So, I acquired an old lot of magic and in it was a Henry evans magnetic reel. But, unlike the one I bought 15 years ago...this one is metal and not plastic. Silver color with the white label/ Monogram “H.E.”. I wasn’t aware there ever was a metal version sold...anyone have any insight to this?

Yes, this new version was released a while ago.

https://www.penguinmagic.com/p/3831

Check out the video demo, and read the reviews.

Yes, I am aware of the new plastic version...I mean specifically of age/worth/availability/how many produced and the history of the metal version. It is very much the opposite of the plastic version and actually quite nice ha.