CLASSIC RODS

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51.  Jim Downes.  7612, 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,  blonde  cane beautifully wrapped with avocado silks  smartly and delicately tipped in a dark auburn, cocoa colored agate stripping guide; blued  ferrules and reel seat hardware.  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.  Sold but I always keep this model in stock; it is that popular.  Currently listed as  item 140. 

Anticipate the arrival of another 7612, 7011, and 201  from Jim and will likely continue to stock all three in addition to any new tapers that he develops that I'm taken with.  After a long relationship with Jim, I only just noticed that all of his tips on every rod are book matched!!  Something that T and T features as collector grade hallmarks; what Ron Kusse did always and what many other of the best builders in the country spout about!!!  And for missing that, my apologies Jim.   

88.  Jim Downes.  7', 2/2, 7011, 4wt.  Another great example of of work from Jim Downes.  5 1/2" flor grade cigar grip, blued cap and ring over stabilized exotic wood insert, elegant as can be lime silks with black tipping -- very tasteful -- red agate stripper guide and light straw colored bamboo blanks.  Its perfect varnish finish so compliments the wrap color that it presents as an elegant piece of workmanship.  This is a medium/fast dry fly rod quite able with a great range of fly sizes.  Absolutely top notch work with a superb casting dry fly habit.  New from Jim without the wait at $1450.  Sold, but another coming soon from Jim. 

  Post Fire Leonard 39H.  7 1/2', 2/2, 3 7/8 OZ.  medium dry fly rod.  Unlike many Leonard rods this model is a bit more progressive easily lending itself to dry fly work, nymphing or wet fly use.  A spectacular all around rod without that extreme Catskill tip action flavor.  Very slightly soiled 5 1/2" cigar grip, down locking seat over butternut, cardinal red wraps usually indicating early 70's vintage and likely made by Ted Simroe.  Serial number 1838.  Has a lovely swelled butt, straw colored perfectly varnished cane and just a very fine example of the era.  Has fully legible label to the tube and although marked for a 6 wt line most enthusiasts use it with DT5.   So excellent plus condition.    A virtual steal at  $1450.  Sold

129.  Linnea Rod (Eric Peterson).  Model 845-2, So, 8'4", 2/2, 5 wt.  Built Jan. 2009 and so  beautifully  embroidered on the bag and of course labeled on the tube along with Eric's signature. Slightly soiled 6 1/4" full wells grip, blued cap and ring seat over walnut, straw colored perfectly varnished cane, clear silks delicately tagged auburn and blued perfect fitting ferrules.  Just a glorious rod; its semi- parabolic action a sweet mimicry of the Paul Young Para 15 but lighter for line weight and actual weight.  At 3 5/8 oz believe it to be hollow built.  Just a beautiful rod and a casting machine with DT5 line.  Aside from slight grip soiling that can be cleaned by the next lucky owner, excellent plus condition. Every Linnea hallmark in place on this fine example of the marque.  Peterson's rods, much in demand, rarely come to market as their owners fervently covet them.  $1900.  Sold

139.  Bob Taylor 35-5.  7 1/2', 3/2, 5 wt.   One of Bob's blonde rods with 5 1/2"  cigar grip, beautiful butternut seat with his elegant machined cap and ring and die stamp to the end cap.  You have to love the look of the concave design of the sliding band, exclusive to Bob's rods.  Perfect varnish, translucent tan silks delicately tipped red, bright perfect fitting ferrules and just one of the smoothest medium dry fly rods ever.  Unlike the Leonard model 49DF, Bob's rendition is a bit more full working yet classically dry fly.  "The one rod to own if you'll only own one" with the added travel capability of its three piece configuration. Minor soiling of the cork, otherwise perfect, little used condition.  $2550.  Sold

140.  Jim Downes 7612.   New arrival from Jim.  And stunning for execution; fabulous for its dry fly habit.  For comprehensive description, see item 51.  This one a variant for tipping.  Same usual elegant green wraps but  Jim chose to tip it in black.  Smart looking but a bit more vibrant and the cap and ring seat is a beautiful crab apple burl -- truly elegant.  I intend to carry both his 7011 and 7612 into the future.  Jim has made many enthusiasts very happy with these two designs; this one, no exception.   $1450.  

142.  Jim Downes Payne 201. 8', 3/2, 5 wt.   Very popular in the Downes line- up and for performance as a late model 201; for appearance, in my proprietary colors.   Jim modifies his 201 pattern to weigh out at 4 1/4 oz., slightly heavier than the original at 4 - 4 1/8 oz. The rod is a good double taper 5 wt and has made several customers very happy but I just revisited it on my lawn and although it has good 5DT qualifications it sings with an Orvis Hydros 6 wt.  And for that a truly sensational casting rod.  Brand new from Jim.  $1450.

