CLASSIC RODS

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233.  Jim Downes version of a Payne 98.  7', 2/2, 4 wt.  Perfect for appearance, structural integrity and performance.  5 1/2" flor grade cigar grip, medium dark straw colored cane, walnut seat with blued cap and ring, Jim's die stamp in place, lime green silks (proprietary to yours truly) ever so delicately tipped black, agate stripper guide and blued perfect fitting ferrules.  Rod has a crisp dry fly flavor for 4DT lines just as the late model Paynes.  Another beautiful rod from Jim with performance standards to match.  I've only had accolades from buyers of his rods -- never a disappointed enthusiast.  Constant repeat acquisitions of his rods is the norm.  New from Jim.  $1450.

234.  AJ Thramer Signature Series Hollow Built Dry Fly.  7 1/2', 2/2, 5 Wt. Serial number S1110. Sports a very comfortable 6" half wells grip, blued nickel silver cap and ring over Amboina (?) with AJ's later die stamp in place,  stunning evenly flamed cane with just a perfect varnish finish, absolutely perfect fitting blued ferrules, and gold toned silks handsomely tagged "Kelly Green".  AJ surely outdistanced himself with this series of rods for performance, appearance and structural integrity.  This is no DX!  Rod enjoys a crisp dry fly action with lots of life but proudly dry fly.  Minor soiling of the grip otherwise lightly used.  While his rods are extraordinarily made; show mature craftsmanship are undervalued on the secondary market.  An opportunity at $925.  Sold

236.  Just recieved from Jim Downes another fabulous model 7011.  See item 88 for complete details.  I have sold so many of this model along with his 7612, 5 wt that, honestly, I've lost track.  They are amazing rods; made every buyer a devout follower.  This one with a walnut insert and super handsome.  1450.

239. Another Tufts and Batson rod.  This one 7'9", 3/2, 5 Wt.  Rather dark or lightly flamed cane, slightly soiled 6" cigar grip,  nickel silver cap and ring with the "Tufts and Batson" die stamp, red agate stripper guide, black silks preciously tipped a subtle orange, perfect fitting ferrules and sports the later machined aluminum ferrule plugs.  The rod, as all of their rods is perfect for structural quality; perhaps the best finish work of any contemporary maker to date.  Rod has a great medium, Catskill-like dry fly habit but quite suitable as "the only rod you'll ever need" -- an unlikely scenario!  Just a perfect do everything rod with incredible attention to detail at its core.  $1450.  Sold  

240.  Homer Jennings.  8', 2/2, 5 wt. although marked as a 4 wt.  Serial number 688, made January, 2010.  6" tapered cigar grip a constant hallmark of his work, bright nickel silver cap and ring over a beautiful piece of olive wood, swelled butt, light cane, red agate stripper guide and custom delivered emerald green silks ever so delicately tipped blood red and truncated perfect fitting ferrules.  Still with the rod is his signature bamboo ferrule plug.  Rod has a super feeling firm semi parabolic action quite able for both dry fly or streamer work.  The rod, for its behaviour, is perfect; for its finish work incredible. Put up in his stippled brown tube and tan bag with pull tab.  Excellent condition.  $1550.  Sold

246.  Post-fire Maxwell style 49-5 Leonard.  7 1/2', 3/2, 5 wt.  6" bespoke very comfortable reverse half wells grip, a lovely morticed  butternut  spacer,  jewel-like up locking seat with proper die stamp and acorn end cap, translucent tan silks tagged red over light colored cane, swelled butt and tight fitting sensibly witness marked ferrules.  Serial numbered 81149 and although made up in Tom Maxwell's cosmetic style, was produced shortly after his separation from the company. Insignificant soiling of the grip; put up in the Maxwell style flat topped beautifully machined tube.  With the finest tips has a distinct bright Catskill dry fly demeanor with most activity in the upper reaches of the rod.  Appears lawn cast only.  Modestly priced at $1750. 

247.  Gary Howells.  Hollow Built, 7 1/2', 2/2, 3 1/4 oz.., 5 wt.  Serial number  4704.  5 1/2"  reverse half wells grip, all cork reel  seat with aluminum knurled sliding band and bakelite appointed end cap.  Beautiful varnish over caramel colored cane, brown silks double wrapped and tipped yellow and expected wrapped ferrules.  Medium dry fly action.  Original owner's name to the fully detailed perfect condition tube label and original red bag.  Rod is in excellent condition suffering  gentle use only.   Doubt you will find another Howells in this format at  $2750.

