CLASSIC RODS

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14.  Leonard 61.  The 8 1/2', 2/2, 8wt from Ted Simroe's Mirimachi series of rods.  I used it with an Orvis 8 WF line and it was fabulous.  Also used a Bogdan 0 that balanced perfectly with it.  From my own collection and used only twice on the Cascapedia.  Red wraps, fixed fighting butt, reverse half wells grip perfectly sized for the rod and comfortable.  A casting machine in spite of its light weight in the hand.  Even put it into the hands of guides at the lodge who ordinarily disdain bamboo;  they thought it was amazing and were duly surprised.  Excellent condition in original bag and labeled tube.  Decided that I cannot in good conscious let this great but perhaps little known rod go for its earlier pricing.  $1250.  Reduced

15.  Sweetgrass Pent.  7 1/2', 2/2, 5wt.  Medium fast dry fly action,  mild full wells grip, down locking anodized antique grey hardware over very dark highly figured hardwood, burgundy silks (hallmark of the Pent) and perfect fitting ferrules.  Dead straight, perfect varnish and in mint condition. Believe the nicest piece of production I've seen from the Boo Boys.  Am told that Glenn is back at work and likely accounts for the high quality of workmanship and attention to detail.  Just a beautiful rod for appearance and behaviour. 

$1350. 

23.  In the world of collectible rods, a historically important Weir and Son rod. 8', 2/2, 3 5/8 oz., 5 wt.  Last manufactured in Los Gatos, CA, the Weir and Son build was best known for their medium very pleasing actions. Model LM803.  These rods were produced on an ingenious and unique machine that could mill six strips simultaneously.  Exquisite for its pale appearance, lovely easy action and quality workmanship throughout.  Very reminiscent of the early Charlie Jenkins oevre.  5" tapered cigar grip, aluminum cap (properly die stamped "Weir and Son"),    and ring over rosewood, brown silks over straw colored cane and nicely described in both the Schwiebert tome (p. 181), Trout as well as Marty Keane's bible, Classic Rods and Rodmakers (p. 205) as some of the nicest rods built at the time for quality and performance. I will include with the purchase a copy of the last Weir catologue produced from Los Gatos with prices and decriptions of the building process.  Minor soiling of the grip and a few surface mounting mars to the insert, otherwise excellent condition with original bag and fully labeled tube.   $525. Sold

25.  Orvis Battenkill.  7 1/2', 3 7/8oz, 5/6 wt.  This one a bit lighter than most 3 7/8oz (weighs in at 3 3/4oz) so a slam dunk 5DT rod.  Built 1974. Some  soiling of its cigar grip,  while identifying model, line weight and actual weight are intact some script is worn from the cane at the hook keeper, otherwise good  plus condition.  Straight, structurally very good with original bag and tube with full descriptive label to the hex capped tube.   $575. Sold

27.  Heddon Premier.  8 1/2', 3/2,  2 Ferrule, 5 wt. (reads HDH or E on the cane),  gold silks tipped black, screw down patent numbered reel seat over brown bakelite,  perfect fitting properly japanned ferrules.  6 1/2" dry fly grip with some ridging, dryness and chips in the heel from use as a hook keeper but varnish and silks are about perfect and cane is a beautiful medium dark with golden nodes.  Slight fishing set to both tips, easily removable, with original well labeled bag and unoriginal tube absent its cap.   $225.  Sold

29.  Leonard 39H.  7 1/2', 2/2, 3 7/8 oz.,  5 wt.  (tube label reads 6).  Serial number 1838 so am guessing ca. 1971-72.  6" cigar grip with very minor soiling, red silks typical of the period, down locking seat with butternut insert and nickel silver die stamped cap sporting its post fire heritage  Tight fitting ferrules, dead straight and structurally perfect.  Rod has a decisive Catskill dry fly feel and a rod whose tapers have been replicated by a multitude of current builders for its outstanding performance qualities. Original yellow bag with stiffener, original tube with red Midland Park, NJ  label in completely legible condition.  Aside from its minor grip soiling, the rod is about perfect.  May be the only rod you'll ever need if you're only going to own one bamboo rod, a terribly unlikely story!  $1350.  Reduced 

