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 stabelized maple, 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 on its way.  

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

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.  Again available.

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.  Sold

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 classic 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. 

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.

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

189.  Leonard 40H.  Red wrapped rod from the Ted Simroe/Midland Park, NJ era.  Serial number 2594 (1976).  6" cigar grip, down locking 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.   

A note on the two 40H Leonards, items 189 and item 194.  They both perform remarkably well with the SA MPX  WF6 weight lines rather than 7 weights. Just uncovered that tidbit from an old (sorry Jay), loyal customer who tried the pairing.  He claims the SA MPX WF6 is a more fitting  alternative to any  7 wt line.  He is an experienced, knowledgeable practitioner and his word is gold. 

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 

195.  Post - fire Leonard 40H.  Just as item 189. 8', 2/2, 6/7 wt.  This one serial number 2447 (1976) 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

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.  Sold

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 

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. Sold

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.  Selling as a single tip Winston.  $775.

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.  Sold

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.  $1750.  Reduced

212.  Winston 7 1/2', 3/2, 3 1/4oz. hollow built, 4  wt. Coming soon and 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.  Sold

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   

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.  $2350.

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.

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, nice varnish work, 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.  $375.

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!  7 1/2', 5 Wt.,  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 $950. 

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. 

230.  Bob Taylor. 6' 9", 2/2, 3 wt. scripted 239-114.  5" cigar grip its size befitting the size and weight of the rod, nickel silver cap and ring of Bob's machining with die stamp in place over what appears to be butternut.  Light cane, tan silks tagged crimson.  The bottom tube cap has a crack in its side but in no danger (and am guessing easily replaced) of being separated from the tube.  The rod has had some honorable use, but  owing to Bob's incredible building skills, the rod is dead straight, ferrule fit is perfect  and varnish and silks quite perfect.   The 239 was Bob's designation for one of two models of light parabolic rods that he designed and produced in very limited numbers in the mid to late 80's.  Thanks, Tim.   114 is, of course, the serial number.   Another example of Bob's fine workmanship in a diminutive size.  May be the finest 3 wt rod in its size range I've had the pleasure to inventory. Since the unfortunate fire that destroyed Bob's entire rod making shop, he will no longer be making rods.  This offering, of one of his rarest models, represents a singular opportunity.  In excellent condition modestly priced at $2100.

231.  Marc Aroner Spring Creek.  7 1/2', 3/2, 4 wt.  5 1/4" cigar grip, perfectly smooth and uncompromised,  blued nickel silver cap and ring, just an elegant piece of exotic wood insert (appears to be a rather dark birds eye maple), medium dark straw colored cane, moss green silks tipped blood red, japanned perfect fitting ferrules, machined brass coined edge ferrule plugs to the mid and butt, and just the most perfect varnish work from any contemporary maker.   Has very brisk dry fly flavor, a hallmark of Marc's work, and may tolerate a 5 wt line.  Elegant as all of Marc's rods are, put up in his F E Thomas- like machined capped tube and proper bag.  Aside from very minor cork handling,  near mint.  Pics will sell the rod.  $3200.

171.  Hardy Bougle Lightweight Agate III.  3" pillar to pillar, RHW,  Charleston green frame, natural aluminum spool pear shaped perforations to the front and back,  milky agate line guard and contoured ivorine handle.   Made in England by House of Hardy inscribed in the round.  Just a beautiful reel that you might want to keep on the shelf for its mint condition.  However, makes a fine 3/4/5 wt reel.  Comfortable on both bamboo and graphite and a perfect match for those lovely Hunter green Winston blanks.  Mint condition with original case, paperwork, box and an addended entry from the Forum featuring an offering for the same reel at $850!   Apparently, the only Bougle that Hardy ever made with an agate line guard as well.  Here at what is seemingly a very fair price point.  $675.  Sold

172.  Hardy  3 1/8" narrow spool Perfect. This reel from the most recent reissue features machined manufacture, agate line guard, ivorine handle charcoal gray anodized finish, writing in the round, Made in England and serial number die stamped to the foot, brass rim mounted full range drag adjust, incredibly smooth, and original box,  beautiful soft leather black case and papers.  The LH model retails for $1000.  This reel with mounting mars to the foot ends is otherwise in perfect condition.  A lovely traditional reel with fabulous new technology applied to its manufacture.  Just a glorious 5 wt reel and for its weight, perfect for 7 1/2 - 8 1/2 bamboo 5 wt rods.  Might tolerate a WF6F as well.  Nearly new.  $725.  Sold

176.  Charlton 8450C Configurable Reel. Serial number 8450-9798. Set for LHW, can be changed to RH retrieve with little effort.  Outfitted with the most essential 5/6 spool. This, perhaps one of the most desirable reels in its class, is in mint unused condition with original case and unused high quality line.  $1350.