248.  Orvis Midge/Nymph.  2/2, 7'6"/7'9", 3 5/8 oz. 5 Wt.  6" cigar grip, down locking seat with independent ring over varnished walnut, serial number 82154 (1978), brown silks, blued ferrules and resorcinol lines showing; medium straw colored cane.  The rod with either tip is a 5 wt, the shorter tip being a bit more brisk; the longer tip a classic nymphing taper. Tiny chip to the forward end of the cork, and some activity to the ferrule wrap to the longer tip.  Believe about two turns of silk absent from that area.  I would have it rewrapped to make it more pleasing to the eye.  The fully labeled tube sports the hexogonal cap but is a bit beat up as at least one owner likely used it as a shipping tube without regard.  However, there are a number of interesting destination addresses recorded on the tube that show its travel experiences from Long Island, NYC to Montana -- kind of cool really.  Altogether , the rod is in excellent condition.  $675.

249.  Leonard 38H.  7', 2/2, 3 1/4 oz., 4 Wt. Serial number 3734.  Has a lovely crisp medium dry fly action and is quite at home with a 4 DT line (IMO).  5 1/4" fine cigar grip, fitting for its weight and length, nickel silver cap and ring over choice morticed tiger maple, correct post fire die stamp to the cap, tan silks neatly tipped auburn, original bag with stiffener and bright perfectly fitting ferrules.  The rod is dead straight and structurally and cosmetically perfect.  Has experienced very little, very careful use so excellent plus condition.  This is a model that is so often cloned by contemporary builders for its well known design features, i.e. casting quality.   $1525.  Sold

The Following represents a fine group of Jeff Wagner Rods from his Signature Series.  J.D. Wagner Rod Company -- 

250.   Model 265 CD-Q 4 Wt.  6'5", 2/2, 3 oz.,  Quadrate.  Truly an elegant rod from Jeff who has been building rods  for over 20 years -- rods that are exquisite in every way.  His attention to detail is remarkable and very reminiscent of the work done by Don Schroeder for cosmetic and structural perfection.  Sports a  5 1/2" cigar grip, sterling silver hook keeper and coin edged winding check  proprietary to Jeff,  blued cap and ring over highly figured morticed walnut, dark chocolate silks, red agate stripper guide, blued perfect fitting ferrules, and elegant dark even flaming with a two by two node pattern showing golden against the dark background.  These quads are always so elegant for their wide surfaces particularly when finished by a highly regarded craftsman like Jeff.  Rod enjoys a medium somewhat parabolic feel not unlike the rods produced by Paul Young as Jeff is a student of the Young genre.  The rod has had very little use and therefore quite perfect.  $1550.  Sold

251.  Model 363 M 4Wt.  6'3", 3/2, 2 3/4 oz. Another work of art from Jeff with an all cork seat and grip, blued cap and ring,  dark chocolate silks, over beautifully flamed hexagonal blanks, red agate stripper guide, blued perfectly fitting ferrules, braided sterling silver hook keeper and winding check and bronze toned snake guides.  Feels a bit like a Paul Young Midge done in a 3 piece format.  A great casting,  do everything rod in its size.  Very minor soiling of the cork otherwise excellent plus, plus.  $1475.

252. 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.  

257.  A.J. Thramer Leonard 39  From his Classic Series. 6" cigar grip (very slightly soiled), nickel silver cap and ring over butternut,  Cardinal red silks just as the late post fire Leonard Standards.  Light cane, bright  good fitting ferrules, dead straight and all else we've come to expect from this highly underappreciated maker.  Thramer's attention to detail and taper design without reproach.  Has a pleasing medium dry fly flavor and well suited for dry fly work, or light (unweighted please) streamers or wets.  Just a great rod with performance standards at least as good as the original, perhaps with a bit more welcomed zip than the original 39.  A.J. had the talent to take a good taper and make it an ever so much better performer.  Aside from minor handle soiling that appears to bespeak very little use, the rod is in excellent plus condition accompanied by his high grade Leonard replica tube.  $800. 

