EXTRAORDINARY DBL. POCKET CREEL INCLUDES SILVER FLASK & KNIFE !
This truly one-of-a-kind fishing creel was entirely handcrafted by retired Oregon master leather artisan Dan Brock. During a career spanning more than 40 years, Brock custom-made fine leather rod and reel cases, creels, and other accessories for the discerning angler. The woven-willow body is extensively trimmed in premium Red Russet saddle leather and meticulously hand-stitched with heavy waxed Irish linen thread. Its most striking feature is the pair of matching front pockets, each secured by a snap-closure flap and beautifully engraved with a trout leaping towards a fly, surrounded by intricate floral and scrollwork designs. Coordinating hand-tooled borders embellish the center straps, lid, and adjustable shoulder harness, giving the creel a remarkably unified and highly decorative appearance. What makes this creel especially extraordinary is its complete suite of integrated angling accessories: a vintage flask and a vintage folding pocket knife.
Vintage Flask: Inside is a custom-fitted leather flask case which contains a vintage double-sided angler’s pocket flask of curved rectangular form, crafted in a silver-tone metal with a knurled screw-top cap. Both sides feature finely engraved fishing scenes. One depicts an angler standing along a wooded stream with a rod in hand and a landing net at his side; the reverse features a large hooked fish leaping from the water against a background of dense aquatic vegetation.
Vintage Pocket Knife: Additionally, a vintage angler’s folding pocketknife features colorful shell-inlaid handle scales with a raised silver-tone fish appliqué. The gently curved handle is finished with substantial nickel-silver bolsters at both ends. Its folding blade incorporates a serrated fish-scaling edge along the spine, making the knife both decorative and practical for the fisherman.
Sculpted Raised Corners: The creel is distinguished by its unusual, strongly articulated corners. Each corner is built outward with a raised, rounded ridge of tightly woven wicker, creating a pronounced, almost sculptural profile. These projecting corner ribs give the creel greater definition and architectural character while helping reinforce its most vulnerable edges. Substantial stitched leather guards protect the lower sides and complement the warm, richly patinated wicker.
Whenever possible, Brock fabricated the metal fittings himself; otherwise, he carefully sourced suitable period hardware from antique pieces. His painstaking craftsmanship shows throughout, from the deeply engraved leatherwork and precise hand-stitching to the beautifully fitted trim around the woven body and its purpose-made accessory cases. Prominently stamped “DAN BROCK #30” on the back, this creel is identified as the thirtieth creel Brock produced. He handcrafted fewer than 50 creels during his career, making any example exceedingly uncommon. With its trout-engraved double pockets, fitted flask and case, and harness-mounted vintage knife, Creel No. 30 stands apart as a singular and exceptionally complete example of American angling craftsmanship.