CLASSIC RODS

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51.  Jim Downes.  7612, 7 1/2', 2/2, 5 wt.  6" flor quality cigar grip, cap and ring seat (die stamped with maker's mark) over tiger maple insert,  blonde  cane beautifully wrapped with avocado silks  smartly and delicately tipped in a dark auburn, cocoa colored agate stripping guide; blued  ferrules and reel seat hardware.  The rod enjoys a fabulous dry fly habit and may be the finest piece yet recieved from Jim for performance and  finish.  The rod is perfect in every way -- dead straight (of course), perfect ferrule fit,  flawless varnish and ever so beautiful wraps. Working with Walt Carpenter in his early days,  I believe Jim is among the most talented builders of our time.   $1350.  Sold.  Just got another from Jim.  So, available.  Very popular model.

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

57.  Jim Downes Quad.  8', 3/2, 5/6wt.  Previously sold rod back to me in a welcome trade is this stunning rod from Jim Downes.  6" cigar grip, nickel silver cap and ring over figured rather dark maple, Jim's die stamp in place on the lovely machined end cap, blonde cane, pale red agate stripper guide, forged winding check, and an absolutely beautiful finish a la Tom Maxwell -- transparent tan silks neatly tipped crimson.  Rod has a brisk full bodied medium dry fly action.  This rod is truly a work of art for appearance; a casting machine for performance.  Jim is quickly being considered one of the pre-eminent builders of our time having worked closely with both Walt Carpenter and George Maurer gleaning the best of their design and cosmetic offerings for his own work. His attention to detail above reproach.  Mint unused condition.  $1450.

68.  Orvis Battenkill.  7', 2/1, serial number 69029 (1973), 3 3/8oz. 5 wt.  Hex capped original gray tube, fully legible labeled as a two tip rod; original green bag.  Sadly, the second tip lost along the way.  6" cigar grip, down locking seat with independent  ring and unmarred varnished walnut filler. And for its period unusually dark cane.    Rod has a very likeable brisk dry fly action with enough backbone to handle  formidable prey in small water; tight venues.  With exception noted, an excellent condition rod in a desirable size at the price of plastic.  $425

70.  Orvis Deluxe.  6 1/2', 2/2, Serial number 35698 (1963), 5/6 wt.  4" Superfine grip giving way to an all cork seat with dual rings and the usual aluminum button to the flared seat terminus.  A great little small stream rod capable of throwing small to medium size dries, nymphs and can tolerate weighted wets as well.  A small rod with lots of backbone that I would describe as medium dry fly and somewhat parabolic in habit.  Dark cane, brown silks, perfect fitting ferrules with about 90% bluing  and original bag and tube with fully legible blue label.  Aside from very minor ridging of the cork; no reel seat impressions to the seat in fine condition.  This rod often sold as a 4/5 wt in the interest of marketing, really sings with a 6 wt line.  While the tendency for both dealers and enthusiasts to envision a 6 1/2 footer as a 4 or 5 wt is ubiquitous.  Respect it as a 6 wt. and it will be a casting epiphany.  Just a great rod if properly used.  For its ever so slight ridging of the cork grip, $575.  Again, available

82.  Tufts and Batson.  7 1/2', 3/2, 5 wt.  Absolutely stunning piece of work from Amelia Tufts and Gabe Batson.  Having apprenticed under the vigilance of Daryll Whitehead and later a stint with Bellinger, this extraordinary pair have raised the art of building bamboo to heady levels.  6" moderate cigar grip, blackwood insert under nickel silver cap and ring, correct dye stamp in place, medium straw colored cane with a 3 x 3 node pattern,  glorious black silks smartly tipped orange, turned ferrule plugs,  elegant nickel silver "wedding cake" configured winding check and red agate stripper guide.  Varnish is beyond perfect, ferrule fit is amazing and up to the Jordan-Mills almost irritating standards,  and the action is just amazing for its medium dry fly habit.  One sliding ring mark to the back of the most elegant insert, not even worth mentioning, otherwise as new.   The current pricing for their rods is in excess of $2400, maybe even more than  $2500 for the 3 piece format.  Great images on their website but glad to send pics.  Here, in absolutely perfect condition,  $1550.  