143.  Tom Maxwell Leonard 40DF-5.  Serial number written in Tom's hand under the hook winding check wrap.  All Maxwell features -- 6" cigar grip, tiger maple insert beneath blued cap and ring (shows minor absence of bluing), blonde cane, clear tan wraps with never before seen hunter green silks at the ferrule stations tipped blood red.  Each section numbered 454 in Tom's hand, perfect varnish, swelled butt and just an absolutely elegant example from the hands of Tom Maxwell done before he started using the year inclusive with the serial numbers.  Rod has a typical Catskill tip action dry fly flavor and is a perfect 5 wt.  Leonard could always be depended on for their judgement of line weight and this rod is no exception to that rule.  The rod is elegant; the rod is an incredible performer in the 8' class.  This will go into my own battery of rods if not sold at asking price as I am shy on 8' spectacular rods.  $2950.  Sold

145.  Orvis Battenkill.  7 1/2', 2/2, 3 3/4oz. 5/6 wt.  Marginally  lighter than the usual 3 7/8oz rod. and a build anomaly for the marque.  Serial number 31115, so built 1961.  All Orvis hallmarks in place -- 6" cigar grip, down locking seat over patinated walnut, brown silks over medium dark cane, blued perfect fitting ferrules, full bodied, full working progressive action typical of the model and just the perfect all around rod for both dry fly and streamer work.  Can competently carry weighted nymphs and streamers as well.  The ubiquitous Orvis standard for all around use and by far the most popular model from this honorable company.  Excellent plus condition with original bag and well marked blue label with the usual first owner's name inscribed to the cane.   Kind of cool for its unusual weight that is shy by 1/8oz from the standard.  $725.  Sold

147.  Rarest of the Payne Parabolics, the 7 1/2',  2/2, 3 1/4oz, (proper for the model).  Written on the original tube in the first owner's hand, likely with grease pencil, "Made by Jim Payne for me about 1935, Marked Payne Sold by Abercrombie and Fitch".  Second line reads "He called it a Parabolic".  Replacement bag.  Sports the typical all cork grip and seat with blued cap and ring (die stamped Sold by A and F), straw colored cane, brown silks delicately tipped gold, and perfectly refinished by Ron McKinley of Macklin Customs.  Was sold to me as being refinished by McKinley and I can absolutely vouch for that as it displays the varnished silks discretely and subsequently varnished.  Ron was one of the few practitioners who used this method and for its aesthetics, spectacular.  Rod has a fully parabolic action bending down and through the grip just as Charlie Ritz designed, later used by both Payne and Pezon et Michel, although I believe that Jim Payne modified the action to suit his own build style.  This rod is rarer than the 7' 1" rod as well as the two different wt 7' 9" rods.  Payne discontinued making the rod as it is rumored that he was not completely pleased with it. Sadly, Jim was wrong headed about it as it turns out to be one of the finest pieces of design that ever came out of the Payne shop IMHO.  So although refinished, an opportunity for the enthusiast to own and use one of the greatest rods in this size range ever produced.  3850. 

148.   Payne 100.  7 1/2', 2/2, medium, yet crisp 4 wt rod.  5" cigar grip, cedar spacer under blued cap and ring reading "Sold by Von Lengerke and Antoine, Chicago.  As near as I can figure, a 1940's rod in all original condition.  Believe the tube label is a later addition (maybe from the Sisters, OR manufactory). Medium dark cane, red agate stripper guide, brown silks tipped gold, perfect fitting blued ferrules and original bag and tube with hang tag.  Its hang tag reading 2 7/8 oz. is consistent with my own weighing of the rod.  For some random roughness to isolated areas of the varnish, I sent the rod off to Steve Blake for a bit of TLC.  He reports that he only polished the varnished a bit, waxed a few of the wrappings and added a light varnish finish to the Spanish Cedar filler.  No over varnish or refinish took place.   The rod has a lovely medium dry fly flavor but is decidedly a bit brighter in habit than most model 100's held by this purveyor.  The rod is a near perfect example of the model given some honest but careful use.  So excellent condition.  $3200. 

169.  Leon Hanson.  8' 6", 3/2, 3.2 oz. Hollow Built 4wt rod.  Built in 2017, considered recent.  5 3/4" moderate half wells grip, stunning coin edged up ring reel seat with dark walnut filler and ever so delicate bakelite end cap, subtle  clear wraps over abbreviated  guide feet, micro ferrules, medium dark straw colored cane,  spiral configured node spacing and turned blackwood or ebony ferrule plugs .  Leon engraves his caps with full details and just presents one of the most beautiful rods by any maker today.  Rod has a progressive yet brisk dry fly habit that although marked for a 4 wt (and Hanson is always about dead right about his line weight designation) I'm tempted to try a 5 wt line on the rod although since the rod is absolutely mint I don't dare lawn cast it.  Leon's rods are in great demand with an ungodly wait time for one of the finest long, light line rods currently being built.  $3100.  Sold

173.  Unbelievable find and a collector's dream.  A late model Payne Banty.  4' 4", 2/2, all original rod with original bag and tube.  Bag has a hanging grommet but is absent its tag.  Rod is complete with ferrule plug, blued cap and ring over cork with a 5" "superfine" grip.  Some bluing absent from the ring and minor absence of bluing to the cap marked Abercrombie and Fitch.    Most enthusiasts use the rod with a 4 wt line but IMHO comes alive with a 5.  This is not a toy but meant for very tight venues and quite able with a variety of flies and even a substantial fish.  In excellent original condition and  perhaps the most modestly priced Banty seen in the past 10-15 years.    $3200.  Offers?