258.  Sweetgrass (Glenn Brackett and the Boo Boys) Pent.  7'9", 2/2, 3 7/8 oz. medium action 5 Wt.  Serial number 2085. Hallmark Sweetgrass logo applied to the side of the end cap.    Inscribed to the first owner "Built for ... by Glenn Brackett and the Booboys.  Very pleasing habit that you'll just fall in love with for its breath of utility and pleasurable feel. Was the previous owner's "go to" rod for fishings on the Farmington River, in NW CT.   6 1/4" moderate half wells grip  showing very spare use, down locking antiqued hardware over what seems to be highly figured bubinga or amboina insert, red agate stripper guide, bamboo winding check, straw colored cane and unusual for the finish, done in the traditional tan with burgundy accents usually reserved for the hex or quad rods.  Must have been a special request and frankly more handsome than the usual burgundy that designates the Pent.  Perfect, even a bit tight, ferrule fit, perfect varnish and all told a perfect piece of work from the Sweetgrass manufactory.  If I had to guess, I'd say that it was expressly made by Glenn himself for the vintage and very fine workmanship and attention to detail both structurally and cosmetically.  $1450.  Sold 

260.  Orvis Battenkill.  The most desirable of the 8' rods -- the 4 1/8 oz. 2/2, model.  Rarely coming to market, this light weight 8 footer sports a 6 1/2" cigar grip, down locking seat with what I know to be walnut but for its color appears to be rosewood -- very handsome indeed.  Serial number 68629. Handsome dark cane, blued ferrules and the lighter brown silks.  Has the first owner's name neatly and inconspicuously  factory applied to the cane.  Has a medium dry fly flavor -- not as loggy as the heavier 8 footers and much more dry fly. Although its label reads 6 wt., most enthusiasts enjoy it as a 5 wt rod.  Excellent plus, plus condition. $725.  Sold

262.  Orvis Nymph.  8', 2/1 (and so labeled), 3 3/4 oz. 4 wt.  this high demand rod fills out your need for an 8' nymphing stick at a very modest price point.  6 1/2" soiled but smooth grip, down locking seat over varnished walnut, medium dark cane, serial number 71666, perfect fitting blued  ferrules with the necessary languid (read sensitive) action so necessary when nymphing or employing small streamers.  Excellent condition.  $525.  Sold

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

264.  Spinoza (Marc Aroner) Hunt pattern.  7 1/2, 3/2, 5 wt.  5 1/4" reverse half wells grip perfectly clean (and unhandled), blood red silks, turned brass ferrule plugs, black anodized up locking seat over highly figured morticed koa, Aroner die stamp in place on the reel seat hardware as well as on the tube cap, so late rod, blued ferrules, die stamp to the tube collar and medium dark cane.  Pre owned but brand new unused rod with a medium crisp dry fly action typical of Marc's work.  The rod sparkles.  $3200.   Sold 

266.  Bill Blackburn Hollow Built, 3/2,  8'3" 4 wt.  Near 6"  straight bullnosed cigar grip grip, morticed koa insert under blued cap and ring, straw colored perfectly varnished low luster cane, transparent tan silks, blued ferrules and serial numbered 2121.  Just a sensational rod from this master who developed his craft as an apprentice/maker with  Tom Morgan.  Rod has a distinctive dry fly flavor more comfortable with a 5 wt line than its designated 4 wt.  I might even say the rod has a decidedly progressive dry fly action.  Can be the one rod to own if you'll only own one bamboo rod -- a highly unlikely story.  As new and apparently unsused in its original bag and very high grade black, brass appointed tube.   $1550.  Sold

267.  The Jenkins Rod (and so appointed in its scripted engraving to the bottom of the end cap).  6 1/2', 2/2, 3 Wt. --although reads 2 wt. Serial number 652-2.  5 1/2" cigar grip befitting the size of the rod, amboina (?) insert under blued cap and ring, quiet golden silks, rarely seen for the Jenkins clan elegant flamed cane and blued tight fitting ferrules.  Enjoys a bright Catskill style dry fly habit for those smallest streams, small flies and midges and able to protect the lightest leaders.  Just the perfect combination of light line action and dry fly delivery with plenty of backbone in a virtually unused rod from Steve Jenkins of the Charlie and Steve Jenkins heritage.  Both Charlie and his son Steve produced rods of uncommon quality and performance.  This one is no exception.   $1250.  Reduced

269. Don Schroeder.  7 1/2', 3/2, 4 wt (best as a 5 wt IMHO). Serial number 30802.  Built 2002.  6" flor grade cork cigar grip, blued cap and ring over morticed maple seat, translucent tan silks smartly and discretely tipped auburn,  blued tight fitting ferrules, and machined brass ferrule  plugs in place.  Rod has a progressive dry fly habit and comes alive with a 5DT line.  Some cork handling but frankly I believe completely unused.  Don's work for structural and cosmetic detail is above reproach and still greatly undervalued for his history, production and quality of workmanship.  Still don't understand the nature of his very extraordinarily value  pricing on the secondary market.  $1650.   Sold