84.  Incredibly rare offering from the Orvis Company.  a 7', 4 piece, two tip pack rod in remarkable condition.  Serial number 76301, 1971 and specifically listed in the Reynolds compendium,  green bag, gray tube with hex cap.  3 7/8oz. , reads 6 wt but at its weight can carry a 5 with ease. Dead straight, great ferrule fit; has a  nice full bodied medium dry fly habit.  Superfine cigar grip has a bit of soiling and almost not worth mentioning ridging, likely from time rather than use as the walnut insert is immaculate, absent any signs of reel mounting.  This rod just about never,  never comes to market and by far more allusive even than the model 7/4.  $925.  Sold

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

89.  JD Wagner Signature series Pent.  7' 3", 2/2, 4/5 wt.  Labeled "Penta Number One" model 273 FSP 4-5 wt. and of course Jeff's signature properly in place.  Rod sports a minimally reverse wells grip, nickel silver up locking screw seat over highly figured cherry (?) insert, sterling silver winding check, exclusive rope braid sterling silver hook keeper,  glorious darkly flamed cane, transparent brown silks ever so delicately tipped black and red agate stripper guide.  While I'm not certain what Jeff's price on a Pent is, his Signature rods retail for 2295.  This rod has a decidedly dry fly parabolic action.  Jeff is quite a fan of the Young tapers and this is classically in the category.  Put up in his Signature bag and black powder coat tube with full gold label in tact.   Only  very slight soiling of the grip otherwise in perfect condition -- excellent plus, plus, plus.  $1450. 

91.  Another beautiful rod from Homer Jennings.  This, a 7', 2/2, 4wt.  Serial number 565, so 2004 build.  6" cigar grip, bright nickel silver cap and ring over his hallmark olive wood spacer, forged hex winding check, prominently swelled butt, blonde cane, transparent tan silks delicately tipped deep brown,  perfect fitting truncated ferrules and bamboo ferrule plug still in place.  Finish is impeccable.  The rod is in its original bag and his later brown stippled tube with heavy brass  collar and cap.  The rod has a fabulous dry fly Catskill style action and just a super pleasure to cast.  Homer's rods are arguably among the top tier of American rod makers but are inconceivably moderately priced. For minimal cork soiling, seems to have been lawn cast only.  $1550.

96.  Thomas and Thomas Paradigm.  7 1/2', 2/2, 5 wt.  Serial number 2742 sports the early, excuse the language, pecker grip (somewhat soiled but smooth and uncompromised).  Most enthusiasts will know exactly what I am describing.  Often called the Ellis grip.  And pics will tell the story.  Just a fabulous medium action dry fly rod; best of all it has Tom Maxwell's handwriting to it.  Lovely straw colored impregnated cane, blued cap and ring over an unmarred walnut insert,  pale yellow silks making the look monochromatic with chocolate wraps at the ferrule stations.  Elegant dry fly rod from the hands of Tom Maxwell.  Guessing early 70's vintage.  Dead straight,  ferrule fit is perfect and put up in the proper bag with stiffener and original highest grade tube.  $1750.  Sold

97.  Don Schroeder.  8', 2/2, 6/7 wt. Graded by Don as a 6 wt.  Serial number 21999.  Beautiful dark rod from Don with all of his hallmark attention- to-detail elements.  6 1/4" reverse half wells grip , uplocking screw seat over what I believe to be a morticed  cherry wood insert (a bit unusual for Don), die stamp in place on the turnbuckle, nicely machined coin edged winding check, brown silks smartly tipped black and perfect fitting blued ferrules.  The rod has a strong, distinctly dry fly flavor and aside from some soiling of the grip, in excellent condition.  Dead straight, great ferrule fit, perfect varnish.  Just another super rod from the master of cosmetic and structural consistency, Don Schroeder.  $975.  Reduced

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98.  Extraordinary Arrival.  7 1/2', 2/2,  3 5/8 oz. all original HS (Pinky) Gillum Rod in a very rare 5 weight configuration.  All original, late manufacture (likely 1960-62) in original bag and tube and without cosmetic or structural issues.  May be one of the rarest rods to reach the market in many years.  Just a super dry fly rod in the Catskill tradition without the tippiness often characterized by the genre. Photos for serious inquiries.  Sold

