classic rods/

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252.  Jeff Wagner Model 276-1  5Wt.  So 7 1/2', 2/2, 5 Wt hex.  6" reverse half wells grip, up locking nickel silver jewel like hardware over figured morticed koa wood, dark chocolate silks, hallmark sterling silver hook keeper and winding check (blued), red agate stripper guide, blued tight fitting ferrules and dark, evenly flamed cane with a stunning varnish finish.  Elegant, as all of Jeff's rods are.  The rod exhibits a rather strong semi parabolic action and could be the only rod you'll ever need if you only could have one -- an unlikely story!!  Throws a long line but is competent  in close as well.  Minor soiling of the cork otherwise, excellent condition.  $1500.  Offers/trades

263.  HS (Pinky) Gillum.  8', 3/2, 4 5/8 oz., 5 Wt.  Serial number 1-793.  So a late desirable resorcinol glued up rod.  Die stamp in place on the up locking turnbuckle,  cedar insert, bronze silks, tagged black/white at the ferrule stations and at the hook keeper, blued amazing fitting ferrules, 6 1/2" reverse half wells grip and  original bag and Champion tube.  The original  (first) owner of the rod applied a bit of  varnish to some of the silks rendering  some over varnish to a few of the guide stations and the grip was smoothed out by Steve Blake at my request. Steve deftly  applied a new hook keeper in the absence of the original as well.  Otherwise the rod seems altogether original and in generally excellent condition.  With exceptions  noted, may be the finest pre-owned Gillum  I have had in many years.  Sold

311.  A Homer Jennings virtual work of art.  7' 9", 2/2, 4 1/4 oz. 5 Wt.  Serial number 685 so made in 2009.  This brisk dry fly rod is a bit unusual and likely a "bespoke"  piece as it has silk colors that are a beautiful departure from his standard clear/brown wraps.  The rod presents with translucent avocado green silks tipped very dark burgundy.  I've only seen one other of his rods with this color pattern and had it in my own collection for some years.  Absolutely stunning and a variation that, I believe, he should have offered more generously.  The rod has his hallmark morticed olive wood insert under nickel silver cap and ring, agate stripper guide,  tapered full bodied cigar grip, prominent swelled butt, flawless varnish over light straw colored cane setting off the silk tones oh, so sweetly.  At 4 1/4 oz. this rod is a bit faster than his earlier 4 oz. rendition of the 7' 9" rod; a classically Catskill style for performance.  Just a special rod from an established maker who, for some years, partnered with Tom Moran.  On his own for many years since, greatly undervalued.  Insignificant handle soiling otherwise in about perfect condition put up in the later brown stippled tube and original bag of course.  $1750.  Sold

318.  Thomas and Thomas Hendrickson.  7 1/2', 2/2, 5 Wt. from the Individualist series.  Serial number 5567.  6" reverse half wells grip, up locking jewel-like nickel silver seat over highly figured walnut, enjoys the T and T die stamp to the independent ring, prominent swelled but so characteristic of the marque, tiger flamed cane, 3 x 3 node pattern, clear silks smartly delicately tipped cinnamon, blued perfect fitting ferrules and wrapped chocolate brown at the ferrule stations. This is a full bodied, progressive medium action rod ready to do business as a dry fly rod, while quite able as a streamer rod -- can handle weighted or bead head flies as well and can subdue substantial game in a 5 wt format. The attention to detail and structural  integrity of the Thomas and Thomas brand is above reproach.  Currently selling new for $4995 with a substantial wait. Here with a very slightly soiled grip, almost not worth mentioning, In near mint condition put up in its original bag with stiffener and fully labeled stippled black tube with "top hat" machined cap, modestly priced at $2350.   Sold

325.  Mario Wojnicki Pent.  8'1", 2/2, 5 wt.  Model 245V5.  numbered 6210.  3 3/4 oz. (hollow built?).  Mario describes it as a medium action do everything 5 wt.  A current model and apparently much in demand.  From the outside in, a beautifully machined tube somewhat similar to those of his good friend Per Brandin, smartly tailored bag with his name neatly sewn to the overlapping hem that carries the butt section and model number acutely die stamped in the tube cap as well as "M. Wojnicki" to the tube collar.  Modified wells grip, blued dual ring seat over handsome figured hardwood, black end cap and black seat to grip check -- all elegant.  Truly amazing varnish over sparely flamed cane, clear tan wraps and bright guides.   Enjoys a rather strong, progressive 5 DT action and is just the perfect rod if you'll only own one rod.  Mario's description is that it "covers most trout fishing situations".  See his website.  Mint condition.  $2800.   Sold 