270.  Orvis Battenkill.  The ubiquitous 7 1/2', 3 7/8oz. 5/6 wt. rod.  Serial number 38063, so 1964.  Enjoys the usual 6 1/2" cigar grip (soiled but smooth and uncompromised), down locking seat over satin walnut, brown silks,  rather dark shafts and unusual bright perfect fitting ferrules.  Dead straight with a progressive dry fly action.   My usual comment about this model is that it is an all around instrument and the only rod you'll ever need  if you'll only own one rod.  Needless to say, and hopefully for this proprietor, completely unrealistic. Quite a handsome rod with original bag and tube with completely  legible detailed blue label.  $650.   Sold

271.  Jim Downes 7612.  71/2', 2/2, 5 wt. Just as item 51.  But at my request made up with a very comfortable half wells grip, dark walnut reel seat filler, slightly darker cane and a milky agate stripper guide.  A simply stunning piece of work from this now quite important PA builder.  Progressive pleasing dry fly action with cosmetic details above reproach.  Among current makers, Jim's work is grossly undervalued.  New from Jim.  $1450.   

272.  Mark Edmonds 7 1/2', 3/2 parabolic.  3 5/8 oz., 4/5 wt.  Serial number 056 and dated 3-26-00 presumably built in 2000. Styled as a Garrison for appearance, it unquestionably behaves like the 7 1/2' Payne parabolic.  All cork Garrison grip and seat with minor soiling, nickel silver cap and ring, blued perfect fitting ferrules,  bronze wraps with chocolate silks to the hook keeper and ferrule stations.  Rather dark/medium straw colored cane (dead straight) with resorcinol glue lines.  Mark made quite a few rods in the 90's and early 2000's contracting through Len Codella and was a prominent fixture in Len's pages.  This rod, fully parabolic will turn an amateur into a Lefty Kreh in spite of the hesitation that some enthusiasts have about parabolic rod.  It's a virtual slingshot casting far off at will or gently as you please in close.  A beautifully made rod for detail and finish.  $825.  Sold

273.  Per Brandin Hollow Built Hex. 8'3",  2/1, 3 1/8 oz. 4 wt. model 834-2 DF. dated 2/96.  5 3/4" full wells grip with his hallmark flare to the fore end, ever so delicate coin edged nickel silver cap and ring over morticed light hardwood (yew?), rather light cane, translucent tan silks with a triple set of signature wraps about 12" above the cork done with same color as the guide wraps with a delicate single turn of black at each set.  Truncated ferrules with a perfect fit and needless to say a remarkable light line rod for appearance, detail and behaviour. The rod was previously owned by Walt Carpenter and bears his initials applied by him to the cap.  About mint condition modestly priced at $3200.   Sold

274.  Ted Simroe 2765, so 2 piece 7 1/2', 5 wt.  Serial number 834.  About 6" cigar grip, cap and ring over  handsome morticed bubinga seat, made up in my proprietary tan, monochromatic silk colors when I was Ted's sole dealer, light straw cane, 3 x 3 node pattern, perfect fitting ferrules, dead straight with a medium dry fly action.  Although Ted built more rods than any other builder in the US counting his years at Leonard, his prices on the secondary market are amazingly attractive.  His rods are absolutely perfect for detail -- perfect wraps, perfect cane work, perfect varnish, perfect ferrule fit and your "go to" rod when there's a doubt.  His rods always suffered the absence of sexy afterwork.  His reel seats were stock as were his ferrules and guides but he extended his labor into finish and action.  This could be the only dry fly rod you'll ever keep company with once in hand.  Truly a rod you'll never part with once you experience its behaviour and workmanship. Great rods from  a great builder with an amazing history and rod building experience.  Truly a fabulous rod from one of America's premier builders and for the quality of work and history of the man as rod maker,  a modest $1450.  Sold

276.  Payne 98.  Stunning , all original 2/2, 2 7/8 oz., brisk 4 wt.  5 1/2"  lightly soiled cigar grip, brown silks tipped gold, over medium straw colored cane, agate stripper guide (reintroduced in later years), original bag and tube with the familiar silver/blue label, cedar insert under blued cap and ring, and perfect fitting blued ferrules. The perfect dry fly Catskill style rod in its size range.  Late model carrying Walt Carpenter's three digit serial number to the end cap indicating his supervision and head builder at the shop subsequent to Jim Payne's passing. Simply a beautiful late rod represented in the 1975 catalogue and one of the most valued rods in the Payne line up.  Excellent plus, plus condition -- arrow straight, perfect fitting ferrules with every hallmark expected from the marque from the period at the Payne shop in Highland Mills, NY.  The rod has seen very spare use  therefore in incredible condition. $3500.  Sold