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99.    Payne 98.  7', 2/2, 3 oz.,  4 wt. Late model.  Elegantly restored by John Bradford perhaps one of the best restorationists in the US until his passing some years ago.  Original bag and tube.  5" cigar grip, blued cap and ring over Spanish Cedar filler, brown silks tipped yellow, Payne die stamp in place sans retailer's logo on the cap.  Although a fabulous refinish, John chose a brown that is somewhat lighter in color than the original chocolate, otherwise about perfect restored condition.  A significant note here is that there is a guarantee of all original sections  as John categorically would refuse to make replacement sections for any rod that he had the good fortune to restore.  This is rather common knowledge among   enthusiasts so feel confident that the rod is completely original aside from the deft hand work of John Bradford.  Another interesting note, and a very rare occurrence, is that there is on the bag a William Rosgen ink stamp indicating that it was brokered or sold by that CT retailer notable for retailing Carlson rods and other well known individual maker's work very likely in the 50's and early 60's.  This Purveyor has never  seen this imprimatur to a Payne rod bag.  Rod is dead straight, has a great ferrule fit and begs the new owner to use it on small streams; small to medium flies.  Has the back bone to seduce most trout to several pounds as well.  $2450.   Reduced

100.  Post fire Leonard 38.  7', 2/2, 3 1/8 oz., 4 wt.  Serial number 3229 so Ted Simroe, Midland Park, NJ era rod.   5 1/2" cigar grip, down locking screw seat over butternut with nickel silver cap clearly marked with the Leonard die stamp for the period.  Tan silks , tipped auburn, light straw colored cane, ferrule plug in place and original bag and tube with the completely detailed hallmark red label.  Just a beautiful light dry fly 4 weight rod in the Catskill tradition.  Elegant casting habit, perfect finish; perfect structural condition and ready to be fished for many years to come.  Aside from very minor almost insignificant in- use soiling of the cork, excellent condition.  $1350.

103.  Orvis Battenkill.  7 1/2', 2/2, 5/6 wt in the ubiquitous 3 7/8oz format.  Serial number 39830.  6" all smooth but soiled cigar grip, down locking seat over satin walnut with a few unexplainable mars to the wood filler, rather dark cane,  absence of bluing to the excellent fitting ferrules and a medium yet full bodied dry fly action typical of the model.  Although all whole and in generally good condition a few wraps could use a bit of varnish, yet a long way from needing a rewrap.  Straight as an arrow, structurally perfect; cosmetically good. Original bag and tube absent most of its label. Nicely priced at $575.

104.  Ted Simroe 2805.  8', 2/2, 5 wt.  Serial number 719 and originally made up for yours truly in my proprietary tan, monochromatic silk colors, all cork grip and seat with delicate cap and ring.  Grip has slight soiling showing very little use.  As all of Ted's rods it is dead straight has a marvelous varnish finish and attention to detail in a very straightforward rod is just superb.  3 x 3 node pattern as a Leonard and has a great Catskill like dry fly habit without being tippy.  For Ted's history, production standards and prolific and uncompromised workmanship highly undervalued.  His are often my go to rods in the 7 1/2 and 8 foot 5 wt range.  They are truly a pleasure to cast and will still be your friend at the end of the day.  Elegant and well behaved in every way.  Perhaps the one rod to own......you know the rest!   Save its slightly soiled grip, near perfect condition in its original bag and Leonard like tube.  $1375.  

                                                                     A Fine Selection of AJ Thramer Rods

107.  From his Classic Taper Series, a Payne 98.  7', 2/2, 4 wt.  For behaviour and appearance just as a late model Payne 98.  5 1/2" cigar grip, blued cap and ring over cedar insert, evenly toned straw colored cane, brown silks traditionally tipped yellow and an absolutely perfect varnish finish.  A brisk dry fly 4 wt that replicates the 98 from the last period.  As new.  $950.

108.  Garrison type 209E. Again a CTS rod. 7' 9", 2/2, 5/6 wt.  Made up precisely as a Garrison -- 6" cigar grip, 2/3 walnut insert, cap and properly knurled and swaged ring, clear silks over light cane; chocolate brown at the ferrule stations and winding check.  Minor soiling of the grip, otherwise a super bright progressive dry fly rod and absolutely as a Garrison 209E.  AJ has a unique talent for replicating traditional/classic tapers like no other practitioner.  Excellent condition.  $850.

