CLASSIC RODS
“All rods in original bag and tube unless otherwise noted."
4. Don Schroeder. 7'3", 4wt. 2/2. Dark rod with tiger maple seat, blued hardware. Best with a 5 wt line. Near mint with brass ferrule plug. $1450. Sold
8. Jim Downes. 8', 3/2, Quadrate. 5/6 wt. 6" cigar grip tapered to the front to match the quad and lovely forged four sided winding check. Nickel silver cap and ring over highly figured rather dark maple. Finished in Tom Maxwell's style for wrap color. Absolutely elegant. Jim's work is above reproach for detail, finish and performance. New from Jim. $1350. Sold
14. Leonard 61. The 8 1/2', 2/2, 8wt from Ted Simroe's Mirimachi series of rods. I used it with an Orvis 8 WF line and it was fabulous. Also used a Bogdan 0 that balanced perfectly with it. From my own collection and used only twice on the Cascapedia. Red wraps, fixed fighting butt, reverse half wells grip perfectly sized for the rod and comfortable. A casting machine in spite of its light weight in the hand. Even put it into the hands of guides at the lodge who ordinarily disdain bamboo; they thought it was amazing and were duly surprised. Excellent condition in original bag and labeled tube. Decided that I cannot in good conscious let this great but perhaps little known rod go for its earlier pricing. Now unabashedly $1350.
15. Sweetgrass Pent. 7 1/2', 2/2, 5wt. Medium fast dry fly action, mild full wells grip, down locking anodized antique grey hardware over very dark highly figured hardwood, burgundy silks (hallmark of the Pent) and perfect fitting ferrules. Dead straight, perfect varnish and in mint condition. Believe the nicest piece of production I've seen from the Boo Boys. Am told that Glenn is back at work and likely accounts for the high quality of workmanship and attention to detail. Just a beautiful rod for appearance and behaviour.
$1450.
18. Orvis Battenkill. 7 1/2', 2/2, 3 7/8oz., 5/6 wt. ca. 1978. One tip 3/4" short via broken tip top result of a swinging screen door, otherwise excellent plus, plus condition. $450. Sold
19. Orvis Battenkill. 7 1/2', 2/2, 3 7/8oz . Ser # 67xxx. Cigar grip, down locking seat over varnished walnut, traditional wraps, lighter cane, original owner's name applied. Ferrules a bit tight but that's a good thing -- just need a bit of cleaning to be perfect. Near mint condition with warranty card. $675. Sold
21. Leonard Duracane. 7', 2/1 (as made), 4wt with the very desirable hunter green silks. 5 1/4" cigar grip with slight soiling, butternut spacer with nickel silver cap and ring, serial number 1856. Dead straight, perfect ferrule fit in its original bag and tube. Handsome dark impregnated cane. Lovely light dry fly tapers for a 4 wt line. The 7' green wrapped rod rarely comes up for sale and likely the favorite format of all the Duracanes. These rods never disappoint for performance. Excellent condition. $725. Sold
22. Ron Kusse. 7 1/2', 2/2, 3 5/8oz., 5 wt. 5" cigar grip, blued cap and ring seat over highly figured cherry spacer, tan silks tagged auburn at the winding check and ferrule stations and pronounced swelled but. Rod enjoys mirrored tips, and forged hex winding check. Quite often Kusse understated his line weights as he was a tournament caster with those sympathies but this example is a slam dunk 5 wt dry fly rod. Hang tag remains perfect; rod is put up in his hallmark all brass tube with die stamp to the tube as well as to the butt cap. Very slight soiling of the cork and minor absence of blueing to the sliding ring otherwise excellent and one of the finest rods I've seen from Ron. His cosmetic work is above reproach and this piece is no exception for finish, structural integrity and performance. One of the nicest rods from Kusse I've had the pleasure to offer particularly for its performance attributes. For his history and quality of workmanship, the embarasingly low price of $1350. Sold
