CLASSIC RODS

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51.  Jim Downes.  7612, 7 1/2', 2/2, 5 wt.  6" flor quality cigar grip, cap and ring seat (die stamped with maker's mark) over tiger maple insert,  blonde  cane beautifully wrapped with avocado silks  smartly and delicately tipped in a dark auburn, cocoa colored agate stripping guide; blued  ferrules and reel seat hardware.  The rod enjoys a fabulous dry fly habit and may be the finest piece yet recieved from Jim for performance and  finish.  The rod is perfect in every way -- dead straight (of course), perfect ferrule fit,  flawless varnish and ever so beautiful wraps. Working with Walt Carpenter in his early days,  I believe Jim is among the most talented builders of our time.   $1450.  Sold but I always keep this model in stock; it is that popular.     

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 maple, elegant as can be lime silks with black tipping -- very tasteful -- red agate stripper guide and light straw colored bamboo blanks.  Its perfect varnish finish so compliments the wrap color that it presents as an elegant piece of workmanship.  This is a medium/fast dry fly rod quite able with a great range of fly sizes.  Absolutely top notch work with a superb casting dry fly habit.  New from Jim without the wait at $1450.  Sold but another on its way.  

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

147.  Rarest of the Payne Parabolics, the 7 1/2',  2/2, 3 1/4oz, (proper for the model).  Written on the original tube in the first owner's hand, likely with grease pencil, "Made by Jim Payne for me about 1935, Marked Payne Sold by Abercrombie and Fitch".  Second line reads "He called it a Parabolic".  Replacement bag.  Sports the typical all cork grip and seat with blued cap and ring (die stamped Sold by A and F), straw colored cane, brown silks delicately tipped gold, and perfectly refinished by Ron McKinley of Macklin Customs.  Was sold to me as being refinished by McKinley and I can absolutely vouch for that as it displays the varnished silks discretely and subsequently varnished.  Ron was one of the few practitioners who used this method and for its aesthetics, spectacular.  Rod has a fully parabolic action bending down and through the grip just as Charlie Ritz designed, later used by both Payne and Pezon et Michel, although I believe that Jim Payne modified the action to suit his own build style.  This rod is rarer than the 7' 1" rod as well as the two different wt 7' 9" rods.  Payne discontinued making the rod as it is rumored that he was not completely pleased with it. Sadly, Jim was wrong headed about it as it turns out to be one of the finest pieces of design that ever came out of the Payne shop IMHO.  So although refinished, an opportunity for the enthusiast to own and use one of the greatest rods in this size range ever produced.   $3500.

169.  Leon Hanson.  8' 6", 3/2, 3.2 oz. Hollow Built 4wt rod.  Built in 2017, considered recent.  5 3/4" moderate half wells grip, stunning coin edged up ring reel seat with dark walnut filler and ever so delicate bakelite end cap, subtle  clear wraps over abbreviated  guide feet, micro ferrules, medium dark straw colored cane,  spiral configured node spacing and turned blackwood or ebony ferrule plugs .  Leon engraves his caps with full details and just presents one of the most beautiful rods by any maker today.  Rod has a progressive yet brisk dry fly habit that although marked for a 4 wt (and Hanson is always about dead right about his line weight designation) I'm tempted to try a 5 wt line on the rod although since the rod is absolutely mint I don't dare lawn cast it.  Leon's rods are in great demand with an ungodly wait time for one of the finest long, light line rods currently being built.  $3100.  Sold.  

176.  Payne 100.  7 1/2', 2/2, 5 wt.  Although marked Payne 101 by an earlier owner, for its actual weight and absent a hang tag, I've determined that it is indeed a late model 100 with a brisker than usual action than we generally expect from the model.  With its up locking seat over Spanish Cedar, it weighs out at exactly 3 7/8 oz. placing it squarely at the upper end of the  weight range as described in the catologues of its time.   6" reverse half wells grip (slightly ridged), Abercrombie die stamp, medium straw colored cane, brown silks tipped gold, turned ferrule plug and full label to its original tube.  Has a decidedly brisk dry fly action for a 5 wt line and very reminiscent of   the Catskill style. So a rare find in that it is not nearly as brutally stiff as a 101  and more brisk than a 100 -- a welcome variant.  The rod has been expertly refinished by an unknown super competent  craftsman.  Perhaps the best restoration I've yet seen on a Payne and were it not for the honest use that the grip has received,  it would have absolutely fooled this enthusiast.  For its incredibly well done refinish and overall condition, a virtual steal at $2500.   Sold