277.  A rare find indeed -- an all original Payne 197.  Post 1951.  3/2 configuration, 5 wt.  Hang tag still with the rod reads 3 15/16oz. but on my postal scale  weighs out at exactly 4 oz. which is consistent  with the model and vintage considering it has an up locking screw seat.  Has a 6" half wells grip with up locking screw seat and cedar filler, "made for" die stamp to the turnbuckle, chocolate silks tipped gold, beautiful dark straw colored cane; ferrule plugs in place. Has a fabulous progressive dry fly habit as do all Paynes.  It's original bag has a neatly sewn hole to the bottom from the pressure of the butt section ferrule plug otherwise the rod is about perfect for cosmetics, structure and casting talent.  Truly a rod that rarely comes to market, particularly from the late years of Jim's production.  $4200.  Sold

278.   Another lovely rod from the bench of Mark Edmonds.  Much like item 272, this is Mark's 7'9" 3 piece version of the 3 3/4 oz. 7'9" Payne 5/6 wt parabolic. Amazing that Mark was able to duplicate the action of that hallmark rod and deliver it as a 3 piece work.  Weighs 4 oz. due to the second set of ferules but maintains the performance properties of the Payne 3 3/4 oz.  variant.   Sports a 6" somewhat soiled but smooth half wells grip  giving way to an all cork seat with nickel silver cap and ring. Serial numbered 058, shows resorcinol glue lines under perfectly varnished dead straight dark straw colored cane, chocolate brown silks tagged red, and blued ferrules.  Exceptional performance standards  of the original marque for 5/6 wt lines. As the Payne, moderately parabolic and just a great casting do everything rod.  Aside from the soiled grip, the rod is about perfect both cosmetically and structurally.  Edmonds was truly an underappreciated builder, although enjoying quite a few sales under the aegis of Len Codella during the 90's and early 2000's and now a reputation alive and well with  a vibrant cult following.  $825.

279.  AJ Thramer. From his Classic Taper Series, an 8 1/2' , 2/2, Hollow Built, 5 Wt, EC Powell replica.  6" full wells grip, ebony (or blackwood) insert, nickel silver up locking seat, flamed cane, red agate stripper guide, yellow silks,  single intermediate wrap between guides, perfect fitting ferrules, dead straight beautifully varnished cane and bright snake guides.  The rod has a lovely progressive, maybe even semi parabolic feel -- don't know what taper it replicates but suspect a B taper.  Thramer, a highly underestimated builder was a master of tapers  -- his own or replications -- a skilled practitioner for structure and finish.  Just an amazing craftsman in every way and one of the few builders who always got a classic taper just right.  His reputation has unfortunately been relegated to pedestrian status  by the literati but in point of fact, is one of the best builders in the US today. Makes a fabulous canoe rod and would be a welcome partner on the Housatonic or Delaware Rivers.  Truly, an amazing rod.  About mint condition and unabashedly priced at $1100.  Sold  

280.  RK Bolt.  7 1/2', 2/2, 3 oz., Hollow Built 4 Wt. rod.  Serial number 0223.  In the literal steps of Gary Howells, Bolt replicates  Gary's rods often with a bit more "stuff" to them.  5 1/2" reverse half wells grip, all cork cap and ring seat as Gary's lighter were wont to be, light brown silks tipped yellow, wrapped ferrule stations, bamboo and cork ferrule plug, and an exquisite varnish finish over dark straw colored cane.  Rod has a decidedly tip action dry fly habit reminiscent of light Leonard rods and perhaps a departure from the Howells progressive action oevre.  A brilliant piece from Robert K. Bolt and in the footsteps of Gary Howells. Truly an exquisite rod.   Modestly priced at $1500. 

281.   Jim Reams. 8', 2/2, 4 3/4 oz. 5 Wt.  Serial number 197.  Best known for his hollow build construction, at 4 3/4 oz. and serial number this is one of Jim's rare solid built rods. Rod has a decidedly brisk dry fly flavor, 6 1/2" slightly soiled moderate wells grip, jewel like coin edged nickel silver cap and ring over rosewood, evenly darkly flamed cane, transparent "army green" silks -- really quite handsome and in perfect sync with the rod color and needless to say an absolutely flawless varnish finish.  Perfect fitting blued ferrules,  dead straight, 3 x 3 node construction and just an incredible casting rod.  Casts lovingly in close and dramatically far off without issue.  Really just the perfect "if you're only  going to own one rod" kind of rod.  I may be undervaluing this piece as I've been advised that his solid built rods are rather rare and are making a distinctive resurgence on the market.   2250. 