31.  Phillipson Peerless.  Rare 7', 2/2, 2 7/8 oz.  4/5 wt.  from the 3M period.   Shy 6" cigar grip, down locking copper toned anodized seat over cork,  lovely medium dark impregnated cane, brown silks tipped yellow and original bag with fully labeled gold tube.  Nice tight ferrules intelligently witnessed marked and just a great dry fly feel to the rod.   $675.  Sold

32.  Leonard 50H.  8', 6/7 wt. Serial number on its Midland Park, NJ label reads 2983.  Previous owner used it effectively,  I am advised,  with a 6DT line.  3/2, 4 5/8 oz.  6 1/2" reverse half wells (dry fly) grip, Up locking correctly post- fire die stamped seat over butternut, light cane with 3x3 node pattern of course, Ted Simroe translucent tan silks tipped auburn.   A nice stronger version of the 50DF.   Ever so slight soiling of the cork grip otherwise about perfect condition in its original yellow bag with stiffener, and fully labeled tube.  $1250.  Sold  

36.  Jim Downes.  7', 3/2, 3/4 wt beauty.  One of the few rods I've owned that I can truly say will throw a 3 or 4 wt line with equal aplomb.  Has a great medium action with either line, giving way to longer casts while fully loading with a 4DT;  a bit brisker as a close-in 3DT.   I truly enjoyed the rod with either line.  Just a super small stream rod.  5 1/2" flor quality cork cigar grip, rather dark spalted maple insert under blued cap and ring with Jim's die stamp to the cap, elegantly varnished medium dark cane and handsome as can be "pond scum green" silks delicately tipped crimson and agate stripper guide.  Just a beautiful rod with a super small stream action.  Perhaps one of the best performing light line rods ever.  $1450.  Sold 

38.  Payne 98.   Spectacular 7', 2/2, 4 wt rod.  Cigar grip, nickel silver cap and ring with "Made for A and F" die stamp, so no older than early 60's. Hang tag in place and in crisp legible condition with the Abercrombie inventory number to it.   Most blueing absent from cap and ring, and although perfect in every other way, several guide wraps on the tips do not align since the first and only owner had Jim make another tip for his single tip as bought Abercrombie rod.  Believe the single tip rods were only available through Abercrombie.  Still a bit of a mystery as to why Jim would not align the guide wraps unless the rod was not sent to him at the time the second tip was being made.  Sadly, since the rod comes to me from an inheritance, this is the best information that I have on the rod.  Some space to the top of the tube evidencing absence of its ferrule plug.   This rod is really quite lovely and with exceptions noted, in excellent condition with original bag (with hang tag) and properly labeled tube.   $3750.   Sold

39.  Don Schroeder.  7'9", 2/2.  One of Don's dark hexes.  A slam dunk moderate dry fly 5wt.  Serial number 17397.  6 1/2" reverse half wells grip ( a la Payne), uplocking screw seat over morticed and figured walnut, and transluscent tan wraps tipped auburn, characteristic of his dark rods;  Don's die stamp properly in place on the turnbuckle and machined knurled ferrule plug still here.  Don's work is above reproach for structure and cosmetics; he machines all of his own hardware save the ferrules and guides and his workmanship and attention to detail has been consistent throughout his long career  -- Perfect.  Slight soiling of the grip otherwise excellent plus.  Sadly, for his history and workmanship highly underappreciated.  Clearly his values should be in the realm of the best rod makers in the country today.  $1450.   