179.  Payne 198.  7 1/2', 3/2, 3 1/4 oz. 5 wt.  Rod has been beautifully refinished by Ron McKinley, a virtual master of the craft.  I had this rod done by Ron many years ago so know full well of its structurally  uncompromised condition.  The rod comes back to me from a loyal client in little used condition since its remarkable refinish.  5" cigar grip (smooth but slightly soiled), blued cap and ring over Spanish Cedar, Payne logo inside the cartouche (thanks Marc), die stamp reads "Payne" only indicating purchase from the factory direct, lovely medium straw colored cane, red agate stripper guide, perfect ferrule fit and legible hang tag to the bag with the weight as listed dead matching its actual weight as measure by yours truly.  Rod has a crisp yet light medium dry fly flavor in the tradition of the Catskill genre.  An elegant rod that can be enjoyed with abandon since it has been resurrected.  $3200.  Sold

189.  Leonard 40H.  Red wrapped rod from the Ted Simroe/Midland Park, NJ era.  Serial number 2594 (1976).  6" cigar grip, down locking seat over butternut with the expected nickel silver die stamped cap. Light cane, 3 x 3 node pattern, and swelled butt to create that hallmark Catskill dry fly flavor.  4 3/8 oz. 8', 6/7 wt rod.  In my hands a full working elegant casting 7 wt but could tolerate a 6 DT if you insist.  Cork is soiled and has minor ridging from honorable use.  A very nice Leonard rod with all original yellow bag with stiffener, original tube and fully legible Midland Park label .  Just a nice medium to big water rod and quite comfortable on the Delaware where 14" plus wild browns are the expectation.  Dry fly but can handle anything fastened to it its terminal end.  $1050.   

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

191.  Orvis Battenkill.  8', 2/2, 4 1/8 oz. 5wt. Serial number 58009.  This is the lightest of the 8' models produced by Orvis and has a wonderful light but brisk dry fly action.  Labeled as a 6 wt rod by Orvis, it defies that description. It is clearly a 5 wt rod; some enthusiasts employing it as a 4 DT.  6 1/2" cigar grip, medium dark cane, brown silks as expected, blued great fitting ferrules 100%,  and down locking seat over satin walnut with more desirable independent ring affair.  Cork shows very minor soiling but is otherwise uncompromised and all other aspects of the rod for structural and cosmetic integrity are perfect.  Of course, original bag and fully labeled tube.  A rare 8 footer from Orvis meant to deliver delicate presentations -- just a great light line rod in the rarely seen 8', 4 1/8 oz format.  $775.  Sold,  but another listed as entry 260.

195.  Post - fire Leonard 40H.  Just as item 189. 8', 2/2, 6/7 wt.  This one serial number 2447 (1976) and in marginally better condition.  Cleaner and  smoother cork.  All other aspects of the rod and condition identical to item 189.  Either rod a virtual steal at their respective prices.  This one  $1150. 

205.  Pre-fire Leonard  76L.  8', 4 1/8 oz.,  4 piece, 2 tip pack rod.  This rare rod enjoys a 6" slightly soiled cigar grip giving way to an all cork reel seat  that shows a few light impressions from the  beautiful coin edged ring with proper pre-fire die stamp to the end cap, Chinese red silks all in fine order, moderately swelled butt, straw colored cane with 3 x 3 node pattern as expected, about perfect hang tag reading  "#76L, 8 feet, 4 1/8 ounces, Stock" and bright perfect fitting ferrules.  Amazing really for the age of the rod -- guessing early 60's or late 50's.  The rod has a lovely medium action that will accommodate a range of fly sizes and serve  as a splendid all around rod.  Elegant, rare and in fine condition.  Just the perfect travel rod from an era when workmanship was at its pinnacle; both structurally and cosmetically near perfect.   $1600. Sold  

213.   Don Schroeder 8 1/2', 5 1/8 oz. 2/2 , 5wt. Has a very comfortable 6 1/2" full wells grip, correctly die stamped down locking seat over figured walnut and is just a stunning piece of work from perhaps the most detail oriented maker of bamboo rods today.  Workmanship above reproach.   I've cast this rod before sending it out on approval to an old customer and friend and it is a superb casting rod and true 5 DT. Seems his collection of some 5 or 6 Schroeder rods doesn't require an 8 1/2', 2 piece.  It balances nicely with a 3 3/8" Perfect or the 3 3/8" vintage St. George found in my reel section as item 201.   Makes for a grand canoe rod in a lighter line weight than you would expect a rod of this genre to be. Minor handle soiling otherwise about perfect.  Now with me and like all of Don's rods is stunning.  One of his dark rods, this one with an owner requested deep wine silk treatment.  Elegant and for his time at the bench and quality of workmanship, grossly undervalued on the secondary market.    $1250.

