Antique Fly Fishing Reel

Question:
I collect antique fly fishing tackle. There are many fascinating items available, built by hundreds of craftsmen and companies around the world. I have therefore limited myself rather severely to collecting a few choice items that are both beautiful and functional. And, since these beautiful rods and reels are indeed functional, I go fishing with them. For example, at the moment I have three St. George fly reels, made by Hardy Brothers of Alnwick, Northumberland, England. Hardy made many variants of the St. George reel during fifty-eight years of production. My reels are all trout models, three inches in diameter and about an inch-and-a-quarter wide, and are all about 70 years old. They are fine examples of the reel maker’s art, exhibiting excellent construction and superb workmanship. Unlike modern-day assembly-line products, each St. George reel was individually constructed and assembled by a single workman, who stamped his identifying mark or initials on an interior surface of the reel when it was finished. Thus a St. George fly reel marked "JS" was built by Jimmy Smith, "TAG" denoted the work of Tommy Armstrong, etc. These reels are hard to find nowadays, and each one is unique. I like looking at them on a shelf, but I can't bear to leave them there. These St. George reels are very practical fishing tools, so I use them as they were originally intended to be used. I do all my trout fishing with these reels. I fish with them in suburban ponds for lowly bluegills, and have taken them above the Arctic Circle to fish for exotic grayling and Arctic char. The reels are well cared for, but not babied; they see hard use, and have acquired a little more finish wear and a few new, fine scratches during their time with me. It would be possible to damage one beyond repair if one was foolish or careless. On the other hand, I have fished with fine gear for decades, so I'm unlikely to smash a reel, or allow it to corrode for lack of protective maintenance. And although many fragile or rare antiques should certainly remain behind glass, it seems that no fine object is completely safe even while gathering dust in a display case. So I celebrate the beauty of these fly fishing reels by using them for their original purpose.

Answer:
I'm mostly 'into' furniture, and yes, I do use my stuff for its intentional and original purpose. However, I just want to comment on your posting. Speaking as a real lover of antiques of all kinds, it was a delight to read; a real delight. You clearly love your stuff, and I love to hear its being used as it should be. Keep it up, and don't worry about that extra wear and tear.