109.  Leonard 39.  7 1/2', 2/2, 4/5 wt.  Made up as a Leonard from the late 70's with red silks, 6" cigar grip, butternut insert, delicate bright cap and ring, pale cane, proper black guides and, of course, Thramer's enviable flawless varnish finish.  Rod enjoys a lovely but easy dry fly Catskill habit.  Can deliver the most delicate of presentations while having the ability to handle substantial prey.  Slight soiling of the grip and a few mars to the seat insert otherwise excellent condition  and put up in what appears to be a Leonard tube.    $825.

110. Payne 197.  7 1/2', 3/2, Hollowbuilt , 4/5 wt.  Again from his Classic Taper Series of rods and again made up as a Payne.  5 1/2" cigar grip, blued cap and ring, brown silks tipped yellow, red agate stripper guide, rather dark  yet evenly toned cane,blued perfect fitting ferrules.  For its hollow build, a bit brighter than the original 197 and to my mind more appropriately distinguished as a 198. Has a bright, progressive dry fly flavor and could be a lovely all around rod with enough delicacy to present the smallest flies; enough backbone to throw streamers and wets with fervor.  Slight soiling of the grip otherwise excellent.  I believe AJ's hollow built rods are quite amazing.  $1050. 

In the pantheon of modern builders AJ has perhaps been one of the most prolific, unquestionably  talented yet overlooked, undervalued personalities.  His production habits in spite of his exhaustive efforts always remained perfect for structural competence, cosmetics and most of all for his sense of tapers whether with his Classic Series or his proprietary tapers and most particularly with his hollow built work. 

112.  Dickerson 761510 RB (Ray Bergman). One of only 73 ever made according to the Dickerson ledger and unknown number still in whole condition.  7 1/2', 3/2, 5 wt casting machine.  Every Dickerson hallmark in place; all in excellent original condition.  Pics upon request or alternatively can be seen on one of my competitor's websites.  You can hazard a guess -- perhaps the foremost  Dickerson/Young purveyor of our time!  This rod is completely uncompromised and in truly excellent condition.  $5200.  Sold 

115.  Jenkins GA79.  7'9", 2/2, 4oz., 5 wt. A late Steve rod. 6" cigar grip, satin finished morticed cherry wood insert, nickel silver machined cap and ring sporting coin edged finish each accented by a pair of parallel concentric circular hallmark channels, the seat highlighted by a simple yet elegant spacer to cork check.  The light cane  wound in clear silks, tagged auburn at the ferrule stations only add to the straightforward yet elegant overall look of Steve's oevre.  I like to compare Steve's work to that of Ted Simroe -- handsome, structurally perfect, some would say unglamourous but perfect in every way.  3 x 3 node pattern, perfect seam and planing protocol, perfect ferrule fit and most of all a perfect Garrison-like progressive dry fly action.  Perhaps the one rod to own if you'll own only one bamboo rod.  It's length and line weight the perfect combination of a do everything instrument. Having sold a great many of Steve and Charlie's rods over the years I continue to get accolades about the work years later and well after I've forgotten specific sales.  His followers are devout.  This rod put up in Steve's later green stippled tube with gold label "Since 1960" indicating the beginning of the work from Charlie to Charlie and Steve and Steve subsequent to Dad's passing.  The rod is in about perfect condition and elegant in its virtual simplicity.  $1650.

117.  Orvis Limestone Special.  8 1/2', 2/2, 6wt.  One of the best designed Orvis rods ever made.  Full working, semi-parabolic casting machine.  Cigar grip, down locking independent ring seat with lovely varnished walnut filler, obligatory brown silks, blued ferrules and original bag and tube.  Serial number 83489 so built 1980.  Just a glorious full action rod with outsdanding reach; delicate presentations when needed and just a superb casting rod in the Orvis tradition of superior quality control.  Very minor, almost not worth mentioning ridging of the cork from age rather than from use, otherwise about excellent condition with original bag and tube with fully legible label and hex cap with all model details engraved.  $750.  Sold

118.  Chris Raine ,Dunsmuir Rod Co. 8'3", 2/2,  Hollow built, model 99.  5/6 wt.  6" reverse half wells grip a la Payne, up locking nickel silver seat with what appears to be stabilized burled maple filler (Bellinger ?), dark cane, brown silks tipped black, red agate stripper guide, perfect fitting ferrules -- the female accented with Chris's micro coin edging , and original heavy high grade black tube (Golden Witch).  A full bodied progressive action rod leaning towards 6 wt.  Throws a 6DT as long as you'll ever require and is a superb instrument for medium to big water.   A superior canoe rod.  Very minor soiling of the grip, otherwise excellent plus, plus.  $950.  Sold