326.  Perhaps one of the finest FE Thomas rods that this purveyor of classic rods has seen in 35 years.  A Browntone Special in remarkable condition.  8', 2/2, 4 3/8 oz. 5 Wt.  Most enthusiasts agree that the 2 piece rods from the Thomas company from this period outdistance their 3 piece rods for structural integrity but most of all for performance.  This fine example has a brisk distinct dry fly action but is not the proverbial "telephone pole", so has lots of life to it.  Just a fabulous casting rod.  5 1/4" soiled but totally smooth cigar grip, down locking seat over walnut (?), blued nickel silver end cap with the proper FE Thomas "Special" Bangor ME die stamp with some loss of bluing, medium dark cane, hallmark 3, 6, 3,1 chocolate signature wraps, integral winding check, agate stripper guide, chocolate silks throughout, perfect fitting blued ferrules, die stamped "8" to the end cap suggesting pre -1937 manufacture. The rod is absolutely dead straight with perfect structural integrity.  From an era when workmanship took no back seat, the rod is remarkably modern in feel and handling.  Put up in the highest grade FET tube and still carries its original hang tag on its flap over top green bag that reads 3 3/4 oz. but my very accurate scale reads 4 3/8 oz. making it a distinctly dry fly rod.  So a true classic in remarkable condition and a super performer   $2100.  Sold 

344.  Payne 98.  7', 2/2, 2 7/8 oz. brisk 4 wt.  Late model rod made before the factory closed under the auspices of Walt Carpenter.  Has his hallmark 3 digit serial number stamped in the but cap.  Most knowledgeable enthusiasts will recognize the mark while others will simply understand it as a late model Payne 98.  5 1/2" cigar grip, blued cap and ring with the correct Payne die stamp,  brown silks tipped gold, red agate stripper guide that Walt reverted to during the 70's and until the company shut its doors after the last known catologue was produced in 1975.  The grip has only slight soiling otherwise the rod is in near mint condition with proper bag and labeled tube. Considering the numbers that I've seen in my research a very reasonable $3800.  Includes a page copy from the last Payne catologue (1975).  Failing a sale, it will go into my own battery of rods.  Sold

 Another  fine group of spectacular Jim Downes rods, all previously  listed Downes rods  having been sold.

357.  Jim's 7' favorite 7011.  7', 2/2, 4 Wt. 5" have wells grip (proprietary to yours truly), walnut insert under blued and dye stamped cap and ring seat, translucent avocado silks ever so delicately tipped black, medium dark cane, 3 x3 node pattern, red agate stripper guide and a hallmark of his work, book matched tips.  Performs as a medium/brisk dry fly rod with every cosmetic and structural attribute that we've come to expect from JIm.  Truly a joy to behold; a dream to cast for small to medium water with a penchant for pocket water dry fly use.  Sensational.  $1550.  

358.  Jim's now famous highly regarded 7 1/2', 2/2, 7612.  Same cosmetics as item 357 also with a half wells grip at 6" befitting the rod's length and weight.  One of the nicest casting 5 Wt. 7 1/2' rods I've had the joy of casting.  Again, somewhat brisk dry fly with a slight  semi parabolic flavor.   Truly a masterpiece of workmanship and a superb performer. $1550.  Sold

359.  This next offering; one that I have not had the pleasure of inventorying , a 7'10", 2/2, Sloan's Parabolic.  Jim has insisted on my listing this rod as one of his favorite tapers and from what he tells me, extraordinarily popular among his clients. The rod has a distinct parabolic habit, a down locking blued seat over walnut;  its tapers taken from an original piece and reminiscent of the best of the Paul Young's work.  Made as a bespoke model for Sloan's Sporting Goods with the hand writing identical in style to  Cleo Hanley's.  She Did all the writing on Heddon rods at the time.  Although I havent put a line on it just yet, with snow and weather, it feels like a cross between a Pezon et Michel and a Young Para 15 and  5 Wt. capable.  Can't wait to get it out as it feels like it will throw a country mile.  $1550.  Sold and reportedly one of the best rods this buyer has ever had.  Another on order and now available as item 396.