40.  Orvis Superfine.  7', 2/2, 2 5/8oz,  5wt (factory labeled 6 wt.).  Superfine grip (some ridging and reel seat impressions to the all cork dual ring seat),  dark cane, excellent condition brown silks, nice ferrule fit and ca. 1968 serial number. Original bag and tube with fully legible tube label in place.   Aside from the wear on the grip and seat, a really fine rod.  A brief visit to the Orvis manufactory would make it perfect .  Or use as it  is until the grip and seat really need refurbershing.   A nice rod; deserves serious attention at $475.   Sold

42.  Orvis 7/4.  Just arrived and is in absolutely mint, unused condition.  Serial number 85852 so a lovely late rod.  Likely the most desirable model ever produced by Orvis.  Just the perfect 7', 3/2, 4 wt rod.  $1250.  Sold  

44.  Sam Carlson "Housatonic".  8', 2/2, 5/6 Quadrate.  Dark evenly straw colored cane, brown silks, bright perfect fitting ferrules, reverse 6 1/4" half wells grip giving way to an all cork reel seat with blued cap and ring and his signature black bakelite inserts beneath the end cap, as a seat check and of course winding check.  The script on the blank reads Carlson "Four" Housatonic.  Made by CW "Sam" Carlson and numbered 757-482.  So made in 1975, quadrate, 8' 2 piece.  This is a stunning rod with very little use to it. Only the slightest soiling to the grip, almost not worth mentioning.  Dead straight, fine ferrule fit and a great casting rod with a 5DT; stupendous with a 6.    A classic Carlson in wonderful condition.   Pics will sell the rod.  A phone call would be welcomed.  $3700.  

45. Payne 96.  6', 2/2, 2/3 wt with the "Sold by" die stamp predating the introduction of the 95 whereupon the 96 became the 6 1/2' model.   Fully legible perfect condition hang tag reads 1 3/4 oz and upon weighiing the rod it is indeed 1 3/4 oz.  The tag carries the Abercrombie inventory number, the model number and a never before seen 3 digit number above the rectangle labeling.  My 1931 Payne catologue shows the 96 as the 6 footer; the 1951 catologue shows the introduction of the 96 as a 6 1/2' rod and retains the 6' rod labeled as a model 95.  I cannot say with certainty in what year the change took place but I am guessing this rod to be made ca. 1940's.  The delicate cigar grip measures 4 1/8" (some soiling to the cork but smooth and whole)  there is no winding check, the cap and ring are in perfect order over lovely uncompromised, and indeed unmarred walnut insert.  Blueing absent from the ring but butt cap retains about 100% bluing.  Ferrule fit is absolutely perfect. No ferrule plug but considering the length of the bag and fit in the tube, was made without one.  The rod sports the traditional Payne color evenly toned straw blanks and brown silks tipped gold accented by a delicate stripper guide.  Aside from soiling of the cork handle, this rod is the most perfect, all original Payne 96 this enthusiast/dealer has ever seen.  I  noticed that there is currently a refinished 96 out there with some other minor issues at 3900.  This one, all original and spectacular.  $5200.   

46. San Francisco Winston.  8, 2/2, 3 3/4oz.  crisp (and unusual in that for Winston) 5 wt.  Purchased as a one tip rod and owner had Glenn Bracket, while still with Winston, make a second dead matching second tip.  Only reservation is that the second tip's numbering not done in the same hand or is at least a bit lighter. Frankly, I would have had Glenn renumber all three sections for a match without violating the integrity of the rod.  But the second tip is an absolutely dead match for color, silk color, taper and performance.  Unusual for the San Francisco period  it sports a cherry seat with ns cap and ring and full wells grip.  But unquestionably original put up in the red SF bag and correct yellow and green tube label.  Excellent condition.   For its later pairing of the additional tip,  $1450.  Sold

47.  Leonard 39H.  5 1/2" cigar grip, with unusual factory created (doubtless) thumb rest a la Paul Young, down locking seat over butternut, straw colored cane, expected red wraps for the period (serial number 2807), black guides, bright ferrules and correct die stamp in place to the ns cap.  Still sports its coin edged ferrule plug and is in excellent condition.  Unusual for the model, its tube label reads 3 3/5th oz not the usual 3 7/8 oz rendering a marginally lighter rod -- perhaps a diminished weight for the thumb depresssion???  The rod is near perfect with slight soiling of the grip, fully legible tube label and dead straight with a fine ferrule fit.  I've always claimed this the rod to own if you're only going to own one rod -- not a likely scenario for for any of us it seems!!  $1350.  Reduced