120.  Art Weiler Garrison type.  6 1/2", 2/2, 2 1/4oz., 3/4 wt.  After the Garrison 193 and an improvement on the original for behaviour.  5" Garrison grip, all cork seat with swaged and checkered machined sliding band, straw colored perfectly varnished cane, clear wraps with chocolate brown at the winding check and ferrule stations.  Ferrule plug still here.   As a Garrison, a sweet, progressive dry fly action for restricted venues, small flies and small to medium prey.  For its decidedly vigorous backbone can handle a surprise as well.  All smooth but somewhat soiled cork, otherwise excellent condition in his earlier Leonard tube with full label.  From one of the most prolific builders in the Garrison tradition, Art Weiler (Heritage Rods),  NJ  (1989), perhaps most desirable period.  Comfortably priced at $675.

122.  Leonard Duracane.  7', 2/1 (made as such),  704, serial number 1856, 4 wt.  5 1/8" cigar grip with very minor soiling, butternut spacer under nickel silver coin edged cap and ring with proper die stamp to the end cap for the vintage.  An early rod, it has the desirable dark cane and forest green silks.  A delightful light  dry fly 4 wt rod and at 2 5/8 oz. in the right hands might be able to handle a DT3 line.  Excellent condition.  Duracanes in the 7' length rarely come to market.  $725.  Sold

123.  Bob Summers 275 Deluxe. 2/2, 4/5 wt.  Cigar grip (lightly soiled), dual ring seat over cork with walnut accents fore and aft and lovely dark cane perfectly varnished, sporting brown silks with black tipping a hallmark of his Deluxe version.  One of the best rods in its format on the market today from any current maker.  The rod's reputation for performance precedes it.  Accompanied by Bob's instruction for care and assembly with some random notes to it in Bob's hand.  $2700.  

124.  Ted Simroe. Model 2765, so  7 1/2', 2/2, 5 wt.  This is an unfished rod made up in proprietary colors exclusive to yours truly -- translucent tan over straw colored cane very much in tune with the pre-fire look.  Moderate 5 1/2" reverse half wells grip and up locking Struble U1 reel seat with bubinga filler ala Payne.  Medium dry fly rod in the Catskill tradition and to quote myself often enough, the one rod to own if you'll only own one rod in your lifetime -- not likely!  This is an elegant casting rod as all of Ted's rods are and will still be your friend at the end of a hard day's fishing.  Just a super rod from one of the best and most prolific rod makers ever and I might add, seriously uncelebrated for both his history and quality of workmanship.  $1550.

125.  Post Fire Leonard 39H.  7 1/2', 2/2, 3 7/8 OZ.  medium dry fly rod.  Unlike many Leonard rods this model is a bit more progressive easily lending itself to dry fly work, nymphing or wet fly use.  A spectacular all around rod without that extreme Catskill tip action flavor.  Very slightlysoiled 5 1/2" cigar grip, down locking seat over butternut, cardinal red wraps usually indicating early 70's vintage and likely made by Ted Simroe.  Serial number 1838.  Has a lovely swelled butt, straw colored perfectly varnished cane and just a very fine example of the era.  Has fully legible label to the tube and although marked for a 6 wt line most enthusiasts use it with DT5.   So excellent plus condition still sporting the original coin edged ferrule plug, so often lost over time.  $1550.

126.  Bob Taylor Rod.  6 1/2', 2/2, 4 wt. This is one of Bob's elegant dark rods.  5" cigar grip, walnut filler under Bob's beautifully machined blued coin edged cap and ring with R.D. Taylor, Maker  die stamp to the end cap, subtle red agate stripper guide, the most beautiful varnish work over very dark cane you've ever seen  and moderately swelled butt. Transparent tan silks delicately tipped blood red -- just a beautiful rod in the Catskill tradition for its crisp dry fly action; perfect for small flies, small water.  Original tube has been marked 3/4 wt but I believe it truly comes alive with a 4 wt line.  Sadly, due to a devastating fire back in December of 2019 to his workshop where every piece of equipment, rods in process and bamboo were destroyed, Bob is unlikely to build any more rods.  Any rod that becomes available should be unhesitatingly acquired and used (with Bob's blessing) in memory of his rod making history.  This rod, unused with his paper on the handle.   Rob Smith (Pentalux Rods) of Glen Rock, NJ has generously organized a gift giving platform.  Consider a donation to Bob, his wife Joanne and family to help them rebuild their lives after this tragedy.  Had this rod fit my fishing proclivities, it would end up in my own very select collection of rods.  I only have one of Bob's rods, a 3 piece 7 1/2 5 wt but it needs  more company.  This rod, brand new unused,  $2650.  