369.  Rarely seen Orvis 7 1/2', 3/2, 6 Wt. With ferrule sizes 15/10 a slam dunk 5 Wt. 6" soiled (but smooth) cigar grip, down locking seat over patinated walnut, lovely dark cane, blued perfect fitting ferrules.  Sports a bright dry fly habit strangely characteristic of 3 piece Orvis rods as one would expect that description more fitting for two piece rods.  An anomaly found in in the Orvis rod design range.  With exception noted, rod is in excellent condition.  $875.  Sold

379.  Orvis Rocky Mountain.  6 1/2',  3/2, 3 1/4 oz. 5 wt.  Orvis labels it for a 6 but is traditionally used by most enthusiasts as a brisk dry fly 5.  Down locking seat over a lovely piece of varnished walnut, 5 1/4" cigar/superfine grip with scant soiling but absolutely smooth, serial number 74864 so 1974 production. blued ferrules 100%; first owner's name neatly factory applied to the butt section.  The rod with its original bag and tube with label completely intact is in absolutely perfect condition save the aforementioned grip soiling.  Just the perfect do everything pack rod.  $875.  Sold

388.  Orvis Battenkill.  6 1/2', 2/2 ,  5 wt crisp semi parabolic dry fly rod.  Substantial superfine grip, and lovely piece of varnished walnut to its down locking seat.  Shafts are a lustrous medium dark straw finish.  Serial number 80821 (1971) on the tube and each of the three rod sections.  The weight, however,  is listed as 2 7/8 oz. on the rod and tube; 3 1/8oz. on my digital scale.  Aside from soiling of its smooth grip, the rod presents as excellent and is just the item to fish small streams where larger flies are optional and the chance for drawing out large prey from a sweeper or from the authority of fast water is particularly possible.  Excellent in its perfect condition bag and labeled tube.   $775.  Sold

391.  Jenkins GA-75.  71/2', 2/2,  3 5/8oz. 5 wt.  Serial number 66, so GA 75-66.  Beautiful example from Steve and Charlie Jenkins.  Cap and ring over cherry,  6' modified cigar grip, light brown silks tipped yellow a hallmark of the Charlie era,  perfect for build; perfect for finish.  Ever so slight soiling of the cork otherwise near mint with original bag and tube with the  fully legible CW Jenkins gold label.  $1750.  Sold

392.  Ted Simroe  276-5,  Serial number 834.  7 1/2', 2/2, 5 Wt.  5 1/2" comfortable cigar grip,   delicate nickel silver coin edged cap and ring over morticed walnut,  3 x 3 pattern node protocol (a la Leonard),  handsome straw colored cane, bright perfect fitting ferrules and proprietary to yours truly translucent monochromatic tan silks.  Workmanship is straightforward, simple even but perfect in every way for structure and appearance.   While Ted likely made more rods than any other single maker counting his years at Leonard where he was half owner  and officer for many years his work is unfathomably  underappreciated.  Ted's effort can be evidenced in superior workmanship both structurally and cosmetically as well as his historical significance in the bamboo community.   All details are perfect -- cane work, varnish finish, application of silks, ferrule fit ....  This rod presents as a medium brisk dry fly rod and has been my own go to rod under most conditions.  Just a superb piece of rod making; a super pleasing performer on the water.  IMHO should carry twice the value that the current market dictates for his work.  This rod in about near mint condition likely lawn cast only.  $1550.  Sold

393.  Bernard Ramanouskas Scott SC.  7 1/2' (7' 5" actual), 2/2, 4 Wt. #0126.  To quote the company, "partnered with award winning master cane builder, Bernard Ramanouskas, to design and craft rods that push the boundaries of split cane technology while staying firmly grounded in the long traditions of the bamboo makers art.  From the node stabilized hollow built blanks with swelled butt, to the hand made truncated nickel silver ferrules every detail of these rods meticulously thought out and crafted".  So, 6" straight tapered grip, burled cork aft,  black anodized cap and ring over highly figured walnut, swelled butt, darkly flamed cane with nodes appearing as golden islands, clear silks delicately tipped midway with burgundy.  A spectacular looking rod with a lovely medium dry fly habit.  Just a perfect rod in its size range and finish.  Amazing work of art and a super performer for 4 Wt. lines.  Reread item 377 for further accolades.  About mint condition.  $2100.   Sold