215.  An unbelievable piece of work from the hands of Troy Jacques of Thomas and Thomas.  A 50th Anniversary rod from an edition of 10. This one number 3 in the series.  7 1/2', 2/2, medium brisk dry fly, 5 wt.  To paraphrase the company's promotional advert (from their website), the rod pays homage to his mentors Tom Dorsey, Tom Maxwell and Tom Moran incorporating the best features and hallmarks of each craftsman from a historical and aesthetic perspective.  Cane is a rich honey color, prominent swelled butt, forged hexagonal winding check,  agate stripping guide, transparent  silks tipped deep chocolate, half wells grip giving way to a cork seat sporting Moran's characteristic bamboo splines, hand engraved nickel silver cap and ring with gold inlay "50", machined ferrule plugs, ferrules blued and engraved and put up in a beautiful logoed sheep skin lined oval saddle leather case.  The current price for this rod, if available, is $6500.  The present offering, brand new, unused $4200.  Sold 

216.  Walt Carpenter Browntone.  7'9", progressive dry fly 2/2 rod.  6" cigar grip, walnut insert under blued cap and ring with Walt's die stamp properly in place,  glorious brown silks tipped black, blood red tagging at the hook keeper and male ferrule stations, blued perfect fitting ferrules.  From Walt's days in Chester, NY so absolutely perfect for structural and aesthetic qualities.  Has the Carpenter Chester, NY label to the tube as well as his tiny hand written sticker to the opposite side noting its  Browntone status, length and hard to read ferrule size (I believe).  Having left Payne only a short time before, some say  his best period.  Mint unused.  $3600.  Sold

221.  Leonard Catskill 49-5.  6 3/4" smooth and soil free grip, up locking jewel-like coin edged turnbuckle with acorn cap over tiger maple morticed filler, blond cane, swelled butt, 3 x 3 node pattern, clear wraps with pale olive green at the ferrule stations and hallmark (for the Catskill), heavy wire snake guide as the stripper.  Serial number 81180.  As a Maxwell rod in every way from its appearance, Maxwell indicated tube  but likely  made shortly after Tom's departure from the company.  A letter from Tom to administration dated Jan 5, 1981 indicates a departure date of Dec 2 of 1980.  All Maxwell in every way, even the word "Catskill 49-5" seems to be in Maxwell's hand but the serial number probably applied by one of the girls in the finishing room and likely Donna Denaxas one of the last women at the company to wrap and finish rods.  After the closing in 1985 Donna continued to wrap rods for several known makers formerly at Leonard; later on their own.  The rod has a bright dry fly habit and appears unused.  $2350.  Sold

222.  Orvis Battenkill.  The desirable 8', 2/2, 5/6 wt. 4 1/4 oz. variant.  Serial number 14905, so built 1953.  Standard 6" cigar grip (cleaned with some very minor ridging), traditional chocolate silks, blued ferrules about 100% in tact, a super ferrule fit, dead straight, down locking seat with a few minor scratches on the barrel from a reel foot over patinated walnut, beautiful very  dark cane and original high grade brass collared tube and original khaki colored bag.  69 years old; the integrity of the rod is amazing and a tribute to the Orvis quality control over the years .  Built by George Reid and Calvin Skinner the rod has a medium fast dry fly habit with enough gumption to handle medium dries, weighted wets and even dropper rigs and substantial prey. A super small to medium water rod and somewhat more crisp than the later version of the model.  Although the weight is not designated on the rod, owing to its vintage, the serial number represents it as a 4 1/4 oz. rod in the company records and is true to my own weighing of the rod on my critically accurate digital scale.  Overall excellent condition with exceptions noted and as all Orvis rods, sadly undervalued on the secondary market. $575.  Sold

