I agree - we're both right, but at different times.
Let's look again at the original reel:
The cut-outs on the backplate must be genuine, if the reel is called a "Barrett". Not only did he describe it in his book, but here is the catalogue page from 1935.
At that time, the reels would probably been made by Young's, though Farlow's made a few at their factory in Croydon. But here is a pre-war (1939) Easycast MkII.
Note in particular the different spindle attachment.
And here is a Sharpe's made Farlow Serpent:
In this case, note the spindle attachment again, the general style of the backplate, and the two screw, push spring, spool release.
Pre war Sharpe's reels certainly had three screw covers (but with a different latch) and some of the the early ones had "S" stamps. There was a post-war "friendship" with Young's too - not only because of their common dealings with Farlow's and Millward's (ewho were themselves taken over by Farlow's).
Altogether an interesting reel.
Regards,
Doc