396.  Jim Downes Sloans Para.   Just as item 359; this one sports a blued cap and ring over walnut.  The previous example (359) sold;  the buyer is thrilled with the rod on all counts!  $1550. Just a fabulous rod from Jim and perhaps his best model by user accolades.  $1550.

400.  Orvis Superfine.  6 1/2', 2/2,  2 1/4oz.  6 Wt. But can handle a 5 DT without issue.  Serial number 51791 (1968).  4 1/4" slightly soiled comfortable superfine grip and two dark marks on the seat verso from knurled aluminum dual rings but no impressions, brown silks over lovely dark cane a hallmark of its vintage and of course original bag with fully legible labeled tube.  Original owners neatly factory applied.  Enjoys a full bodied brisk dry fly action.  With exceptions noted in excellent condition.  $775. 

406.  Orvis Midge.  7 1/2',  2/2,  3 5/8 oz. 4/5 Wt.  Serial number 58520 so 1970.  6" soiled cigar grip,  down locking seat over walnut ( ever so slight reel foot indication),  prerequisite chocolate brown silks, lovely dark shafts,  and 100% blued perfect fitting ferrules.  Light line dry fly action in a favorite taper.  Aside from grip soiling , that I will leave to the next owner to clean or not,  the rod is in excellent condition.  $775.  

407.  Orvis Limestone Special.  8 1/2', 2/2, 4.5 oz. 6 Wt.  One of the best tapers ever designed by Orvis and somewhat rare to the market.  6 1/2" comfortable cigar grip ( some soiling; marginal ridging), down locking seat over walnut, brown silks over medium cane, perfect fitting ferrules, first owner's name factory applied to the cane and in excellent condition save the grip soiling.  Full bodied medium action, perhaps semi parabolic, rod and one of the best casting rods this enthusiast has ever experienced.  Some say use it as a 5 Wt; I say apply a 6 Wt line and be exceedingly happy.  I've used this rod on the main branch of the Delaware and surprised my guide for its fabulous casting range.  Just a great rod.  $825.  Sold

410.  Thomas and Thomas Special Trouter.  7 1/2', 2/2, serial number 3231.  Rather desirable model from their Classic line of rods, the Special Trouter is known for its all around fishing habit and medium semi parabolic full working action.  Labeled 4-5 by T and T, I prefer it for its fully loading qualities as a 5 wt.  5 1/2" cigar grip terminating in a superfine forward end (ala Orvis),  evenly straw colored impregnated cane, apricot colored silks (thanks Mark) with chocolate tagging at the hook keeper and ferrule stations.  Perfect fitting ferrules as one would expect from T and T; cap and ring all cork reel seat with the ubiquitous T and T die stamp to the end cap.  This is a superb rod for just about any small to medium stream venue.  It suits most enthusiasts for its friendly behaviour.  Marginal soiling of the grip, otherwise excellent plus, plus condition.  An 8' model seen on another popular site at $1975!!  Here,  in its original clean bag and unscathed tube at a modest $1500.

412.  65 years old (serial #29377) and in absolutely perfect, likely unused, condition is this very desirable Orvis 4 1/4oz. rod from the 8' range of rods.  This is the single truest 5/6 wt of the 8' 2/2 rods on offer from the company.  Medium, full working action on the noted lighter side of the 8' 2/2 group.  Medium, and I dare say, almost semi-parabolic as Orvis rods tend to be.  So the package presents with the usual 6" cigar grip, down locking seat over walnut, milk chocolate silks and particularly dark, lustrous impregnated cane.  Original bag and tube with fully legible blue label to the tube.  Perfect condition waiting to be enjoyed.  $825.