175.  Rarely coming to market, a Gus Nevros rod.  7 1/2', 2/2, 5 wt.  I've kept this rod for some years for its fabulous behaviour on the stream as well as for my close friendship with Gus who passed away several years ago while still making superb rods into his 90's.  This progressive dry fly rod is a classsic example of his work.  6" cigar grip accented with about 1/4" of amboyna to the top of the cork, amboyna insert under tasteful nickel silver cap and ring for 3/4 length of the seat.  Has Gus' "N" engraved in a tiny brass cap to the bottom of the exposed wood below the wrap around cap  --  a photo  will aptly show this.  Inscription reads August 1982 as well as his signature, length and a Greek symbol that has since lost its meaning to me.  Gus, of course was of proud Greek decent.  The cane work is structurally perfect; the satin finish exquisite.  The detail expended on this rod is nothing short of monumental.   Gus considered Everett Garrison a friend and shared many hours with Garrison as well.  The rod is accented with a lovely turned ferrule plug, fully engraved acanthus motif tube cap and sports brown silks tipped orange and black.  I've used this rod on the Farmington several times with immense satisfaction -- just a super casting rod and a fish fighting delight.  Aside from very minor soiling of the grip, in excellent plus, plus condition.  $1350.  Sold

176.  Payne 100.  7 1/2', 2/2, 5 wt.  Although marked Payne 101 by an earlier owner, for its actual weight and absent a hang tag, I've determined that it is indeed a late model 100 with a brisker than usual action than we generally expect from the model.  With its up locking seat over Spanish Cedar, it weighs out at exactly 3 7/8 oz. placing it squarely at the upper end of the  weight range as described in the catologues of its time.   6" reverse half wells grip (slightly ridged), Abercrombie die stamp, medium straw colored cane, brown silks tipped gold, turned ferrule plug and full label to its original tube.  Has a decidedly brisk dry fly action for a 5 wt line and very reminiscent of   the Catskill style. So a rare find in that it is not nearly as brutally stiff as a 101  and more brisk than a 100 -- a welcome variant.  The rod has been expertly refinished by an unknown super competent  craftsman.  Perhaps the best restoration I've yet seen on a Payne and were it not for the honest use that the grip has received,  it would have absolutely fooled this enthusiast.  For its incredibly well done refinish and overall condition, a virtual steal at $2500.

178.  Fred Kretchman.  7' 9"', 2/2, 5 wt.  Built in 2006.   A derivative of the Payne 7' 9" 5 wt Parabolic rod and  one of Fred's most desirable tapers.  Truly a casting dream that has pleased enthusiasts ever since Fred has been producing rods; ever since the Charlie Ritz design came into being.  Excellent, little used condition.   Fred's work is superb; his sense of design and performance standards  without equal.  His building is selective; his waiting list lengthy.  Most recently a similar rod of Fred's hammer priced at Lang's Auction House for $1550 plus tax, plus 18% juice.   This rod has a 6" full wells grip, nickel silver cap and ring over stabilized morticed walnut, transparent tan silks, a 3 x 3 node pattern and is lightly flamed.  An exact replica of the lighter 7' 9" 5 wt Payne Parabolic of the same weight. Near mint condition.  1050.  Sold

179.  Payne 198.  7 1/2', 3/2, 3 1/4 oz. 5 wt.  Rod has been beautifully refinished by Ron McKinley, a virtual master of the craft.  I had this rod done by Ron many years ago so know full well of its structurally  uncompromised condition.  The rod comes back to me from a loyal client in little used condition since its remarkable refinish.  5" cigar grip (smooth but slightly soiled), blued cap and ring over Spanish Cedar, Payne logo inside the cartouche (thanks Marc), die stamp reads "Payne" only indicating purchase from the factory direct, lovely medium straw colored cane, red agate stripper guide, perfect ferrule fit and legible hang tag to the bag with the weight as listed dead matching its actual weight as measure by yours truly.  Rod has a crisp yet light medium dry fly flavor in the tradition of the Catskill genre.  An elegant rod that can be enjoyed with abandon since it has been resurrected.  $3200.