282.  Gary Howells.  8', 2/2, 3 5/8 oz. Serial number 4234.  Early rod made for one of Gary's biggest supporters, Craig Lynch.  Craig also wrote the Introduction  to Joe Beelart's tome about Gary and figured prominently in the work.  6" reverse half wells grip a la Payne design (clean but  very slightly ridged from honest use), up locking seat over zebra wood, Brown double wrapped silks tipped yellow, Although the tube label is marked for a 4 wt.  I rather prefer it as a very medium 5.  Medium progressive, almost semi parabolic dry fly action.  Smooth casting as are all of Gary's rods. Straw colored cane, perfect varnish, 2 x2 node pattern, and older type written label with Gary's signature in place and put up in his traditional red bag.  Historically important, fabulous casting medium action rod.  Modestly priced at $2550.   

283.  Dave Klausmeyer Premium.  6 1/2', 3/2, 3/4 wt.  While living in Maine, Dave made quite a few beautiful bamboo rods and a favorite product in Marty Keane's line up of inventory in about every one of his catologues.  Dave has since become, and for some years, editor of Fly Tyer Magazine.  this rod, a particular beauty is a 3 piece 6 wt that Dave claims a 3 wt but it bears consideration as a 3/4 wt progressive action dry fly rod.  6" cigar grip its size and configuration befitting the size and weight of the rod, nickel silver cap and ring over mahogany spacer, darkly flamed cane, clear wraps; blood red at the ferrule stations and hook keeper.  The rod is accompanied by a letter from Mary Keane referencing Klausmeyer rods in general that I will include.  An historically important rod in the world of contemporary rod making and a great pack rod with a substantial history and great performance standards.  Neatly put up in one of Dave's high grade black stippled tubes with brass hardware.  $625.  Sold

284.  Orvis Superfine Fly/Spin rod.  6 1/2', 2/1, 2 1/2oz.,Serial number 57384, 10" dual ring seat (soiled but smooth) to accommodate either a fly or spinning reel.  Brisk dry fly action and a formidable spinning reel in its size range.  I use my own on Lake George each summer as a smallmouth bass rod and am sure it would do yeoman's work as a fly rod as well.  Previous owner deftly and conveniently installed a hook keeper above its winding check.  The rod is in very good condition in its well marked tube and original single tip  bag and begs to be fished.   Amiably priced at $325. 

285.  Orvis 7 1/2', 3 7/8 oz., 5/6 wt. Battenkill. Serial number 74799.  6" cigar grip (soiled and slightly ridged), down locking seat over varnished walnut, medium dark cane, blued perfect fitting ferrules, transparent brown silks and all nice a tight and dead straight popular do everything rod from this historically distinguished maker.  Full bodied, progressive dry fly action that will accommodate itself to dry fly fishing, as well as weighted streamer or nymph activity.  Just the quintessential all around, popular rod from Orvis. Put up in its original well labeled tube and possibly unoriginal but well made bag.  With exceptions noted,  $575.  

286.  South Creek Ltd.  Mike Clark rod.  Built in  7', 3/2, crisp action 3 weight (but think it can tolerate a 4), moderately flamed cane and made up for taper as one of his famous Anita Rae designs, although not labeled as such. Paraphrasing from Mike's own entry,  nickel silver cap and ring, Red Manzanita spacer, custom wells grip with wraps of the client's choice in brown tipped red, red agate stripper guide and blued cap and ring with oak leaf engraving; Mike's die stamp in place.  Serial number 969 so 9th rod of 1996.  Love the bag that Mike uses with easy to access partitions and oh, so handsome patterned silk lining.  Sports machined ferrule plugs and about the best varnish finish among contemporary makers.  Mike calls this rod a Custom South Creek with the Anita Rae taper that if so labeled would be pricier.  Seriously doubt this rod has seen much use as it presents near new.  $2350.

287.  Another rod from the deft hands of Mike Clark with design specifications  of the AK Best model.  7 1/2', 3/2, 4 wt. serial numbered 9813 so 13th rod of 1998.    A rather crisp dry fly rod with cigar grip, nickel silver rope edged cap and ring over walnut, brown silks tipped red, red agate stripper guide,  baked honey colored evenly toned cane, machined ferrule plugs,  and again one of the best varnish efforts in the industry.  Elegant in every respect; appears as new.  Apparently , according to Mike you could have any of the Signature rod tapers with or without the imprimatur of  AK Best or John Gierach to  lessen the pain of the additional cost for that feature.  So, an AK Best taper, without the AK Best label to it.  Again appears as new and put up in Mike's elegant bag and tube.  $2450.  Sold