228.  Don Schroeder.  8', 3/2, 5/6WT.  Serial number 59319 so presumably built 2019.  6" very comfortable  half wells grip,  down locking seat over highly figured morticed walnut with Don's hallmark die stamp in place, darkly flamed cane, red agate stripper guide, transparent tan silks tipped auburn or deep red, machined ferrule plugs in place in both butt and mid sections and with a medium dry fly rod habit.  I used it once on the Housatonic River on a float trip and it served me well.  But must be honest, characteristic of his rods,  it sings with a DT6 line although rated by Don as a 5.   Believe that is the only use that it has had and aside from very minor soiling of the grip imparted by yours truly, the only time it has seen water since emerging from Don's shop.  I caught several trout on it with dries, nymphs and streamers so decidedly an all around rod from one of the best builder (albeit underappreciated) in the country.  His attention to detail is amazing as is known by most enthusiasts of bamboo; structural integrity above reproach.  Just a stunning "only rod you'll ever need" rod if you'll only own one.  $1550.

229.  Post fire Leonard 49H.  7 1/2', 3/2, 4 oz.,5 Wt. Serial number 2120,   5 1/2" cigar grip, down locking seat over choice butternut, with the proper die stamp to the cap,  Chinese red silks, blond cane, 3 x 3 node pattern, proper yellow bag and fully labeled Midland Park tube.  A rod likely made while Ted Simroe was managing the company and was head rod maker.  Some slight soiling of the grip otherwise the rod is in perfect condition.  Has a decidedly Catskill, dry fly character with most of the action in the upper reaches of the rod.  Dead straight, great ferrule fit and  for action, one of the  the most perfect dry fly rods ever designed.   $1750.  Sold 

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

188.  2 3/4" Bellinger Classic.  This is the one with the solid black plates for/6 wt e and aft with the front sporting the "dished" design feature, elegant nickel silver counter weighted S handle, polished aluminum rims and bezelled cross posts made from stainless steel.  RHW but believe with a short visit with Bill Archuleta can be reversed.  A nice 3/4 wt reel with that old world EVH flavor.  Mounting mars to the foot barely detectable and minor irritations and light scratches to the rims from some  use, otherwise, very good condition.  $525.

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

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

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

203.  Ross San Miguel 4/5.  3 1/4", 4/5 wt reel.  5.9 oz., with backing in place, 6.1 oz., RH/LH retrieve, "flower petal" design spool,  latest version first emerging 20 years ago and improved for mechanics and structural engineering. Silent retrieve; lovely purr in drag mode and unequivocally one of the finest performing reels made today.  Features highly polished anodized black finish, contoured textured handle, and rear mounted easy access large drag knob -- soft enough to protect light tippets; strong enough to stop a train!  Holds WF 5 line and 75 yds backing; WF 4 and 90 yds backing.  Current retail price for this mint condition reel with original case is $650.  Lowest price observed, $595.  This example, mint condition with case  $450.  Sold

204. Bauer M4.  4" Large Arbor 7/8/9/ Wt. big game reel; capacity for WF8F line and 200 yds. 20#. Currently LHW but believe reversible.  Star drag to the perforated  front spool, black anodized finish, solid back plate, contoured rosewood handle, silent retrieve, subtle click drag mode.  One of the finest big game reels still made in Ashland, OR but shrewdly bought by the Winston Rod Company in 2016.  Expressed by observers as the finest combination of rod to reel enterprises yet seen.  With unknown sinking line, and save about imperceptible mounting mars to the foot ends, perfect condition with original red and black neoprene case.  A virtual steal at  $225.  

205.   Orvis EXR Presentation II.  STH reel made in Argentina expressly as the presentation reel for Orvis for a too short period of time. One of the most underappreciated, best functioning, nicest looking reels that Orvis ever contracted.  Soft anodized black finish, contoured handle, counterweighted spool, perforated front and back plates and rim mounted drag knob a la Hardy Lightweights.  The II is a perfect 4 Wt. reel with an amazing full range click drag that performs as a disc drag for its superb engineering.  LH/RH capable. Now set for LHW. Those who know this reel understand its capability, structural integrity and cosmetic perfection.  A fabulous reel for both graphite and bamboo rods.  Minor mounting mars to the foot ends, spare spool (with an insignificant bump to a very localized spot on its rim).  This is the more desirable version with palming ability.  In its original Orvis case and pouch for its spare spool.  $225.  Sold

