900 YDS. No. 54." It is also stamped with two patent numbers: "1.958.919," which was used on Kovalovsky Standard Model Type 1 reels, and "2.022.204," which was the patent for Kovalovksy's innovative rim control mechanism. These markings indicate the reel was likely made between 1935 and 1941. The reel's foot is marked "14/0 L No. 12." Kovalovsky reels were Grey's tackle of choice for wrangling the largest fish that had ever been caught.
As found.
Provenance: Zane Grey Tackle Collection
Ronald J. Gard Collection
Literature: John Bechtold, "Arthur Kovalovsky & Sons: A 100-Year History of Design Innovation and Excellence," Deepfins Publishing, Pismo Beach, CA, 2024, pp. 57-58, exact reel illustrated. Zane Grey, "An American Angler in Australia," Harper & Brothers, New York, NY, 1937, Zane Grey discusses preferred tackle. Lang's Sporting Collectables, Inc., "Spring Auction of Fishing Tackle & Accessories," May 15, 2004, lot 116, exact reel illustrated.

Condition

Please refer to the description; if you have questions, email ben@copleyart.com.
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