23. In the world of collectible rods, a historically important Weir and Son rod. 8', 2/2, 3 5/8 oz., 5 wt. Last manufactured in Los Gatos, CA, the Weir and Son build was best known for their medium very pleasing actions. Model LM803. These rods were produced on an ingenious and unique machine that could mill six strips simultaneously. Exquisite for its pale appearance, lovely easy action and quality workmanship throughout. Very reminiscent of the early Charlie Jenkins oevre. 5" tapered cigar grip, aluminum cap (properly die stamped "Weir and Son"), and ring over rosewood, brown silks over straw colored cane and nicely described in both the Schwiebert tome (p. 181), Trout as well as Marty Keane's bible, Classic Rods and Rodmakers (p. 205) as some of the nicest rods built at the time for quality and performance. I will include with the purchase a copy of the last Weir catologue produced from Los Gatos with prices and decriptions of the building process. Minor soiling of the grip and a few surface mounting mars to the insert, otherwise excellent condition with original bag and fully labeled tube. $625. Reduced Again
25. Orvis Battenkill. 7 1/2', 3 7/8oz, 5/6 wt. This one a bit lighter than most 3 7/8oz (weighs in at 3 3/4oz) so a slam dunk 5DT rod. Built 1974. Some soiling of its cigar grip, while identifying model, line weight and actual weight are intact some script is worn from the cane at the hook keeper, otherwise good plus condition. Straight, structurally very good with original bag and tube with full descriptive label to the hex capped tube. $575.
26. Sweet Water (George Maurer). Trout Bum. 8', 2/2, brisk semi parabolic 5 wt dry fly rod. 6 1/2" cigar comfortable cigar grip, nickel silver cap and ring over walnut seat, translucent tan silks over lightly, evenly flamed cane and perfect fitting ferrules. Dead straight, insignificant hardly worth mentioning soiling of the grip -- don't think the rod ever saw water. Truly one of the nicest rods I've had from the bench of George Maurer. 4th rod of 2001. So excellent near mint condition and a desirable taper. $1450. Sold
26a. Orivis Superlight Spinning rod. 6', 2/1, 2 3/4 oz, 1/16-1/4 oz lures. Serial number 44705 (1966), 9 3/4" handle with udjustable copper toned skeletal screwlock reel seat. Light impressions from reel foot in the cork almost not worth mentioning, otherwise mint in unoriginal bag and tube. Quite a lovely rod and the lightest spinning rod ever produced by Orvis. See item 66 under reels for the perfect match. $175. Will sell both as a package for $225. Sold
27. Heddon Premier. 8 1/2', 3/2, 2 Ferrule, 5 wt. (reads HDH or E on the cane), gold silks tipped black, screw down patent numbered reel seat over brown bakelite, perfect fitting properly japanned ferrules. 6 1/2" dry fly grip with some ridging, dryness and chips in the heel from use as a hook keeper but varnish and silks are about perfect and cane is a beautiful medium dark with golden nodes. Slight fishing set to both tips, easily removable, with original well labeled bag and unoriginal tube absent its cap. $225.
28. Glass Rod. Diamondback Co. Diamondglass. 8', 2/1, 4wt. Stunning rod in a rarely seen line wt. for its length. Payne-like dry fly grip, up locking nickel silver seat over rosewood, lovely dark charcoal blanks and bright snake guides. Absolutely mint unused with original bag and labeled tube. For its condition and very rare line size, $325. Sold
29. Leonard 39H. 7 1/2', 2/2, 3 7/8 oz., 5 wt. (tube label reads 6). Serial number 1838 so am guessing ca. 1971-72. 6" cigar grip with very minor soiling, red silks typical of the period, down locking seat with butternut insert and nickel silver die stamped cap sporting its post fire heritage Tight fitting ferrules, dead straight and structurally perfect. Rod has a decisive Catskill dry fly feel and a rod whose tapers have been replicated by a multitude of current builders for its outstanding performance qualities. Original yellow bag with stiffener, original tube with red Midland Park, NJ label in completely legible condition. Aside from its minor grip soiling, the rod is about perfect. May be the only rod you'll ever need if you're only going to own one bamboo rod, a terribly unlikely story! $1450.