128.  Walt Carpenter model 99-H.  7'3" , 2/2, 4/5 wt Browntone.  Signed W.E. Carpenter, Maker -- 1981.  Serial number 811573.  5 1/2" reverse half wells grip (mild soiling), up locking seat with cedar filler exactly as a Payne, swelled butt, dark cane, brown silks tipped black, agate stripper guide and blued ferrules.  Magnificent  rod from, some would argue, his best period only lately having separated from Payne as the last true custodian of the marque.  May be one of the most elegant Carpenters yet seen.  Excellent condition in his early tube with label and hang tag in his hand with details described.  A brisk dry fly rod in the Catskill tradition.  $3200.   Sold

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

132.  Walt Carpenter.  8 1/2', 3/2, 5 wt.  This rod built in 2005 to quote Walt (with whom I spoke to about it at length) was designed as a bespoke "Prototype for action" model and is so inscribed on the butt section along with his personal notes about the tapers for the butt, mid and tip sections.  Rod sports a 6 1/2" wells grip, perfect for comfort and size of the rod, cap and ring seat over choice butternut, blond cane, golden/tan silks, milky agate stripper guide and bright perfect fitting ferrules.  For action it is medium dry fly and somewhat semi parabolic.  Feels like a Payne 204 L-H in my hands.  About perfect condition with a complete Huntington Mills label to the tube indicating all that I've stated as well as his signature.  A beautiful medium to big water/canoe rod that will eagerly present small to large dries and handle bead head wets and nymphs with equal aplomb.  About perfect condition and an opportunity to own a Carpenter at a very reasonable  $2700. 

133.  Payne  202.  8', 3/2, 4 1/2  oz., 6 wt rod.  Unusual, but seen before by this enthusiast, a reverse half wells grip with blued  cap and ring over walnut, traditional brown silks tipped golden yellow, and "Sold By" designation to the cap.  Although the change to "Made For" was completed in the early 60's, believe this rod to be rather late and likely made ca. 1957-1962.  Fully a 6 wt.,  the rod was designed as  medium fast rod (according to Payne catologues of the time) that can throw a line a country mile and is comfortable with medium to large flies; medium to big water.  The rod is entirely original with a super Payne finish, smooth (but slightly soiled) cork, perfect fitting blued ferrules (about 100%) and still sports its original exceptionally perfect hang tag with  model number, wt. (a match to my digital scale measure), and A and F inventory number.  Take it fishing but surely in this condition eminently collectible.  $3200.  Sold

134.  Payne 204.  8 1/2', 3/2, 4 5/8 oz., 5 wt. Perfectly refinished (thinking by Don Schroeder) rod with brown silks tipped black, 5 1/2" cigar grip with 1/4" corks, walnut seat under blued cap and ring, orange/brown agate stripper guide, blued perfect fitting ferrules, and original bag and tube. Rod has a distinctly dry fly habit unlike some of its semi parabolic cousins and is just a perfect 5 wt. rod where longer reaches are the norm.  Rod sports the rather rare "Sold by Folsom Arms Co" die stamp and is owner marked on the tube "1920 and Grant Curtis, original owner".  I must say in spite of the 1920 notation, does not appear that old at all.  Rod is absolutely dead straight and is structurally perfect with no apparent replaced sections. I can say with about 100% certainty that under the very fine refinish is an all original rod.  $2100.

135. Marc Aroner Hunt Pattern.  8', 2/2, 5 wt. 6" cigar grip, blued cap and ring over choice walnut, medium dark cane with blood red silks. Also sports Marc's machined coin edged brass ferrule plugs.  Although Marc designed the rod as a 5wt, I feel more comfortable presenting it as a 5/6  for its full bodied dry fly action.  Marc's current price for this model is $4200 with a substantial wait once ordered.  Here available in near mint condition,  $2950.  Sold