48.  Hardy "The Phantom".  6', 2/2, 2 oz. 4/5 wt. Lovely little British rod with lots of backbone; very dry fly.  5 3/4" cigar grip, all cork seat with cap and ring (Hardy die stamp in place), black silks tipped red, agate stripper guide and machined ferrule plug still with the rod. Varnish about perfect but best part of this package is that it is put up in its tailored one tip Hardy sock, and tube with the black and gold Hardy decal to the tube still bright and legible -- likely because it is protected by its outer canvas Hardy marked bag. The Hardy hang tag describing the rod in detail still attached to the bag.  About  perfect condition and ready to fish those small tough to reach spots on your favorite water.   Generally excellent condition and one of the nicest vintage British rods I've had in a long time.  $450.  Sold

49.  Another British classic -- Hardy CC de France.  7 1/2, 2/1, 5/6 wt.  Full intermediate wraps,  superfine grip,  cap and ring over cork (soiled but uncompromised), serial number indicating a 1949 build to the ring, in Hardy tailored bag with fully legible hang tag to the bag.  Sadly, the tip is 3 1/2" short and the rod, although structurally sound with a good ferrule fit, needs cosmetic attention (or not).  Fish as is or refinish during the ensuing winter months. A respectable  first bamboo rod from this venerable English company.   A gift at $150.  Sold

50.  Sweet Grass Mantra.  2/1, 7 1/2', 4 wt. Hex.  Serial number 11-052. Light dry fly Catskill style rod.   6" reverse half wells grip (soiled but smooth and uncompromised), black anodized down locking seat over cherry insert,  lovely straw colored nicely varnished cane, brown translucent silks tagged black at the hook keeper and ferrule stations, wrapped ferrules a la Winston, and original bag and labeled tube.  So altogether very good/excellent condition.  $725.

51.  Jim Downes.  7 1/2', 2/2, 5 wt.  6" flor quality cigar grip, cap and ring seat (die stamped with maker's mark) over tiger maple insert,  light colored cane beautifully wrapped with avocado silks  smartly and delicately tipped in a dark auburn, cocoa colored agate stripping guide and ferrules and hardware blued.  The rod enjoys a fabulous dry fly habit and may be the finest piece yet recieved from Jim for performance and  finish.  The rod is perfect in every way -- dead straight (of course), perfect ferrule fit,  flawless varnish and ever so beautiful wraps. Working with Walt Carpenter in his early days,  I believe Jim is among the most talented builders of our time.   $1450.

52.  Hardy Palakona.  6'8", 2/2, 4/5 wt. Near mint.   All cork grip and seat with the patented Hardy hood and ring.  Hardy die stamp in place to both the applied pocket and cap, grip approx. 6", black silks smartly tipped Kelly Green, milky agate stripper guide, machined ferrule plug to the female, perfect ferrule fit and original bag and tube compliments yours truly.  Hardy and most other British makers were not in the habit of supplying tubes except by special request -- so original tailored bag with hanging loop to its end (since you are expected to hang your rod in the rod room for adequate drying!)  The rod enjoys a brisk dry fly action with lots of gumption.  This is a very late model vintage piece made just before the shut down of their manufacture -- not one of the later reissued rods produced about 10-15 years ago at the heady price point of $2000+.  So a vintage Hardy in as new condition. From its ever so slight soiling of the grip, hardly worth mentioning, believe the rod to have been lawn cast only.  $875.

53.  Orvis Battenkill.  7 1/2', 2/2, 3 7/8 oz. Serial number 83431 (1980).  6 1/2" cigar grip,  straw colored impregnated cane, brown silks, down locking walnut seat with independent ring protocol, about 100% bluing to the perfect fitting ferrules and dead straight.  Put up in its original bag and hex cap tube with complete and fully legible label.  Just a super all around rod for 5/6 wt lines.  And the only rod you'll ever need if you only had one to own!!  Medium fast dry fly action -- and somewhat semi parabolic as Orvis rods tend to be.  So just a great all around rod for dries, streamers and can tolerate the seldom use of weighted "lures".  Very good/excellent condition.  $725.