30. Pezon et Michel. One of the finest examples I've had from this Amboise manufacture. This is the model Parabolic Medium Normale Supreme. 7', 2/2, 5 wt. Serial number 1276831, full wells grip (some soiling) befitting the length and weight of the rod, down locking copper and aluminum seat in perfect order, hunter green silks and hallmark red, white and blue signature wraps to the hook keeper area. Just about perfect condition with its lovely turned chestnut ferrule plug, original bag with ferrule plug pocket and fully labeled tube. Just a beautiful package from this well known French company building rods since 1860. Modestly priced at $725. Sold
31. Phillipson Peerless. Rare 7', 2/2, 2 7/8 oz. 4/5 wt. from the 3M period. Shy 6" cigar grip, down locking copper toned anodized seat over cork, lovely medium dark impregnated cane, brown silks tipped yellow and original bag with fully labeled gold tube. Nice tight ferrules intelligently witnessed marked and just a great dry fly feel to the rod. $725.
32. Leonard 50H. 8', 6/7 wt. Serial number on its Midland Park, NJ label reads 2983. Previous owner used it effectively, I am advised, with a 6DT line. 3/2, 4 5/8 oz. 6 1/2" reverse half wells (dry fly) grip, Up locking correctly post- fire die stamped seat over butternut, light cane with 3x3 node pattern of course, Ted Simroe translucent tan silks tipped auburn. A nice stronger version of the 50DF. Ever so slight soiling of the cork grip otherwise about perfect condition in its original yellow bag with stiffener, and fully labeled tube. $1250.
33. Russ Peak Zenith. Fiberglass from the undisputed master of glass design and construction. 8 1/2', 2/1, 6 wt in perfect condition save a bit of grip soiling. Original bag and tube. $825. Sold
34. LL Bean "Double L". Loomis made 8', 2/1, 5wt. Reverse half wells grip, up locking gold anodized seat over zebra wood (?) and lovely deep chocolate blanks. Near mint condition in original bag and tube. A very sweet little beginner rod with a great dry fly action. $100. Sold
35. Scott graphite. E2 905/4. So 9', 4 piece 5 wt, 3.0oz. Brand spanking new with factory applied plastic to the grip, up locking nickel silver seat over lovely hardwood, reverse half wells grip, spigot ferrules and gorgeous deep green blanks. Quick dry fly rod in absolutely mint unused condition with original bag and tube and transferable unconditional warranty paperwork. Perfect. $275. Sold
36. Jim Downes. 7', 3/2, 3/4 wt beauty. One of the few rods I've owned that I can truly say will throw a 3 or 4 wt line with equal aplomb. Has a great medium action with either line, giving way to longer casts while fully loading with a 4DT; a bit brisker as a close-in 3DT. I truly enjoyed the rod with either line. Just a super small stream rod. 5 1/2" fluor quality cigar grip, rather dark spalted maple insert under blued cap and ring with Jim's die stamp to the cap, elegantly varnished medium dark cane and handsome as can be "pond scum green" silks delicately tipped crimson and agate stripper guide. Just a beautiful rod with a super small stream action. Perhaps one of the best performing light line rods ever. $1450.
37. John Gallas "Autumn". 8', 3/2, 5 wt. Designated by John as a 4 wt, it works well in my hands as a lovely progressive 5 wt. Medium action with a very smooth, gentle delivery. 6" cigar grip,delicate nickel silver cap and ring over butternut, pond scum green silks tagged black at the hook keeper and ferrule stations, pale colored blanks, and absolutely perfect ferrule fit. Dead straight and elegant. The rod, in my hands, is a lovely medium all purpose 5 wt rod. Just a true pleasure to cast. Just a lovely example of this CT worker's best work. $1450. Sold
38. Payne 98. Spectacular 7', 2/2, 4 wt rod. Cigar grip, nickel silver cap and ring with "Made for A and F" die stamp, so no older than early 60's. Hang tag in place and in crisp legible condition with the Abercrombie inventory number to it. Most blueing absent from cap and ring, and although perfect in every other way, several guide wraps on the tips do not align since the first and only owner had Jim make another tip for his single tip as bought Abercrombie rod. Believe the single tip rods were only available through Abercrombie. Still a bit of a mystery as to why Jim would not align the guide wraps unless the rod was not sent to him at the time the second tip was being made. Sadly, since the rod comes to me from an inheritance, this is the best information that I have on the rod. Some space to the top of the tube evidencing absence of its ferrule plug. This rod is really quite lovely and with exceptions noted, in excellent condition with original bag (with hang tag) and properly labeled tube. $3750 shipped.
