Vintage Rippleride fishing rod gel by Hardy brothers. This exquisite, probably quite rare, tin of silicone gel is used for fishing lines.
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Some age related wear and there is some silicone still remaining?
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Size: 5 cm x round 2 cm tall.
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Great item for a fishing enthusiast etc
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This is a tin of Hardy Brothers
"Rippleride" silicone line floatant for fly fishing. It is designed to make fly lines float on the water. The label indicates it is a "perfect preparation for dry fly lines" and is non-sticky.
Floatants
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Hardy Brothers began in 1872 with William Hardy, a gunsmith in Alnwick, Northumberland, and was joined by his brother John James in 1874. The company initially sold high-quality guns, including shotguns and pistols. However, their passion for fishing led them to shift their focus towards fishing tackle, and the Hardy Brothers became renowned for their rods and reels.
Here's a more detailed look at the history of Hardy Brothers:
Early Years and Expansion:
1872: William Hardy starts a gunsmith business in Alnwick.
1874: John James joins William, and they form the Hardy Brothers partnership.
1880s: Hardy Brothers introduces bamboo rods, a significant innovation in tackle design.
1891: The "Perfect" fishing reel is patented and launched, becoming a popular and enduring product.
1897: A shop is opened in London's Pall Mall, further expanding their reach.
1967: Hardy Brothers is acquired by the Harris and Sheldon group.
1985: The company is renamed "House of Hardy Limited".
2004: Hardy Brothers is merged with Greys, a former Hardy employee's fishing company, and renamed "Hardy & Greys Limited".
Later Ownership and Changes:
2013: Hardy & Greys is sold to Pure Fishing, a division of Newell Brands.
2018: Newell Brands sells Pure Fishing to Sycamore Partners.
Key Innovations and Legacy:
Hardy Brothers is credited with introducing bamboo rods, a system for building hexagonal bamboo rods, and the "Perfect" reel.
They also developed numerous other fishing reels, including those with a full bail arm and long-distance casting capabilities.
The company's focus on quality and innovation has established them as a leading name in fly fishing tackle.