288.  John Pickard 704.  7', 2/2, 4 wt. 9 1/4"  overall half wells grip and all cork reel seat (slightly soiled) with blued nickel silver cap and ring, mottled handsome flamed cane, yellow silks, blued tight fitting ferrules and dead straight.  Although a an absolute 4 wt rod, this rod, to quote old friend Carl Hueter, has subdued many 14-22 inch trout without effort.  Dry fly, to be sure, but has the backbone of its cousin the Driggs River Special and purportedly a derivation of the Paul Young Princess taper.  You can leave your 8' rods home as this rod has the ability to cast a long line and in close is a pleasure to enjoy as well.  Can handle dries, streamers and even weighted nymphs and particularly skillful with droppers with a big fly indicator. Just a very cool rod from a fellow who was clearly on his way to becoming the Paul Young/Lyle Dickerson legacy owner of the century were it not for an unfortunate interruption in his production.  His rods are truly spectacular.  Put up in a classic Leonard- like tube and a precise reproduction of Dickerson's cleverly designed bag with fold over  protective top flap.  Excellent condition.  $1200.  Sold

291.  Gary Howells.  A late  8', 2/2, 3 3/4 oz. 5 Wt.  Carries serial number 6101.    Rod has a medium brisk dry fly habit and just the perfect dry fly rod with  Gary's elegant progressive action distinctly leaning towards a Catskill brand of dry fly behaviour.  Gary's hallmark moderate reverse half wells grip, up locking seat over highly figured zebra wood, straw colored cane with Gary's remarkable varnish finish, brown silks tipped yellow and and aside from very light soiling of the totally smooth and uncompromised grip near mint condition.  Needless to say, a perfect ferrule fit and dead straight.  $2750.  Sold 

293.  Jim Downes 50 DF.  8', 3/2, 5 wt.  6" cigar grip, blued cap and ring over maple with Jim's die stamp to the cap, honey colored cane, red stripper guide, lime green silks smartly tipped auburn (exceptionally handsome), 3 x 3 node pattern just as a Leonard, perfect fitting blued ferrules and book matched tips. May be the most handsome rod I've had from Jim for attention to detail and authenticity of the behaviour of the Leonard 50DF.  a true Catskill replication of a classic.  Exceptional for structural integrity, appearance and replication of the action of the marque.  Pre-owned and returned to me in a welcome trade but absolutely mint condition.  Fabulous workmanship from this PA builder.  Deserves much attention for his years at the bench, workmanship and quality of work.  You'll not be disappointed with this rod for appearance and casting habit.   $1450 and well below Jim's current price point.  

294.  Thomas and Thomas Traditionalist. From the Individualist series.  8', 2/2, 6 wt (although I think it can behave as a brisk 5 DT rod.  Serial number 4140. 6" moderately soiled reverse half wells grip,  jewel-like nickel silver up locking seat over lustrous walnut (with isolated reel foot mars to it that can no doubt be polished out), prominent swelled butt, elegant lightly flamed dead straight varnished shafts, transparent silks, tipped cinnamon, blued perfect fitting ferrules, collectible grade book matched tips and a full working progressive action, a hallmark of the model.  Just a super medium to big water rod quite able with large dries, weighted streamers and particularly with a dropper arrangement with a big dry as an indicator.  Thomas and Thomas rods are still the standard for "big company" workmanship -- just handsome rods with fabulous structural integrity even after years of ownership evolution.  And still carrying the quality control exerted by Tom Dorsey.  Perfect in every way.  Excellent condition.  Put up in their hallmark bag with stiffener, silk hang tag and extraordinarily high grade, smart looking tube with coin edged cap.  "The rod you will eventually own" the credo of the company's marketing acumen. Current retail price for their rods is in excess of $4500.  Here in very good/excellent condition, $1750.  Sold

295.  CW Jenkins labeled rod.  Signature Model.  GA70L-84.  7', 2/2, 3/4 wt (an absolute 4 wt in my estimation).   6" Garrison style grip, morticed cedar seat appointed with blued cap and ring, medium dark cane (oven tempered?), tan silks and all blued hardware.  This is a signature model that Steve and Charlie revived after Charlie's early rods.  Charlie,  a proponent of the Garrison style, made rods since 1960.  His son, Steve, took over after Charlie's passing but this rod was  made while Charlie was still around to split cane and glue up.  The label,  although not the earliest labeling, is clearly a hallmark of the Charlie/Steve collaboration.  the rod is in near perfect condition and has  the classic  Garrison progressive dry fly design and action.  May be one of the most desired models from the CW Jenkins bench to date.  Enjoys a 3 x 3 node pattern, blued perfect fitting ferrules, is dead straight as are all of Jenkin's rods, and is a wonderful 7' 4 wt dry fly rod.  Most amazing about their work was the attention to detail.  Perfect ferrule fit, perfectly straight (always), perfect varnish and perfectly applied silks.  Always understated for appearance always perfect for structural integrity and outstanding performance qualities.  In the history of American rod making The Jenkins rod deserves the highest praise for quality of workmanship and performance and have been unreasonably undervalued.  Excellent condition $1450.