Reels
9. Carpenter reel. 2 3/4" diameter so a great 3DT or 4WF reel. Has a bit of a bump on the front frame edge, likely a result of careless drop on a rough surface and a few in-use very minor scratches to the frame edge. Carries the brass WE Carpenter Rod Co. plaque to the verso. With original suede pouch. Generally good plus with with exceptions noted. Well priced at $ 325. Reduced Again
10. Hardy St. John. Two screw latch, smooth aluminum foot, MK 2 check (and therefore LH or RH able). Mounting marks to the foot otherwise no signs of use with WF8F Orvis Hy Flote line and original black case. The favored reel of NW Steelheaders and Atlantic Salmon enthusiasts across the pond. Great full range drag. $250. Reduced Again
11. Hardy Cascapedia (newest iteration), 6/7, Seatrout/trout. LHW. Mint in original black leather case. Made in England sans poachers switch with 11 red dot detente rear drag knob. For its size and weight, the perfect 7 wt reel. Have 2 of these reels; the second has its black leather case very cool black box and all papers. each $375. Sold
12. Hardy "Wide Spool" 2 7/8" Perfect. LHW. Newest production from Hardy . Mint with original leather case. $450. Reduced
13. Hardy "Wide Spool" 3 1/8" Perfect plus spare spool. LHW. Latest production. Mint condition with original leather case, box and papers. $550. Sold
14. Hardy "Wide Spool" 3 3/8" Perfect. Latest production. Mint condition with original black leather case. $475. Reduced
* An old and loyal customer just sent me copies of the Sage series Maintenance details, Conversion directions, Warranty agreement and Reel capacities for each size. Ask for copies upon purchase of any of them.
15. Sage 508 with two spare spools. Very minor edge wear, otherwise very good. 7/8 wt capacity. Made by Hardy. $375. Will separate spools out for $75 each. Reduced Again
16. Sage 506 with two spare spools. Edge wear to reel; spools perfect. Original sued case. Again, made by Hardy in GB and marvelous 6/5DT reels. $375. Will separate spools out for $75 each. Reduced Again
17. Sage 505 with spare spool. Hardy made; perfect 5wt reel with spare spool and original reel case. Near mint. $375. Sold
18. Sage 505. Minor edge wear to spool and frame edges. Original case. $250. Reduced Again
20. Hardy Dutchess. 31/4". Super 5/6 wt reel and one of the nicest reels that the company has produced from their Alnwick workshop. Mint condition in Hardy neoprene case and spare spool. Spool latch was disassembled but all parts are here. I don't have the patience to reassemble it so to the next ambitious owner or Bill Archuleta for re-assembly. $350.
21. Orvis CFO III. Made in England, Forest green, disc model. Some edge wear, in original case. $175. Reduced
22. Orvis CFO III. Edge wear but quite good with spare spool. $225.
23. Orvis CFO III "Screw back". Minor edge wear, so good plus, with spare spool. Contemporary Orvis case. $275. Sold
31. Hardy Princess and spare spool. Minor edge wear but altogether very good condition. $225.
32. Hardy LRH. Well used but tight with perfect full range drag adjust. $150.
33. Hardy LRH. Very good in original black case with spare spool. $250. Sold
35. Hardy LRH. Well used in later Hardy neoprene case with spare spool. Structurally very good and tight. A nice usable or spare reel. $150.
41. Hardy St. Aidan. 3 3/4" reel with same capacity as a St. John and Zenith. Minor edge wear to verso, otherwise very good with spare spool. Housed in a suede piggy back case. Barely discernible rubbing sound upon rotation. $225. Sold
42. Hardy Princess with 2 screw heavy nickel silver line guard. Some edge wear but in generally good/very good condition with spare spool put up in piggyback suede case. Nice 6 wt reel. $250.