206.  Seamaster Mark III Anti Reverse Dual Mode big game reel with  the rare LHW protocol.  Approximately 4" diameter, 1 1/4"  spool width,  "Seamaster" inscribed in black to the very accessible front mounted  coin edged drag dial.  Beautiful gold frame, gold drag adjust, black dual handles and black dished front plate and spool.  This is likely a late model from Bob McChristian and considered by many enthusiasts the sine qua non of salt water big game reels.  Holds 300 yds. of 30# test and up to WF12F lines.  The drag system is as light as you can tolerate and train stopping tough at maximum tension.  There is quite no other reel for  Bonefish, Tarpon, Jacks, tackle busting Stripers and Bluefish in excess of 15 punds with the mechanical standards of the Dual Mode Seamaster.  Just an amazing piece of engineering; a fabulously designed reel for cosmetics and detail.  Mint condition (with backing applied) in its original heavy very protective case.  Seen on other websites at 1500  to 2200.  Here, mint at a very modest  $1050.  Was not too long ago these reels regularly sold for 1800-2200!! 

208.  Hardy Silent Check Husky Multiplier.  3 1/4" diam. , 1 1/2" overall width.  Ridged brass foot,  heavy nickel silver 2 screw line guard, easy change spool release, currently RHW but reversible,  (instructions on U Tube).  Very minor absence of finish near the handle -- about 1/4" worth, otherwise excellent plus condition with original blue/white case.  Came to me with a WF9F line that I removed for its unpleasant discoloration.  Holds the 9 wt line plus 200 yds. 20# test backing.  Just a super traditional multiplier with a great non cork incredibly smooth disc drag ahead of its time for engineering.  Part of the Lightweight series from Hardy likely 1970's manufacture.  Quite a nice performing reel for salmon or other big fish and proud to be mounted on your favorite bamboo 9' 8/9 wt rod.  I used this reel in Alaska some years ago with absolutely no failure with Silvers and Chums.  A great undervalued reel in its size and performance range.  $225.

209.  Abel Big Game model No. 2.  3 1/4" diameter, 1 1/8" overall width, contoured ebony handle, perforated front plate, solid verso, serial number 3083, RHW, silent drag, distinctive smooth click retrieve and stunning black glossy unblemished anodized finish. Just a perfect 6/7 wt reel.  This example comes to me in an exquisite mahogany presentation box form fitted for the reel with a green baize interior and elegant brass hinges and fittings.  This was a conservation organization gift to the owner for honorable effort.   Although complete on its own,  I can provide an Abel neoprene case that might have accompanied the reel along with the custom box.  Just a super elegant piece of angling culture in an eminently  useable format.   Mint unused condition.  The reel specific box alone likely cost neighborhood  $200 to produce. Selling the reel, fitted box, and useful neoprene Abel case (with compliments) for $375.  Would make an extraordinary gift for a sport. 

210.  Orvis DXR 9/10 plus spare spool.  Made by Lamson for Orvis one of the finest reasonably priced range of reels ever to be contracted by Orvis.  LHW but convertible, black satin finish, blue DXR logo, Orvis back plate center disc, 11 position easily accessed detente disc drag adjust to the verso and  put up in a lovely piggy back  suede case for  both reel and spool, compliments yours truly.  Reel carries a FF9FS line in about unused condition; spool has backing only.  Drag adjustment is full range from very light to train stopping  tough and is a wonderful well priced,  and I might add, underappreciated reel for money.  Primary reel or back up to your Bogdan, Pate or Charlton.  Excellent condition.  $225.

211.  Hardy Featherweight.  From the Lightweight series of reels.  2 7/8" classic 4 wt reel.  Now set for RHW easily convertible.  This is the later single screw line guard model.  Very minor wear to the edges, perfect functioning full range edge mounted drag, easy release spool, put up in an Orvis labeled flannel bag, and altogether in good tight condition.  Some would say very good but know that my clients expect a more conservative opinion.  $200.  Sold

214.  Orvis CFO 123.  2 7/8 " diam. 2/3/4 wt. reel.  Set for LHW. "H" configured line guard, no rivets showing to the verso, and has the rocker (or see saw drag internals) indication of vintage unknown to me precisely.  Hardy made.  Came to me with a DT2F Cortland 444 peach so know that it holds a 2 with a good amount of backing but I think it is more preferably a 3 wt reel.  Tiny bit of edgewear to the rear frame, hardly worth mentioning and an unexplained ding to the spool edge, otherwise in great condition with backing and original suede case.  Pics will show the very minor ding.  And for that, $225.