414.  From the Ausable series of rods from Leonard, a model 40.  8', 2/2, 5DT.  4.125 oz.  Serial number 1146 (1971).  6" cigar grip with very minor soiling almost not worth mentioning, blued cap and ring seat over hardwood, blued (hallmark of the Ausable series)perfectly fitting ferrules proper die stamp in place to the end cap, red silks tagged Hunter green at the hook keeper and ferrule stations, swelled butt, blond cane, 3 x 3 node pattern, and black stripper guide and snake guides.  This is a full bodied dry fly rod with substantial butt and mid behaviour and most activity in the upper reaches of the rod making for a moderately strong but distinctively dry fly rod for medium water.  Just a super all around dry fly rod able for small to larger dry flies.  With exception noted, re. grip soiling, about perfect little used condition.   $1450.

415.  Another exceptional post fire Leonard.  7 1/2', 3/2,  5Wt.  49H. Serial number 2120 so 1974. Label reads  4 oz. but by my postal scale, 3 7/8 oz. so definitively a 5 wt rod. Medium dry fly habit quite able as a lovely all around rod as well.  5 1/2" cigar grip with slight soiling, down locking seat over butternut, proper company die stamp to the nickel silver end cap, red silks tagged Hunter green,  black stripper guide and snake guides, bright perfect fitting ferrules, blond cane with absolutely perfect varnish finish, and full Midland Park label to the tube.  Aside from minor soiling of the absolutely smooth cork grip, perfect condition.  $2150.   Sold

416.  The Cascade by Dennis Stone.  Dennis is a maker from McMinnville, OR.  He makes very nice rods and has been for some time.  He is very popular with The Classic Fly Rod Forum members and favorable comments about them can be seen there.  This rod is 3/2, 8', and presents as a moderately fast 5 Wt dry fly instrument.  6 1/4" reverse half wells grip a la the late Granger style, enjoys a blued cap and ring over birds eye maple, sports a pale orange agate stripper guide, blue ferrules and Stone's die stamp to the end cap.  While most of the activity is in the upper reaches of the rod, it does flex into the uppermost section of the midsection.  A nice dry fly rod with plenty of reserve power for medium to larger flies as well as streamers.  Nice work from this well known NW maker.  Grip is all smooth but slightly soiled otherwise rod is in superb condition.  Put up in his signature tube with detailed logo embroidered to its bag.  Last seen on a competitors list at 995,  a  genuine "buy" at $775.

417.  Orvis Battenkill.  The  7 1/2, 2/2, 3 7/8oz. 5/6 Wt.  favorite.  May be the best all around rod ever produced by the company.  6 1/2" cigar grip (soiled and a very minor chip at the reel seat check), down locking seat over walnut with a few insignificant reel foot mars to the surface, brown silks over the lighter late cane color -- resorcinol lines faintly evident as expected, 100% blueing to the perfect fitting ferrules and all straight sections.  This is a late rod built in 1980 with serial number 84173; green bright fully legible label to the perfect condition tube with hex factory engraved cap.  Great do everything rod with a progressive dry fly action.  For its almost not worth mentioning cosmetic issues, $675.

418.  Don Schroeder.  6 1/2', 2/2, 4 Wt.  One of Don's dark flamed rods -- just absolutely stunning.  Brisk medium action dry fly and just full of life.  Sports a 5 1/2" cigar grip perfectly proportioned to the length and weight of the rod -- comfortable as well.  Blued cap and ring seat with Don's die stamp to the end cap, elegant dark cane, perfect varnish over translucent brown silks tipped black, blued ferrules and claro walnut reel seat insert.  Cap and ring show some absence of bluing and the grip is moderately soiled both from honest but respectful use.  Serial number 13796 and Don tells me that it was made in 1996; his 137th rod.  Don has been making rods for over 40 years.  To date he has made over 600 rods.  His attention  to detail is legendary from the perfect cane work, extraordinary varnish application to his meticulous fashioning of the bag and tube.  I've always thought it so cool that he finishes off the top of the bag with a stitched "X" to hold the full length stiffener in place.  Just a work of art in an astounding performing stick.  His work has been forever grossly undervalued.  His rods on order are 2450 with a substantial wait.  Here in fine fettle, $1650.

