Anyone know what this is and how to use use?

[Fishaholic]

You're right. Thats interesting... what are you going to fish with it?

Trout and maybe seabass if I use a float. I guess its a salt water reel.

[ICEMAN]

Cool looking to be sure.  Obslete to be sure.  I'd pay $2.00 for it just to put it on the wall.

I am going  to catch a few fish with it first. I beem practicing with it and I can cast it about 25 to  30 feet so thats all I really need for were I fish. 

Heck ya'...... good to learn our heritage. Makes us all appreciate where we are all now and how we got here.