215.  CFO III. 3" diam.  Hardy made and a perfect 4/5 wt reel.  Now LHW but reversible.  "H" shaped line guard, rocker drag configuration to the internals and sans rivets to the exterior.  A couple of random ticks to the edges otherwise about perfect condition with unknown  peach line applied and original suede case.  $275.

217.  Hardy Marquis LWT 6. 5/6 wt capable.  This is a current model from Hardy, made in England and retailing for $395 plus on most retail sites.  Weighs in at 4 1/4oz. with some backing to it.   3 1/4", beautiful patinated gray finish to the frame and spool with polished aluminum rim to the spool exterior.  Has the traditional Hardy easy release 3 screw latch, and full range easy adjust drag to verso.  Currently set for RHW but reversible.  Has insignificant mounting mars to the foot otherwise the reel is in perfect condition with its original pouch.  $275.  Sold

219.  From Fred Balling of the Perfection Reel Co. of Cornwall, CT. comes this raised pillar Beaverkill model. Measures a shy 3" from pillar to pillar and is the perfect 4/5 wt reel.  Bench made reel by Fred entirely in Delrin with  shaft and click assembly of Admiralty Bronze.  Bright aspects -- that is,

foot, arm, knobs, caps, pillars -- nickel silver.  Counterbalanced handle, with vintage ebonite knob and a handy on/off click switch (presumably for poaching) and just a smooth as can be RHW reel. Appears as a Leonard Fairy reel in a larger size and according to Fred, was inspired by the William Slote reel served up by William Mills in the day.  Fred is well known for his amazing reproductions of Edward Vom Hofe Perfectionists and Peerless reels even accurately replicating one of the only all nickel silver EVH's I've ever seen.   Mint unused condition with paper work, signed by Fred, original bag and labeled box.  When available from Fred the reel retails for $650.  This one, pre owned, offered at $525 or BO.

220.  Designed by Florida Guide Frank Catino, bonefish (?) reel. Sold by Orvis in the early 80's and were exceptionally popular particularly to a cult following of Catino's superb engineering skills.  The reel measures 3 1/2" in diameter, has an anodized gold frame; black spool and gold accents.  Serial number is 095, presumably the 95th reel built by Frank.  Silent in both directions, RHW only, and has a rear mounted easy access drag knob activating a superb full range drag protocol.  Just a super 8/9 wt reel and for its rarity, so collectible as well.  Some isolated nicks to the edges of the rear frame.  Has had honest but respectful use and is in mechanically perfect condition. Just a swell vintage reel, if you consider early 80's vintage; way ahead of its time for performance and design.  In its original Orvis case.  $225 or BO.  

221.  Seamaster.  Second generation Anti-Reverse Salmon model.  9.75oz.,  3 1/2' diameter, shy 1" spool width, RHW, all anodized gold, black front mounted drag knob, black tapered handle, stainless steal bezelled pillars and domed back plate with polished aluminum center boss.  Although absolutely mechanically perfect with an as new performing full range drag, the reel has recieved lots of honest use.  Compromises include a very tiny chip in the forward foot corner, lots of rim wear and isolated scratches and nicks to the back and spool edges.  This is not a shelf reel but needs to be put to work again by the new owner with abandon.  A great performing reel and owing to its original design and engineering quality by the McChristians will last another lifetime.  Currently  spooled with clear WF8F line  but can easily take 9 wt lines as well.  Ask for pics as my description might be off putting to those who don't know my condition reports to be above reproach.  $425.  

222.  Billy Pate  Anti Reverse Bonefish reel introduced in 1976 by Ted Juracsik and still being sold in the same form today by numerous retailers.  Serial number A652.   3 3/8" diameter, 1" spool width, 8.65 oz. and able to hold 8 - 10  lines.  Holds 300 yds 20# with 7 wt line; 285 yds with 8 wt.; 275 yds with 9 wt; 265 yds with 10 wt.  All black anodized finish, RHW, front mounted easy to access gold colored  full range as powerful as you will ever need drag adjust, ergonomically shaped handle and mechanically smooth as new in both retrieve and drag mode.  One tick and an extraordinarily minor abrasion to the back frame edge otherwise near perfect with unknown as new line and put up in its original case.  $375.

