Hartley’s of Melbourne possibly started making reels back in 1923. These reels were later marketed under the ‘Rainbow’ brand. The first branded Rainbow appeared in 1936, it was 3.5/8’’ reel weighing 5 ounces. These reels were made by Jack House who was a fitter and turner that worked for Hartleys. All of their Bakelite fly reels with the Rainbow brand were made by H.B. Chalmers probably under contract for Hartleys. They also marketed reels under the Hartsport brand.
