[Fly Wallet] The Companion to Alfred Ronald’s [sic.] Fly Fisher's Entomology.

Alfred RONALDS (1802-1860). – P.H. WHITEHEAD (printer).

The Companion to Alfred Ronald’s [sic.] Fly Fisher's Entomology. The Extracts are printed from the Sixth Edition of the Work... Birmingham: P.H. Whitehead, printer, 48, Frederick Street, [no date but 1862 or later]. Small octavo (6 1/4 x 3 1/2in: 159 x 89mm). Letterpress title and 12pp. text on 8 leaves, these leaves interleaved with six leaves made of vellum strips sewn together to form four pockets per page, at the centre a pair of 'leaves’ of white felt, flanking a single vellum leaf. The pockets with a total of 60 actual examples of eyeless flies (possibly 19th century?), most with attached gut. Condition of contents: first and last leaf toned, last leaf also somewhat creased, occasional light 'crinkeling' to the vellum. Original wallet-style brown calf, with calf and metal strap, an internal pocket at either end. Condition of binding: wear to strap, stitching weak, but generally witn a nice 'old club armchair' patina (see images).

A good copy of the ‘Companion’ to Alfred Ronalds' bestseller, in excellent condition with an interesting selection of actual flies: both trout and salmon, and all 'eyeless'.

These fly wallets were quite popular, and come in a number of diferent forms: the best known maker is Richard Wheatley. The present example, printed by Whitehead of Birmingham, seems to be from a rarer group. Whiteheads were apparently involved for a while as there is a record of an example issued when they were in Northampton Street in Birmingham. I have not been able to establish an order of priority, but the Northamton Street example does look to be earlier?