180.  Tufts and Batson.  7' 3", 3/2, 4 wt.  Another Elegant rod from Amelia and Gabe, this one finished in the tradition of Darryl Whitehead their early mentor with his classic black silks tipped white.  Truly a work of art as are all of their work.  6" cigar grip, nickel silver cap and ring with die stamp in place over their hallmark blackwood, rather dark flamed cane, agate stripper guide, machined ferrule plugs in place and just the most perfect, absolutely beautiful varnish finish.  Rod has a very crisp, very dry fly action and begs to be tossing small to medium size flies over wary game.  Minor soiling of the grip, otherwise in about perfect condition.  The Tufts and Batson rods not only known to be some of the most perfect, elegant rods on the market but their sense of imparting behaviour that fits the venue is remarkable. Once again, just a fabulous dry fly rod finish to uncompromising standards and attention to detail.  $1550.  Sold

183.  Fortunate enough to be offering this rod for the second time in my 29 years of active business -- an authentic, original Richard Hunt model 50DF.  Rod is near perfect with original bag and tube and perfect hang tag.  This was one of the rods darkened with ammonia staining rather than the later flamed effect of the Maxwell brand.  The real thing!   Sold

187.  Don Schroeder.  One of Don's stunning dark rods.  7 1/2', 2/2, 4 WT.  In my hands a superb brisk dry fly rod.  6" cigar grip, blued nickel silver cap and ring  (with Don's die stamp to the cap), lovely piece of figured walnut insert, beautifully and evenly flamed cane, brown silks tipped black, machined brass ferrule plug in place; carries serial number 51009.  Don't have to educate any enthusiast about  Don's attention to detail, finish work and structural integrity.  Tough to find a more perfect rod for appearance and performance.  Just another fine example from this veteran builder, whose work is currently extraordinarily undervalued.  Near mint condition. $1650.  Sold  

188.  Jim Downes 7011.  See item 88 for a complete description.  This one, pre-owned but lawn cast only. So about mint condition. $1350.  Sold but expect to have another shortly.  Jim's rods have been so incredibly popular that I anticipate stocking the 7011 and 7612  as long as Jim provides them.  Ask about a Payne 98 that he is producing for me as well.  Sold 

189.  Leonard 40H.  Red wrapped rod from the Ted Simroe/Midland Park, NJ era.  Serial number 2594.  6" cigar grip, downlocking seat over butternut with the expected nickel silver die stamped cap. Light cane, 3 x 3 node pattern, and swelled butt to create that hallmark Catskill dry fly flavor.  4 3/8 oz. 8', 6/7 wt rod.  In my hands a full working elegant casting 7 wt but could tolerate a 6 DT if you insist.  Cork is soiled and has minor ridging from honorable use.  A very nice Leonard rod with all original yellow bag with stiffener, original tube and fully legible Midland Park label .  Just a nice medium to big water rod and quite comfortable on the Delaware where 14" wild browns are the expectation.  Dry fly but can handle anything fastened to it its terminal end.  Match item 190 in the reel section with this rod (or with rod number 195) for a perfectly balanced combination.  That is the raised pillar Leonard reel.  Just a super high grade rod at only $1250.   

191.  Orvis Battenkill.  8', 2/2, 4 1/8 oz. 5wt. Serial number 58009.  This is the lightest of the 8' models produced by Orvis and has a wonderful light but brisk dry fly action.  Labeled as a 6 wt rod by Orvis, it defies that description. It is clearly a 5 wt rod; some enthusiasts employing it as a 4 DT.  6 1/2" cigar grip, medium dark cane, brown silks as expected, blued great fitting ferrules 100%,  and down locking seat over satin walnut with more desirable independent ring affair.  Cork shows very minor soiling but is otherwise uncompromised and all other aspects of the rod for structural and cosmetic integrity are perfect.  Of course, original bag and fully labeled tube.  A rare 8 footer from Orvis meant to deliver delicate presentations -- just a great light line rod in the rarely seen 8', 4 1/8 oz format.  $775.  Sold 

194.  Post - fire Leonard 39H.  7 1/2', 2/2, 3 7/8 oz. 5DT rod.  Serial number 2236. 5 1/2" cigar grip (slightly soiled), Chinese red  silks over perfectly varnished straw colored cane, down locking seat over butternut, with proper post fire (70's) die stamp and rather prominent swelled butt.  Just a super dry fly 5DT rod that gets the constant attention of many contemporary rod makers as it is one of the most replicated rods ever.  this rod is in excellent plus condition and grossly undervalued at $1450.  Sold

195.  Post - fire Leonard 40H.  Just as item 189. 8', 2/2, 6/7 wt.  This one serial number 2447 and in marginally better condition.  Cleaner and  smoother cork.  All other aspects of the rod and condition identical to item 189.  Either rod a virtual steal at their respective prices.  This one  $1350. 

196.  Thomas and Thomas Limestoner.  8', 2/2, 4 wt.  Serial number 4389.  5 1/2" clean and smooth cigar grip, highly figured walnut insert with a couple of very minor, almost insignificant reel foot marks to the forward end, blued nickel silver cap and ring with the expected die stamp properly in place on the end cap, beautiful dark evenly executed flaming to the cane, prominent swelled butt, clear wraps delicately tipped auburn and book matched tips distinguishing the rod as T and T's "Collector Grade" variant.  Dead straight, great ferrule fit and one of the most desirable tapers in the 8' range from this distinguished maker.  Just a great light dry fly rod with the added feature of an 8' configuration often needed for distance and small to medium dries.  Has often served enthusiasts as a super nymphing rod as well.  With insignificant exceptions, about perfect condition.  $1800.  Sold