419.  Orvis Deluxe.  6 1/2', 2/2, 2 1/4 oz. 4/5 Wt.  Dual ring cork seat giving way to a 4" rather comfortable superfine grip, dark cane hallmark of its 1959 manufacture (serial number 25308), blued perfect fitting ferrules and customary chocolate brown silks.  This is a full bodied small stream do everything rod; perfect for those occasions when your expected quarry can be substantial.  Believe it loads best with 5DT lines but some enthusiasts insist on using it as a 4 wt.  The rod is in very good condition with perfect structural integrity; its perfectly smooth cork shows soiling and the cork seat displays some darkening from the aluminum rings.  However, both are in perfect order.  Put up in what Orvis called its Christmas bag (plaid) and gold toned tube with full paper label.   It's really in very fine shape.  $775. 

420.  Made by Walton E. Powell from 1948 Tonkin Cane reads Walt's inscription on this 7' 2" brisk dry fly rod.  2 piece, 2 tip of course, with every Powell hallmark in place -- full wells grip, gold anodized up locking seat over exotic hardwood, forest green silks smartly tipped gold, single intermediate wrap between guides, bright snake guides, ceramic stripper and intelligently witness marked perfect fitting ferrules.  Although a highly underappreciated, Walt's rods have always been great casting instruments.  This brisk dry fly rod is no exception.  Insignificant soiling of the grip, otherwise near new in his traditional green bag and very substantial brass capped brown stippled tube labeled Chico, CA.  Truly a nice package in a great casting, good looking rod.  $1100.

421.  Gene Edwards Deluxe.  8', 3/2, 5 Wt.  Sports the dark honey colored cane, brown silks tipped yellow, bakelite winding check, hallmark signature wraps, loop hook keeper, unusual all cork seat and grip with sliding band.  The slide band is what is known as the "butterfly" band; am told that it derives  from the  Eustice Edwards period.  So the rod is likely from the early 30's. The rod has a medium incredibly smooth somewhat parabolic action and is cosmetically and structurally near perfect.  Minor soiling of the grip, original owner's factory inscribed name to the area around its swelled butt and curiously one of the tip male ferrules is coated with what appears to be black magic marker -- thinking the user did this to differentiate between tips for rotation, clearly not to tighten the fit.  Original bag and tube in good order.   $800.

422.  Brand new unused Winston rod.  7 1/2', 3/2, 3 1/8 oz. 4 Wt.  Serial number 2453 so made by Glenn Brackett and finished April 15, 1990.  Plastic still on the 5 3/4" moderately reversed half wells grip, nickel silver coin edged cap and ring over a lovely piece of  unknown brown hardwood complimenting the overall color and look of the rod, clear wraps tagged burgundy, wrapped ferrule stations and ridgid ring hook keeper to its hallmark signature wraps.  This is a beautiful, unfished rod with the smoothest action imaginable; a moderately dry fly style.  Elegant and to reiterate, made by Glenn Brackett with Tom Morgan at the helm.  Bag and tube, perfect.  $2500.

423.  Orvis Midge.  7 1/2' 2/1 (made as such), 3 5/8 oz. 4/5 Wt rod.  Serial number 54616 (1969), rather dark cane, brown silks, down locking seat over patinated walnut, 6" moderately soiled but all smooth cigar grip, and perfect fitting blued ferrules.  rod has a light dry fly feel designated for 5 weight lines but most enthusiasts use it with 4DT lines.  Very good condition with original bag, fully legible blue label to its uncompromised tube and registration and care card.  For its single tip configuration, $525. 

424.  Payne.  8'10", 3/2, 4.5 oz., 5 Wt.  Unusual find.  We know there was an 8'10" 2 piece rod, the 107, so am suggesting that this may be a custom rod ordered in a 3 piece configuration.  The rod is structurally perfect; all sections are dead equal in length, has received a varnish overcoat and perhaps a redo but the ferrules clearly have not been messed with, ferrules are tight, rod is dead straight.  Has Jim's earlier 5 1/2" blunt nose grip with very minor ridging, blued cap and ring over Spanish Cedar, correct die stamp reading "EF Payne Rod Co Makers" to the end cap, requisite brown silks tipped black (hallmark of Jim's rods in excess of 8').  Although the silks seem to be correct, the second guides from the tip top are misaligned,  tip tops are of a different size one to the other, put up in in an unoriginal tube and too short Gene Edwards bag.  All in all presents as a very nice (original?) Payne.  Originally sold through the Bedford Sportsman in Westchester County, NY  by Peter Phelps, Garrison acquaintance and student, reliable enthusiast, rodmaker and partner in the shop.  Believe that if anyone worked on this rod it would have been Peter.   $850.