43. Princess. Spool only. Excellent. $75.
48. Hardy Cascapedia 8/9. LHW. New unused salmon or spey reel. Has 20 position detente drag system to verso, poacher's switch, and silent drag switch. Original case and warranty card. Original retail was $799. Here new, $375. Reduced
50. Sage 504L. Hardy made. Some edge wear but otherwise very good. $275.
51. Hardy 3 5/8" Perfect. Agate line guard, raised boss, black handle, rim mounted drag adjust in perfect order. An ever so slight rubbing patination surrounding the handle but otherwise near mint with 2 spare spools and original blue/cream case. Believe 60's or 70's production. Undervalued at $375. Will sell a spare spool for $75.
52. Hardy Cascapedia 4/5. Smallest trout size. Latest model. Made in England. 11 Position detente drag adjust to verso. Stunning reel made in the respected tradition of days gone by. Superb quality control elements and finish. Retail pricing for these reels is in excess of $599. As new with black leather case. $375. Sold.
55. Very rare find indeed. A Horton Meek 54 made especially for Abercrombie and Fitch and die stamped to the verso; the only variation to be done in a spitfire finish. I've seen only one other some years ago on Gary Siemer's Vintage Tackle site. This one in superb, tight condition. Shy 3" reel for 4 or 5 wt lines, serial numbered 2268, black ebonite handle, hallmark swing latch and straight smooth foot. Believe reversible although set for RHW. Near perfect condition and incredibly illusive. Put up in a lovely clam shell leather case of its vintage. $375. Sold
56. J.W. Young Pridex. Smallest size model from the line of notable British reels. Black stippled finish, contoured handle, RH/LH able and constant adjustable drag. Aside from mounting mars to the foot, near perfect condition. $75. Sold
57. Orvis Battenkill 5/6. This is the Hardy made cast aluminum Scientific Angler model. Dual pawl full range drag protocol. RH/LH. 4/5/6 capacity. A serious work horse of a reel in excellent plus condition with original case and Orvis DT5F line in about unused condition. Just a great unfailing beginner reel or spare. $75. Sold
58. Orvis Battenkill 7/8. This one with full range smooth as silk disc drag, made by Hardy variously for Orvis and Scientific Angler of cast aluminum. Aside from mounting mars to foot ends, about perfect condition with TT 6/7 line and original case. $75. Sold
59. Ross C1 Cimarron. 3 1/4" 5/6 wt reel with the legendary smooth full range incredibly simple drag system for which the marque is well known. Believe the earliest version of the Cimarron with sculpted pillars. All black matte finish. Excellent, set for LHW in Ross case meant for a larger model. $50. Sold
60. Horton Meek model 56. Rarely seen size of the brand; perfect for 6/7 wt line. Smooth brass foot (so early), tight Uniqua style latch, no spool wobble in spite of its age and honorable use. Most blueing still here with Cortland 333HT WF6F Rocket taper line. Put up in an Orvis suede pouch and in mechanically perfect condition; cosmetically without chips or dings and altogether excellent. $175. Sold
61. Marryat MR 8.5. Nice 6/7 wt version in anodized copper. Fabulous full range smooth as silk drag sytem, quick release spool, owner counterweighted, with original case and little usedWF6F line. Currently set for RHW but reversible with some effort. Mounting mars to foot ends but excellent condition. $175. Sold
62. Orvis CFO IV SD. This is the salt water tolerant version of the IV with full range light to train stopping disc drag and matte green finish. Mint unused in original Battenkill case. $225. Sold
63. Orvis Presentation reel EXR II. Made in Argentina by STH for Orvis. One of the finest engineered reels ever. Incredibly smooth drag, unusual quick release spool, black finish, contoured handle with counterweight, and about impossible to find spool. Excellent plus condition in its original Orvis suede case. $250.