197.  Thomas and Thomas Beaverkill.  8',  5 wt. in the  rarely seen 3/2 configuration. Serial number 4464.  5 1/2" reverse half wells grip, nickel silver up locking seat over choice walnut, very prominent swelled butt, mottled (some advocates use the term tiger)  flamed cane, clear silks ever so delicately tipped auburn, and needless to say blued tight fitting ferrules.  Although the rod's varnish and finish is about cosmetically perfect, there are a couple of intrusions to the cork seat from where the first guide down from the tip top impressed the cork when put up in its neatly fitting tube -- almost impossible to avoid unless one takes the time to turn the tip guides away from the grip when placing it in the bag and tube.  Most of you will know exactly what I mean.  Just cast the rod for a prospective client and although a bit heavy in the hand as T and T rods can be, an amazing casting rod with a 5 DT line and my Standard Trout Bogdan. Balance with the reel was perfect and the rod's weight was not an issue.  It is truly one of the best casting T and T rods this enthusiast ever had in hand and if not sold at my asking price it will gladly take pride of place in my own collection.  $2100.  Sold

198.  Rick Robbins.  From his High Grade range of rods,  a Little Rivers model.  Serial number 606 ( 6th rod of 2006),  7', 2/2, 4 wt.  (believe can handle a five for its crisp action),   5" slightly soiled grip befitting the length of the rod, nickel silver cap and ring, of his own machining efforts, over exotic spacer with a inlaid band of brass to the rear of the seat and for the length of the seat -- truly an elegant proprietary feature -- very prominent swelled butt rendering a dry fly Catskill flavor with a  decidedly progressive nature.  A brisk rod that can handle small streams; small to medium flies and robust game.  Elegant translucent silks neatly tipped blood red, perfect fitting ferrules, dead straight and with one of the most elegant varnish finishes yet seen on a modern rod.  Rick was a protoge and dear friend of Tom Maxwell whose attention to detail in the Maxwell era Leonard is evidenced in Rick's work.  Rick's current pricing for this model is $2550.  Aside from the very slightly soiled grip, the rod is perfect.  $1500.  Reduced

200.  Scott SC, also made by Bernard Ramanouskas.  This one the 6' 5" 3 wt.  These rods are the quintessential most elegant rods on the market today and behave honorably as light dry fly rods.  Photos will sell either rod; 199 or 200.  Just spectacular for workmanship and absolutely elegant for behaviour.  Again, very slightly soiled grip (perhaps lawn cast only).  $1800.  Sold

203.  Orvis Penn's Creek.  7', 2/2, 3 3/8oz.  4 wt. Serial number 90703.  6" reverse half wells grip (slight soiling), polished nickel silver up ring to hood with the beautifully designed skeletal walnut seat over cork, prominent swelled butt, flared nickel silver end cap.  Truly the nicest thing that Orvis ever produced.  Light impregnated cane, burgundy silks handsomely tipped black and perfect fitting bright ferrules.  This is a brisk full bodied dry fly rod from the company's latest production built 1997/2000 and basically, with exception noted, as new.  Stunning rod  with a current retail price tag of $2895.  $1350.  Sold

204.  Orvis Adirondack.  Identical for appearance, design and condition as item 203.  Serial number 90731.  At 4 1/8oz., a brisk 5 wt rod.  In every way as the Penn's Creek with greater length; increased line size.  Designated by Orvis as a 5 wt. I'd consider a 5 DT line to fully load it.  $1350.  Sold

205.  Pre-fire Leonard  76L.  8', 4 1/8 oz.,  4 piece, 2 tip pack rod.  This rare rod enjoys a 6" slightly soiled cigar grip giving way to an all cork reel seat  that shows a few light impressions from the  beautiful coin edged ring with proper pre-fire die stamp to the end cap, Chinese red silks all in fine order, moderately swelled butt, straw colored cane with 3 x 3 node pattern as expected, about perfect hang tag reading  "#76L, 8 feet, 4 1/8 ounces, Stock" and bright perfect fitting ferrules.  Amazing really for the age of the rod -- guessing early 60's or late 50's.  The rod has a lovely medium action that will accommodate a range of fly sizes and serve  as a splendid all around rod.  Elegant, rare and in fine condition.  Just the perfect travel rod from an era when workmanship was at its pinnacle; both structurally and cosmetically near perfect.   $1600.

206.  San Francisco Winston.  8', 2/1,  4 oz., 5/6 wt. Its single tip is marked "2" suggesting the  existence of a  second absent tip.   Hollow built rod from Winston, serial numbered 7344 sports a 5 1/2" wells grip (soiled but perfectly smooth and without issue), down locking seat with zebra wood filler (I think), tan silks double wrapped at the guide stations tagged burgundy as expected from the period, wrapped ferrules, straw colored cane, wedding cake configured bakelite winding check,  and  3 x 3 node pattern.  Unusual for Winston, this is a very dry fly rod rather than the usual medium action most characteristic of the marque.  So, brisk dry fly with most activity in the upper reaches of the rod.  Dead straight, has a tight ferrule fit and with exception noted,  cosmetically and structurally perfect.  $875.

