SPECTACULER DBL. POCKETED CREEL W/CARVED WESTERN FLORAL MOTIF AND HAS ITS ORIGINAL LEATHER HARNESS1

This exceptional fishing creel features the masterful leatherwork of retired Oregon 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.

Brock fitted the finely woven willow basket with extensive premium Red Russet saddle leather, meticulously hand-stitched with heavy waxed Irish linen thread. Its most distinctive feature is the pair of matching front pockets, each secured by a metal snap and richly decorated with deeply engraved floral panels, sculpted scrollwork, and hand-tooled borders. A narrow buckled strap centered between the pockets secures the lid and complements the creel’s beautifully balanced design.

Coordinating geometric tooling embellishes the central leather bands, lid, and broad adjustable shoulder strap, giving the entire piece a remarkably unified and highly decorative appearance. Additional details include a leather carrying handle, reinforced and raised leather corners, a rectangular viewing opening in the lid, and an integrated measuring rule extending along the lower edge. The shoulder strap is finished with a distinctive flared leather tab bearing Brock’s engraved fish emblem.

Whenever possible, Brock fabricated the necessary metal fittings himself; otherwise, he carefully sourced suitable period hardware from antique pieces. His painstaking craftsmanship is evident throughout—from the deeply modeled leather engraving and precise hand stitching to the exceptionally well-fitted reinforcements that follow the contours of the woven body.

The reverse is prominently stamped “DAN BROCK #3 16,” identifying it as Creel No. 3 and noting its 16-inch size. Brock completed fewer than 50 creels during his career, making any example exceedingly uncommon. As one of his earliest creations, Creel No. 3 is an especially rare and desirable example of American angling artistry.

Measures approximately 16 inches wide by 8½ inches front to back and 10 inches high.