425.  Ron Kusse work of art.  7 1/2', 2/2, dry fly 6.  Ron is well known as one of the best rodmakers in the country.  Former rodmaker with the Leonard company, he began making rods on his own well before the company closed in 1985.  This rod carries serial number 9610, presumably the 10th rod made in 1996.  5 3/4" comfortable cigar grip, blued cap and ring (absent some bluing), "Ron Kusse Maker" die stamped to the end cap as well as to the tube collar -- a nice detail , hex forged blued winding check, blued perfect fitting ferrules, transparent tan silks, burgundy tagging, very cool stepped up to the cork exotic wood reel seat, book matched tips, 3 x 3 node spacing ala Leonard, prominently swelled butt, hang tag in very good condition,  beautiful honey colored cane and the most perfect varnish that you'll ever see from a contemporary maker.  His rods have forever been known to be absolutely flawless for cosmetics and quite able on the water.  This rod presents as a fast dry fly rod.  Grip shows some soiling from respectful use and there are a couple of reel foot mars to the wood insert otherwise the rod is in excellent condition.  $1550.

426.  Orvis Battenkill.  7 1/2', 2/2, 3 7/8 oz. 5/6 Wt. rod.  Serial number 77505 (1975).  Rod enjoys the later look of the period -- 6" cigar grip (soiled but smooth), down locking seat over varnished walnut, light colored cane with resorcinol glue lines evident, and blued ferrules.  The rod is dead straight, and aside from the soiled grip is in super condition.  Orvis's do everything rod.  Medium but full bodied dry fly rod; streamer able with aplomb. The best all around rod ever designed by the company.  Original green bag, original tube with fully legible label and hex cap engraved with model details.  Holds easily removed original owner's name factory written to the butt otherwise and with exceptions noted,  excellent condition.  $775.

427.  Paul H. Young Co. Para 15.  Serial number 4120 finished December 10th 1963 with Bob Summers' script applied.  8', 2/2, 4.05 oz.,  5/6 Wt.  This one made with the Young hallmark "Wet" and "Dry" tips.  The wet tip more full bodied and often the preference for 6 Wt lines and some say more of an all around action, while the dry tip is classically dry fly for behaviour and most often used with 5DT lines. Both mildly parabolic (IMHO). This example sports a 6 1/4" half wells grip giving way to a black anodized down locking seat over cork with the Young/Detroit die stamp to the end cap and Super Z ferrules.  The cane is beautifully flamed, the node protocol is 2x2, the silks are an unapologetically "mustard" color with deep brown accent wraps to the ferrule stations.  The rod is absolutely elegant in appearance.  Put up in the traditional silk bag and original tube.  First owner's name neatly inscribed above the cork.  Can likely be identified and put into historical context by a visit to Rob Golder's Paul Young Co. site and data base.  The rod is in about perfect condition; appears almost never used.  Aside from its remarkable condition, this rod may be one of the most important design efforts ever in the bamboo rod world.  $3250. 

428.  Spectacular Sam Carlson Quadrate from his most favored period.  7 1/2', 2/2, 3 3/8oz. 4/5 wt.  Late 50's rod with every classic hallmark in place -- Verna's "Carlson" script to the butt section, 6" reverse half wells grip,  black anodized cap and ring cork seat with bakelite accents, blood red silks tipped black and red at the guides, red agate stripper guide, perfect fitting blued "quadrate" ferrules and glorious medium dark cane beneath exquisite varnish.  The rod has some very minor soiling to the entirely smooth grip otherwise in perfect seldom used condition.  Put up in its original bag and the very desirable FE Thomas tube that Sam used through the early 60's.  May be the best, certainly the most special Carlson rod yet seen by this enthusiast. Unquestionably, the centerpiece of any serious bamboo rod collection.  $7200.