209.  Darryl Whitehead Standard (Signature series?).  7 1/2', 2/2,  5 wt.  Serial number 258, made 3/2012.  5 3/4" cigar grip, jewel-like down locking seat over an extraordinary piece of quarter sawn walnut shot through with smoky veins -- thanks Marc.  Brown silks ever so delicately tipped gold, agate stripper guide, machined and coin edged stainless ferrule plug, moderately and even toned cane, blued perfect fitting ferrules and the lightest tip tops to be had -- a la Leon Hanson.  A stunning, progressive dry fly rod from this west coast builder and bamboo guru in mint condition With fully labeled elegant machined tube.  $1500.  

210.  Thomas and Thomas Traditionalist.  From the Individualist series.  8', 2/2, 4 1/8 oz.  5/6 wt .  Serial number 4008.  6" reverse half wells grip (very minor almost not worth mentioning ridging ), highly figured varnished walnut seat sporting nickel silver, jewel-like up locking hardware with the requisite Thomas and Thomas dye stamp, rather evenly, handsomely flamed and varnished cane, translucent tan silks tipped cinnamon, blued perfect fitting ferrules, and book matched (mirrored) tips placing it in the collector grade for the company with a premium price tag.  Rod has a full working, full bodied, progressive do everything habit.  Just a great medium to big water rod with the Thomas and Thomas attention to detail appearance and structural integrity.   These Thomas and Thomas rods just take your breath away for their visual character; for their incredible casting qualities.  Currently undervalued on the secondary market and an opportunity for the classic bamboo enthusiast.  $1950.  

212.  Winston 7 1/2', 3/2, 3 1/4oz. hollow built, 4  wt. Just as item 202 in a 7 1/2' configuration.  Promises to be in excellent condition as well.  Got the rod and it is truly perfect aside from very, very minor soiling of the grip. 6 1/2" reverse half wells grip, jewel-like up locking nickel silver seat with proper logo to the coin edged end cap, light brown insert (cedar?) that compliments the straw color of the perfectly varnished cane, red agate stripper guide, transparent tan silks with the San Francisco type double wrap the the base of the guides handsomely tipped deep burgundy set off by the hallmark wrapped duronze ferrules.  Just a stunning rod with a crisp medium action.  the perfect dry fly rod in this length and configuration.  $1950. 

213.   Don Schroeder 8 1/2', 5 1/8 oz. 2/2 , 5wt. Has a very comfortable 6 1/2" full wells grip, correctly die stamped down locking seat over figured walnut and is just a stunning piece of work from perhaps the most detail oriented maker of bamboo rods today.  Workmanship above reproach.   I've cast this rod before sending it out on approval to an old customer and friend and it is a superb casting rod and true 5 DT. Seems his collection of some 5 or 6 Schroeder rods doesn't require an 8 1/2', 2 piece.  It balances nicely with a 3 3/8" Perfect or the 3 3/8" vintage St. George found in my reel section as item 201.   Makes for a grand canoe rod in a lighter line weight than you would expect a rod of this genre to be. Minor handle soiling otherwise about perfect.  Now with me and like all of Don's rods is stunning.  One of his dark rods, this one with an owner requested deep wine silk treatment.  Elegant and for his time at the bench and quality of workmanship, grossly undervalued on the secondary market.    $1450. 

215.  An unbelievable piece of work from the hands of Troy Jacques of Thomas and Thomas.  A 50th Anniversary rod from an edition of 10. This one number 3 in the series.  7 1/2', 2/2, medium brisk dry fly, 5 wt.  To paraphrase the company's promotional advert (from their website), the rod pays homage to his mentors Tom Dorsey, Tom Maxwell and Tom Moran incorporating the best features and hallmarks of each craftsman from a historical and aesthetic perspective.  Cane is a rich honey color, prominent swelled butt, forged hexagonal winding check,  agate stripping guide, transparent  silks tipped deep chocolate, half wells grip giving way to a cork seat sporting Moran's characteristic bamboo splines, hand engraved nickel silver cap and ring with gold inlay "50", machined ferrule plugs, ferrules blued and engraved and put up in a beautiful logoed sheep skin lined oval saddle leather case.  The current price for this rod, if available, is $6500.  The present offering, brand new, unused $4200.   

216.  Walt Carpenter Browntone.  7'9", progressive dry fly 2/2 rod.  6" cigar grip, walnut insert under blued cap and ring with Walt's die stamp properly in place,  glorious brown silks tipped black, blood red tagging at the hook keeper and male ferrule stations, blued perfect fitting ferrules.  From Walt's days in Chester, NY so absolutely perfect for structural and aesthetic qualities.  Has the Carpenter Chester, NY label to the tube as well as his tiny hand written sticker to the opposite side noting its  Browntone status, length and hard to read ferrule size (I believe).  Having left Payne only a short time before, some say  his best period.  Mint unused.  $3600.  Sold