296.  Steve Jenkins GA79-24.  7'9", 2/2, 5 wt.  6"  lightly soiled cigar (Garrison style) grip,  morticed cherry insert, bright nickel silver cap and ring,  bright perfect fitting ferrules, 3 x 3 node pattern, blonde cane, transparent light tan silks, structurally perfect, cosmetically clean and perfect.  As an adherent of the Garrison tradition the rod has a progressive,  pleasing dry fly action for 5 wt lines.  I like it with a 5 DT.  One of the most perfect rods ever to enter the rod making history of American rod making.  For quality, history and action should be considered one of "best rods" from individual builders in the US.  Fabulous performing rod; extraordinary for detail.  It's hard to imagine a rod of this quality, this size, this line weight, selling for less than my price of $1550.   Just the perfect all around rod from a a pair of rod making  builders with a 63 year of rod building history.  

297.  Back to me in a very welcome trade/purchase is this amazing Walt Carpenter Browntone.  7'9", 2/2, progressive rather brisk dry fly 5 Wt.  6" cigar grip, walnut filler under blued nickel silver cap and ring with Walt's early die stamp properly in place to the end cap, glorious deep 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 verso noting its Browntone status, length and hard to read ferrule size.  Having left Payne only a short time before, some say his best period.  This is by far the best Walt Carpenter rod I have ever had for structural integrity, workmanship and finishing detail -- ever.  Mint unused.   $3600 or BO.  

298.  Payne 197.  Made by Walt Carpenter in 1973 while he was managing the Payne company subsequent to Jim's passing.   7 1/2', 3/2, 4/5 wt.  5 1/2" cigar grip, cedar seat under nickel silver 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  and hand tag still with the rod.  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 and labeled by Walt 197H.   A super progressive dry fly rod and likely one of the last rods to come from the Payne manufactory and while Walt was the manager -- and likely the only builder at the time.  Put up in a khaki colored bag with a perfect condition hang tag.  And now for the most interesting aspect of the work -- several vintage labels to the tube.  First, the traditional silver and blue Payne label, second factory label reading "Payne Rod Company, Walter Carpenter, Manager, Highland Mills, New York" and third and even more interesting and although seen before by this enthusiast, 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 ferrules sizes), 1973.  Additional notes in Walt's hand with his signature to that label as well.  The tube cap also holds a sticker that reads "W.C." again in Walt's hand.  About mint original condition.  $4200 or BO.

299.  Jim Downes version of the Payne 201.  Sold several months ago at full price but since, back with me without having been used, so still mint condition.  But since it left these pages, I will price it as a pre-owned rod.  6" cigar grip, blued cap (with hallmark die stamp) and ring over exotic spectacular looking insert, straw colored cane, book matched tips, 3 x 3 node structure,   dark avocado silks neatly tipped black -- truly handsome, red agate stripper guide and blued perfect fitting ferrules as always.  rod has  a  full working progressive dry fly action and is ready to do business as a dry fly rod, nymphing instrument or streamer rod. Can tolerate  weighted wets and tandems or dropper arrangements as well.  The rod is slightly heavier than the original 201 and its action lies squarely between a 201 and a 201H.  So a brisk 5 DT rod in most hands.   A virtual steal at $1275. 

300.  Thomas and Thomas Paradigm.  From the Individualist series. 8', 2/2, 5 wt. crisp dry fly rod.  6" soiled reverse half wells grip, hardly worth mentioning slightly tarnished up locking nickel silver seat with the T and T hallmark die stamp over varnished walnut with very minor reel foot mars to it, prominent swelled butt, flamed and perfectly varnished cane,  clear tan silks tipped cinnamon, serial number 4066, fully labeled tube and sensible dot marked tips for convenient interchangeable use. Although the rod has had some honorable use, it remains perfectly straight, has a great ferrule fit and is structurally perfect; cosmetically very good.  In the world of "company" made rods, the most beautiful, well made rods in the US (IMHO).  And in better condition than my very conservative condition reports will allow.  $1850.