Thomas H. Chubb.

"The Fishing Rod Manufacturer"

Thomas H. Chubb was the first machine age fishing rod manufacturer in the United States, starting up his business in 1869 near Post Mills, Vermont. He endured a flood his first year, a fire in 1875, and another fire in 1891 before deciding it was time to retire. His company was sold to the Bartlett brothers of Montague, Massachusetts which was the start of the famous Montague Rod Company. 

By 1884 Chubb was advertising that his company was the "largest Fishing Rod Factory in the World". Perhaps he was, but certainly the building qualified, for the three story building filled with overhead belt driven lathes and stamping machines was the ultimate in a manufacturing facility.  

Not many rods survive with the Chubb decal still intact, but knowledgeable rod collectors are often able to identify the rods of this famous factory. This can be a bit tricky, however, for one of the main products of the Chubb factory were ferrules, guides and other rod fittings used by many contemporary makers. Chubb rods came in all types and all materials.

The Chubb factory also turned out some fine reels, with the Henshall Van Antwerp reel the most famous. This reel was first produced in 1883, and this classic multiplier was popular as both a bait casting and fly reel. It is undoubtedly the most highly sought after product from the Chubb factory by collectors today. The reel went through three model changes and Chubb held several patents on the original reel and later improvements.  

The Chubb factory also produced some very nice hard rubber and German Silver fly reels that are creeping toward the four figure price range. The rods have not reached the value of the famous hand made rods of the same period, but they are great representatives of the period, and very tastefully constructed.