136.  Another Aroner Hunt.  8', 2/2, 4 wt.  This one made up in what is most usually applied to his Spring Creek colors of moss green with delicate  blood red tipping.  6" reverse half wells grip (a la Payne), up locking die stamped black anodized seat hardware over what appears to be an elegant piece of amboina or bubinga wood insert. Marc's die stamp also appears on his tube collar.  A very neat feature of his later rods.  Although marked and designed by Marc as a 4 wt., I loved it lawn casting a 5 DT.  Just a spectacular rod in mint unused condition. $3200.  Sold  

138.  Hardy Palakona.  7' 2", 2/2, 5 wt.  5 1/2" cigar grip segueing to the hallmark all cork reel seat  die stamped pocket and end cap with knurled sliding band, typical of the brand.  Straw colored cane with just a perfect varnish finish, black wraps tipped "Kelly" green, reverse British guides, clear agate stripper guide and blued ferrules with machined aluminum ferrule plug still with the rod.  Put up in its lovely tailored blued bag.   Minor soiling of the grip, otherwise about perfect condition.  Rod has a strong medium fast semi-parabolic action typical of the marque; a nice all around rod that can adequately handle medium to large dries and weighted wets if necessary.  $725. 

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

140.  Jim Downes 7612. As Item 51.  New arrival from Jim.  And stunning for execution; fabulous for its dry fly habit.  For comprehensive description, see item 51.  $1350.  

141.  Jim Downes 7011.  Just as item 88.  Sold, but another on order and soon arriving. 1350.

142.  Jim Downes Payne 201. 8', 3/2, 5 wt.  Arriving soon.  Very popular in the Downes line up and for performance as a late model 201; for appearance, in my proprietary colors.    1450.

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

144.  John Gallas Specialty "P-87".  7'3", 2/2, 4 wt.  (can throw a 5 with aplomb).  Built in 1994.  6" cigar grip, jewel-like uplocking machined  screw seat with matching cork to filler check over morticed light colored walnut, medium straw colored blanks, red wraps tastefully tipped black, blued perfect fitting ferrules, and John's hallmark signature and serial number in place.  The rod's action is progressive and believe the "P" indicates John's notion of parabolic.  Not unlike some of the Paul Young rods that this merchant has handled, it is in fact semi parabolic and full bodied rather than the parabolic style of the Ritz or Pezon et Michel fully parabolic rods.  A great casting machine in perfect condition.   $1475.

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

146.  Payne 98.  7', 2/2, 4/5 wt.  1960's vintage (still from Jim's hands) and in remarkable believe all original condition.  5 1/2" cigar grip in perfect fettle, blued cap and ring over cedar with the "Made For" die stamp to the end cap, perfect varnish over straw colored cane, brown silks tipped gold as expected perfect fitting blued ferrules and all original bag and tube sans hang tag and turned ferrule plug still with the butt section.  Rod has a bright dry fly action and just a pleasure to cast.  The finish is so perfect that I have been somewhat reluctant to declare it to be original but considering it is from the 60's, a late model, the cork is near perfect, the seat is without blemish, silks are typically varnish starved and bluing typical of Payne's work is about 100% I'm pretty confident in my estimation of its originality.  For the equivocation, priced at a reasonable $4200.  

147.  Rarest of the Payne Parabolics, the 7 1/2',  2/2, 3 1/4oz, (proper for the model).  Written on the original tube in the first owner's hand, likely with grease pencil, "Made by Jim Payne for me about 1935, Marked Payne Sold by Abercrombie and Fitch".  Second line reads "He called it a Parabolic".  Replacment bag.  Sports the typical all cork grip and seat with blued cap and ring (die stamped Sold by A and F), straw colored cane, brown silks delicately tipped gold, and perfectly refinished by Ron McKinley of Macklin Customs.  Was sold to me as being refinished by McKinley and I can absolutely vouch for that as it displays the varnished silks discretely and subsequently varnished.  Ron was one of the few practitioners who used this method and for its aesthetics, spectacular.  Rod has a fully parabolic action bending down and through the grip just as Charlie Ritz designed, later used by both Payne and Pezon et Michel, although I believe that Jim Payne modified the action to suit his own build style.  This rod is rarer than the 7' 1" rod as well as the two different wt 7' 9" rods.  Payne discontinued making the rod as it is rumored that he was not completely pleased with it. Sadly, Jim was wrong headed about it as it turns out to be one of the finest pieces of design that ever came out of the Payne shop IMHO.  So although refinished, an opportunity for the enthusiast to own and use one of the greatest rods in this size range ever produced.  $4400. 