217.  Payne 197.  7 1/2', 3/2, 4/5 wt.  5 1/2" cigar grip, cedar seat under blued cap and ring with proper Payne die stamp to the cap, elegant mahogany colored cane, blued ferrules (100%),  java brown silks tipped gold, and machined ferrule plugs in place.  Wonderful Catskill style dry fly action. Hang tag reads 3 1/4 oz but actual weight is 3 5/8 oz putting it at the upper end of the weight for a 197 (or 198)and making for a nice medium dry fly 5 wt rod.  Put up in a kaki colored bag and original labeled Payne tube.  Now for the interesting aspect of the piece --  several vintage labels to the tube. First, the traditional blue and silver Payne label,  Second, Payne label reading "Payne Rod Company, Walter Carpenter, Manager, Highland Mills New York",  Third, and even more interesting, and although seen before by this vendor, a red label reading " From E. F.  Payne Rod Co. Inc. , Highland Mills, NY 10930". This label with a three line fill-in reads "Walt's Rod, 197H, #4-WF5 14/9 (assuming ferrule size),  1973".  Also written to the label, extensive notes that read "Blanks by Jim Payne, all mountings are E.F. Payne Rod Co., W.E. Carpenter, Maker".   This is a fabulous Payne rod assembled at some point by Walt Carpenter ca. 1973.   About mint original condition.  $4200 .  Sold

218.  Beautiful Orvis 8', 3/2, 4 1/2 oz dry fly rod. Built in 1946, has the most striking dark and lusterous cane I've seen on an Orvis, was one of the first Impregnated rods (Pat. Pending), sports the Manchester, VT die stamp to its turnbuckle, and lovely walnut insert and has the sweetest dry fly flavor I've ever seen for an Orvis rod.  Elegant.   $875.  Sold 

219.  Orvis Wes Jordan Special.  7 1/2', 2/2, 3 7/8oz. Serial number 76489.  Has right hand cork depressions in its 6 1/2" cigar grip, down locking seat over walnut, medium straw colored cane with resorcinol glue lines apparent, blued ferrules (100%), and translucent brown silks.  Put up in the traditional leather tube in fair condition.  These Orvis leather tubes just never wore well even when a mint condition rod was held within.  This example is an interesting departure from the standard 3 7/8 oz rod in that it seems substantially lighter in the hand  and more dry fly than the standard issue.  One of the nicest rods of this model I've ever had.  Excellent plus condition with first owner attributions to the cane and to the butt cap.  $875.

220.  Dickerson 7612.  One of 29 of this model ever made by Lyle Dickerson. Built 1946.  Cigar grip has some ridging, stripper guide was redone, and there is a 1/2" invisible over wrap wrap to one tip just below the tip top, otherwise in excellent condition.  Am about certain, and after inspecting it with a 10x loop, the over wrap covers a minor hook dig.  An opportunity for an enthusiast to own one of the rarest collectibles from one of the country's most renowned rod makers ever.  Put up in its original bag and tube.   $3800. Sold

221.  Leonard Catskill 49-5.  6 3/4" smooth and soil free grip, up locking jewel-like coin edged turnbuckle with acorn cap over tiger maple morticed filler, blond cane, swelled butt, 3 x 3 node pattern, clear wraps with pale olive green at the ferrule stations and hallmark (for the Catskill), heavy wire snake guide for the stripper.  Serial number 81180.  As a Maxwell rod in every way from its appearance, Maxwell indicated tube to its action but likely  made shortly after Tom's departure from the company.  A letter from Tom to administration dated Jan 5, 1981 indicates a departure date of Dec 2 of 1980.  All Maxwell in every way, even the word "Catskill 49-5" seems to be in Maxwell's hand but the serial number probably applied by one of the girls in the finishing room and likely Donna Denaxas one of the last women at the company to wrap and finish rods.  After the closing in 1985 Donna continued to wrap rods for several known makers formerly at Leonard; later on their own.  The rod has a bright dry fly habit and appears unused.  $2850.  

222.  Orvis Battenkill.  The desirable 8', 2/2, 5/6 wt. 4 1/4 oz. variant.  Serial number 14905, so built 1953.  Standard 6" cigar grip (cleaned with some very minor ridging), traditional chocolate silks, blued ferrules about 100% in tact, a super ferrule fit, dead straight, down locking seat with a few minor scratches on the barrel from a reel foot over patinated walnut, beautiful very  dark cane and original high grade brass collared tube and original khaki colored bag.  69 years old; the integrity of the rod is amazing and a tribute to the Orvis quality control over the years .  Built by George Reid and Calvin Skinner the rod has a medium fast dry fly habit with enough gumption to handle medium dries, weighted wets and even dropper rigs and substantial prey. A super small to medium water rod and somewhat more crisp than the later version of the model.  Although the weight is not designated on the rod, owing to its vintage, the serial number represents it as a 4 1/4 oz. rod in the company records and is true to my own weighing of the rod on my critically accurate digital scale.  Overall excellent condition with exceptions noted and as all Orvis rods, sadly undervalued on the secondary market. $575.  Sold

223.  Phillipson Peerless #63.  7 1/2', 2/2, 3.4 oz., 5 Wt.,  6" cigar grip, copper toned down locking seat, inverted gold colored inverted  funnel as a winding check, varnished (although reads impregnated as many of the rods from this period were), brown/tan silks, witness marks intelligently applied to the ferrules;  has a crisp medium fast dry fly action.  A superb rod from the 3M period, so post 1973.  Purportedly made for Lew Jewett, head of the Leisure Time Products division of 3M.  Original labeled tube and bag and in striking near new condition.  Ferrule fit is grand, rod is dead straight and varnish over dark straw colored cane (showing resorcinol glue lines) is perfect.  Just one of the finest production rods I've had in many years.  $725.