188.  2 3/4" Bellinger Classic.  This is the one with the solid black plates fore and aft with the front sporting the "dished" design feature, elegant nickel silver counter weighted S handle, polished aluminum rims and bezelled cross posts made from stainless steel.  RHW but believe with a short visit with Bill Archuleta can be reversed.  A nice 3/4 wt reel with that old world EVH flavor.  Mounting mars to the foot barely detectable and minor irritations and light scratches to the rims from some  use, otherwise, very good condition.  $575.

190.   Leonard Raised Pillar reel.  Ordered by Leonard in the early 80's, designed by Dave Atwood of PA and made by the Volstro machine company in a quantity of about 200.  Unfortunately, although the run was completed, they were never delivered to Leonard before the company closed shop.  The reel measures 3 3/4" pillar to pillar, so a terrific 6/7 wt reel.  Brushed aluminum frame, black side plates, perforated front to its spool, easy access drag adjust to the verso and the HL Leonard die stamp to the back plate.  Mounting mars to the foot ends but altogether in excellent condition.  RHW  but a loyal customer tells me that Atwood gave him instructions for its reversal.  Have found in my library of catologues and paperwork, the two page promotional material published for the reel and its designer, Dave Atwood and will include a copy  with the reel for the purchaser.  Very rarely seen literature indeed.  Match this reel with either item 189 or 195, the Leonard 40H, for the perfectly balanced combination.   Considering its quality, history, and Leonard provenance uniquely undervalued at  $575.  

192.  Hardy 3 1/4" Bougle Mark VI Lightweight.  A super 5/6 wt reel and the third or fourth generation of the reproduction series beginning with the first reproduction of the original 1903 iteration. Brushed aluminum finish, perforated front and back spool, faux bone handle, roller guide post and sensibly reversible.  Now set for RHW and put up in its original -- and I believe -- extra cost sheepskin lined Hardy marked block leather case.  One discernible nick to an edge, a scratch from an errant screw driver to the verso and center screw very lightly irritated.  With exceptions, very good condition.  $425.  Reduced.

197.  Bogdan "00", LHW.  Multiplier with the usual solid black side plates, gold frame, elegant "S" handle, with the correct die stamp to the side of the foot.  3 1/4" frame diameter, 1 5/32" spool, 8/9wt capacity, 10.4 oz.  Although there are some in use marks and scratches to the edges and the rear plate and the drag adjust suffers the  usual absence of black anodizing from handling, the reel is in very nice even good plus, plus condition.  Strangely, the foot shows no evidence of having been mounted on a rod!  Retrieve, drag and poachers adjustment are all perfectly smooth.  All in all a very nice reel with some honest use.  $1750.

199.  Hardy JLH Ultralite, 2/3/4.  2 7/8",  click and pawl reel.  A super reel for 4 wt lines in spite of its 2/3/4 designation.  Traditional gray color, put up in its original box with papers and the often missing proper sylvet bag.   These bags alone often change hands for $35-$50!   Just a lovely light reel for graphite or bamboo with a full range rear mounted handy drag adjust.  LHW now but reversible. Perhaps one of the nicest reels ever produced by this distinguished company and made in England at the Alnwick manufactory.    Mint condition.  $250.   Sold

201.  Hardy 3 3/8" St. George.  May be the nicest St. George from this era (1935-1940) that I have ever laid eyes on.  Blued finish (about 98%), nickel silver line guard, 3 screw latch, ribbed brass foot (so post 1928), black tenite bezelled handle, perfect working rim mounted nickel silver drag adjust knob,  and best of all in its original card box with its original price of  22 dollars marked on the side along with the model.  Even more remarkable is the interior die stamp attributable to Jack Johnson, reel maker at Hardy.  Jack Johnson was only known to have been associated with the Altex, Exalta and Elarex.  So this is a significant aberration and valuable for that alone according to Graham Turner.   The interior works are perfect as is the tight performance of the retrieve and full range drag. Very minor, about insignificant in-use rubbings to the rims, otherwise near perfect.  Were it a LHW variant, it would not leave my home. For its vintage, condition and packaging,  unabashedly, $650.

202.  Peerless (Nashua made) Number 6 in LHW.  8/9/10 wt.     Virtually impossible to acquire since Bob Corsetti discontinued his operation.  The 6 is 3 1/2" in diameter; 2" overall width.  This is the perfect spey reel and/or salmon reel.  I believe the Peerless  reel is the absolute best mechanically contemporary reel  in the Bogdan genre available. The last retail price for the 6 was, I believe, $925. The reel is in mint condition except for a very tiny, almost undetectable tick to the rear frame edge.  Has ample backing but believe it was never mounted.  In its original made in New England logoed leather case.  Just a superb reel in its class.  It deserves pics.  $825.