148.   Payne 100.  7 1/2', 2/2, very medium 4 wt rod.  5" cigar grip, walnut spacer under blued cap and ring reading "Sold by Von Lengerke and Antoine, Chicago.  As near as I can figure, a 1940's rod in all original condition.  Believe the tube label is a later addition (maybe from the Sisters, OR manufactory). Medium dark cane, red agate stripper guide, brown silks tipped gold, perfect fitting blued ferrules and original bag and tube with hang tag.  Its hang tag reading 2 7/8 oz. is consistent with my own weighing of the rod.  Generally excellent condition with a very few ticks, abrasions and some very minor allegation at the base of the butt section in line with the hook keeper.  Perhaps evidence of line slap when using the hook keeper.  All in all the rod is in great all original condition.  The flat showing some roughness near the hook keeper easily polished out.  So the rod is in very nice original condition with little or no work necessary to make it perfect. Truly a rare find and just a fabulous 7 1/2' 4 wt. rod from the maker that all other builders emulate, copy and otherwise emulate.  $4700.

149.  Ron Kusse.  7 1/2', blonde, 2/2, 3 5/8 oz. (although Ron's tag reads 3 3/4 oz.), a blessing when it comes to the Kusse rod that is almost always very fast.  This rod is a slam dunk quick 5 wt and sports a 5 3/4" cigar grip, burled maple insert under cap and ring die stamped identification,  routed to the cork in step-up fashion and without  seat to cork check -- very cool really and a hallmark of the Kusse rod copied prolifically by other makers throughout the community of rod builders. Has a prominent swelled butt, clear tan silks, blued perfect fitting ferrules, original bag with tag describing its 1992 build and his hallmark all brass tube die stamped at the cap  .  Ron's work has been recognized as some of the most elegant in the rod building community; he was  featured in the June 22, 1987 issue of the New Yorker magazine as one of America's best craftsmen.  The article runs for 10 pages extolling his workmanship, history  and position in the craft world of the time.  This rod, in excellent condition, undervalued at $1500. 

150.  Post-fire Leonard model 41.  8 1/2', 2/2, 6 wt rod.  From the Midland Park, NJ period, wrapped red, blonde cane, 7" cigar grip, down locking seat over butternut with properly die stamped nickel silver cap for the period.  Just a fabulous medium dry fly rod in the Catskill tradition with much of its performance activity in its upper reaches.  Very slight soiling of the cork otherwise in excellent plus, plus condition with original bag with stiffener and labeled tube.  This rod begs to be fished on the Delaware main branch or other medium to large water and would make a superb canoe rod.  Think, Delaware, Housatonic, Madison, Yellowstone....   Just a super casting 6 wt rod with power, delicacy and reach when needed.  $1350.  

151.  Orvis Battenkill.  8 1/2', 3/2, 4 5/8 oz., 16/10 ferrules, 5 wt.  Serial number 16517 (so made 1954). This is one of the most elegant Orvis rods from that period I've had the pleasure of offering.  Completely restored to new condition by Orvis, it carries a 6" bright as can be cigar grip, down locking seat over light toned walnut, deep straw colored cane, brown silks, original khaki bag and original brass collared tube with paper label; type  written details and crossed rods logo -- all fully complete and legible.  Has the finest tips yet seen on an Orvis rod of this length making for a wonderful dry fly habit rather than the generally more full bodied type generally associated with the brand.  Just a truly elegant rod in as new, albeit, restored condition.   Just a fabulous casting instrument from this prestigious old world maker.  $725.

152.   Wes Jordan Special by Orvis.  8', 2/2, 4 3/8 oz. 13 F.  Serial number 64687 so built 1972.  6 1/2" cigar grip with right hand factory impressions, down locking seat over varnished figured choice walnut,  brown silks, blued perfect fitting ferrules and lovely dark impregnated cane.  Has the first owner's name applied -- usual for the purchase -- and put up in the optional leather tube.  Tube, not unlike just about every other one from Orvis ever seen, no matter the condition of the rod is a bit distressed but all whole with all straps in place.  This full bodied 7 wt. rod is a true classic in the Orvis line up and begs to do business on big water; aggressive  quarry.  Can serve as a great landlocked salmon rod or canoe rod as well.  The rod is in excellent condition -- dead straight, great ferrule fit and cosmetically and structurally uncompromised.  $725.