224.  Phillipson Premium.  7 1/2', 2/2, 3 3/4 oz., 5 Wt. 6 1/2" elliptical grip, black anodized down locking seat, elegantly varnished caramel colored cane, black silks tipped yellow/gold, witness marks to the perfect fitting ferrules, dead straight, near new and has a bright medium crisp dry fly habit.  Just a great production rod and for its action deserves attention as a dry fly/all around rod.  Can do yeoman's work with any small to medium sized fly and can likely take a bit of weight as in bead heads or weighted nymphs.  Virtually the identical rod as item 223 for condition and action in the higher grade Premium variation.  Both rods are stunning for appearance; fabulous for action.  Perfect 5 weights in every respect.  $875.

225.  Labeled only 7' 9" - 5 Wt., this rod made by a very competent builder enjoys all the trappings of fine workmanship.  6 1/2" reverse half wells grip, up locking nickel silver (Bellinger) reel seat over choice hardwood (burled elm?), very well done red silks tipped lime green, machined perfect fitting ferrules, rather nice varnish job, dead straight, spiral node pattern and seamless joinery.  The rod has a medium, brisk dry fly action and is put up in a smart looking stippled green  tube with black anodized collar and cap, courtesy yours truly.  Minor soiling of the grip otherwise excellent condition.  A great way to enjoy fishing bamboo with a generic yet very well made rod.  Perfect for a range of venues and most fly choices.  Just a great rod for the price of a set of ferruled blanks and quality tube alone.  $475.

226.  Jim Downes.  8', 4 piece, 2 tip 5 Wt.  Ferrule sized 18/13/8.  A rare offering from this noted PA maker and likely a special order.  Sports a 6" cigar grip with light soling, blued nickel silver down locking seat over a brilliant piece of burled walnut with Jim's die stamp properly in place on the end cap, perceptively swelled butt to create its medium dry fly action, unusual and a difficult blend in a four piece rod, orange and black variegated silks, dark evenly flamed cane, blued perfect fitting ferrules, 3 x3  node pattern and book matched tips.  Just a great travel rod that enjoys the habit of two or three piece rod for performance.  I can't extol the virtues of the rod without the suggestion of a builder who's work is above reproach for structural integrity and cosmetic excellence.  Just everything you need in a travel rod without the sacrifice of lovely medium dry fly performance.  Pre-owned, in excellent condition.  A great value at $1250.  Sold

227.  Leonard 39H.  Post-fire rod with an interesting serial number of 1111!   Two piece, one tip rod.  All cork cigar grip and seat measuring 9" in total, nickel silver cap (with proper die stamp) and ring with elegant coin edging, Chinese red silks indicative of the period, blonde cane, perfect ferrule fit, original bag with stiffener and black tube briefly used at the time.  Has a classically dry fly 5 Wt Catskill habit and is just elegant for fit and finish.  A rare opportunity to own one of the most envied  designed rods from the 1970's and in perfect fettle.  Considering its one tip issue, whether designed or accidental, a virtual steal at $1150. 

228.  Don Schroeder.  8', 3/2, 5WT.  Serial number 59319 so presumably built 2019.  6" very comfortable  half wells grip,  down locking seat over highly figured morticed walnut with Don's hallmark die stamp in place, darkly flamed cane, red agate stripper guide, transparent tan silks tipped auburn or deep red, machined ferrule plugs in place in both butt and mid sections and with a medium dry fly rod habit.  I used it once on the Housatonic River on a float trip and it served me well. Believe that is the only use that it has had and aside from very minor soiling of the grip imparted by yours truly, the only time it has seen water since emerging from Don's shop.  I caught several trout on it with dries, nymphs and streamers so decidedly an all around rod from one of the best builder (albeit underappreciated) in the country.  His attention to detail is amazing as is known by most enthusiasts of bamboo; structural integrity above reproach.  Just a stunning "only rod you'll ever need" rod if you'll only own one.  $1750.

229.  Post fire Leonard 49H.  7 1/2', 3/2, 4 oz.,5 Wt. Serial number 2120,   5 1/2" cigar grip, down locking seat over choice butternut, with the proper die stamp to the cap,  Chinese red silks, blond cane, 3 x 3 node pattern, proper yellow bag and fully labeled Midland Park tube.  A rod likely made while Ted Simroe was managing the company and was head rod maker.  Some slight soiling of the grip otherwise the rod is in perfect condition.  Has a decidedly Catskill dry fly character with most of the action in the upper reaches of the rod.  Dead straight, great ferrule fit and  for action, one of the  the most perfect dry fly rods ever designed.  $1750.