64. Orvis Odyssey I. 3" 4/5 wt reel with a smooth full range drag system. Sadly discontinued by Orvis and since then largely underappreciated for its incredible performance capability. One of the best engineered reels that Orvis ever contracted -- smooth sensitive drag at its light range; train stopping tough at its upper range with absolutely no start up compromise characteristic of some of the best reels on the market then and now. Beautiful glossy anodized finish, fully machined and just a superb reel for little dollars. I see one isolated mark to one foot end otherwise seems unused with a DT5F line and original neoprene pouch and box. $200.
65. Orvis Odyssey II. 3 1/8" 5/6 wt reel. As the previous reel with larger capacity. Mint unused with unknown as new line and original neoprene pouch and box. $200.
66. Orvis 50A Spinning reel. The smallest Orvis spinning reel and a perfect match for rod number 26, the Orvis Superlight rod. Mechanically perfect, cosmetically very good in an Orvis pull string bag. $75. Will sell rod and reel together for $225. Both Sold
67. Hardy LRH. Made in England. The perfect 5 wt reel. Single screw line guard, rim mounted drag adjust with original black Hardy case. Reversible, now set for RHW. Mounting marks to the foot otherwise near mint with little used 6 wt line. $225. Sold
68. Hardy LRH. This one with desirable two screw heavy nickel silver line guard, spare spool. Original blue/cream case for reel and original box for its spare spool. Some fading to the color on verso of reel otherwise excellent condition. $275. Sold
69. Hardy Golden Princess. 3 1/2" diameter 5/6 wt reel. Aside from mounting mars to foot ends, the reel is in perfect condition. With its lovely brown color and brass (gold toned) accents just a stunning reel and perhaps one of the most useful sizes in the Lightweight range of Hardy reels. Of course, made in England with original case. $300. Sold
70. Hardy 2 7/8" Perfect. Duplicated Mk II. RHW. Vintage reel with ridged brass foot, circular writing, 3 pins showing around flush brass spindle, ebonite handle, made sans line guard commensurate with the period. Guessing late 30's or 40's production. Minor line groove to its post, very slight wobble to its winding plate and almost total absence of bluing from use. With exceptions, a lovely vintage piece. For the slight groove in the post, $325 otherwise a 425-525 among most sellers. Sold
71. 3 1/8" Hardy Perfect. Duplicated Mk II. Circular writing Smooth brass foot so pre 1928, nickel silver rim mounted drag adjust, agate line guard with a spot of epoxy to what was likely a very slight fracture and almost complete absence of bluing. Compromise to its line guard is relatively smooth and will not affect line wear. For that $250. Sold
72. 3 3/8" Perfect. Ridged brass foot, circular writing, tight as a drum, perfect milky grey agate line guard and unique Folsom Arms plaque to its interior. Very cool indeed. Blueing remaining only on its rims and spool. Just a beautiful reel for 6 wt lines. $300. Sold
73. 3 5/8" modern Perfect. That is, last production before all the reissues, likely a 60's reel. Milky agate line guard, raised center boss, black ebonite handle befitting the size of the reel and smooth aluminum foot. A few random scratches to the rim at 2 o'clock otherwise excellent condition in original blue/cream case. Just the "perfect" 7 wt reel. Steal this reel for $250. Sold
74. Abel No. 1 from the Big Game series. Ported spool, rosewood contoured handle, RHW, silent outgoing drag. A couple of isolated mounting marks to its foot ends otherwise hardly ever used in its original case and box. $250.
75. Abel 3N. LHW. Serial number 4799. Barely visible mounting mars to its foot otherwise mint condition in its original case and box with papers and unused unknown line. Rosewood handle, large arbor for rapid retrieve and counterbalanced spool. Just discovered a small chip in the rosewood handle while reviewing it for a customer. Therefore reduced. Truly one of the best engineered big game reels ever. $250.
76. Fin-Nor No. 2 Anti Reverse. Dual handle, anodized gold. LHW. Near perfect condition except for a few isolated scratches and hardly worth mentioning nicks to one edge. Excellent plus, plus condition. Has its original box with all papers with an Abel case. $200. Sold