224.  3 1/8" Hardy Perfect.  Rarely seen 1917/1921 example. (reference "Graham Turner A Collector's Guide") RHW.  Bone handle, single 1917 check, solid aluminum (original) foot stamped England, interior numbered B22, agate line guard without cracks, "Hardy's Patent Alnwick" in the round surrounding its flush brass boss with 3 flush pins showing.  The reel is absolutely tight and smooth no spool wobble whatsoever.  Rim mounted coin edged drag adjust works perfectly and is full range.  Owing to the incredible quality control that Hardy exerted at the time, after more than 100 years, although there is about complete absence of bluing,  the reel is mechanically perfect -- buttery smooth in both incoming and outgoing modes -- and is ready to accommodate 4 or 5 wt lines on your favorite 7 1/2 or 8 foot bamboo rod.  Put up in a contemporary black Hardy case compliments yours truly.  $525 .  Sold

225.  3 1/8" narrow drum Uniqua.  Ca. 1903-1921.  Bone handle, horseshoe drum release, smooth brass foot, so pre 1928, fixed perfectly set drag for RHW and amazingly tight as the day it left the manufactory over 100 years ago.  Markings to the verso read "Made by Hardy Bros. Ltd., Alnwick, England, Duplicated Mark II" accompanied by its patent numbers and inscribed surrounding the center boss to the verso "The Uniqua Fly Reel".  The coolest part of this offering is that it is put up in its original card box in about perfect condition with its original detailed label to it.  The box alone, a collector's prize.  With about 30% bluing intact the reel  is mechanically perfect with no spool wobble and ready for another 100 year's use.  For the collector a virtual steal at $225.  At that price the matching fully labeled box alone is highly valuable and is worth at least 1/3 the value of the reel !!

227.  Hardy LRH.  From the Lightweight series of reels.  At 3 1/8", the perfect 5 wt reel.  Earlier vintage with the desirable  patent marked heavy 2 screw line guard.  RH/LH retrieve, full range drag adjust mounted to the rim and, of course, made in England.  Has had some honest use so some edge wear in the area above the line guard but front and back views present nicely.  Pics will show all in detail.  Mechanically perfect with its original red and cream case.  $175.  Sold

228.  Limited edition Hardy Perfect with the   Spitfire spool.  Duplicated Mark II,  2 7/8", 5.3 oz., RHW, unblemished milky agate line guard, charcoal enamel finish,  rim mounted full range drag adjust,  ribbed aluminum foot, and put up in its original Hardy logoed block leather case.   Around 2000/2001 Hardy issued this very special edition reel limited to 250;  this one numbered 02 with the makers mark CSN to the interior.  Just a beautiful reel with all the expected attributes of the marque -- smooth running, tight as a drum, great drag system... Has had minimal use with some random mars and very light scratches to the rear plate only that I bet could be polished out.  Otherwise excellent plus condition.  Seen on other sites for as much as $750.  Here, at a reasonable $575.  Sold

229.  Hardy LRH Lightweight.  Shy 3 1/4" diam., two screw heavy nickel silver line guard, dust cover latch; the perfect 5 wt reel, now set for LHW but reversible.  Enjoys a later but perfectly fitting spare spool and put up in a suede piggy back case for both.  Some random edge wear and edge nicks and mounting mars to the foot ends, otherwise nice condition and tight as a drum with full range rim mounted drag adjust.  Just a nice condition LRH with some careful use.  $325.  Sold

230.  Hardy 2 7/8", narrow spool Perfect in LHW. The absolute ultimate in 4 Wt. reels with enough weight to nicely balance 7-7 1/2' bamboo.  The latest reissue made in England.  Original retail price for this reel was $895. Gray "powder" finish, black bezeled handle,  minimally raised boss, rim mounted full range drag adjust,  nickel silver line guard, serial number B86034.  Latest researched price for this package at a competitor's site is $575.  This reel brand new with box, highest grade black pigskin leather case, and all original paperwork.   $525. 

231. Tibor Everglades by Ted Juracsik.  LHW.   Gold anodized finish. Original Neoprene case.  Name plaque still blank.  4" diameter, Large Arbor reel with just the most advanced engineering features of any reel to date.  Holds 200 yds #20 backing and 8 Wt line and comes with an as new WF8F Sage Saltwater Performance line.  Just a great 7/8/9 wt reel with perhaps the very best drag system extant among current big game reels.  Has one tiny tick in its front rim and a very minor rash to the frame edge at 8 0'clock.  Had I not mentioned it, could have gone undetected.  List price for this super reel is $625.  I am told by the previous owner  that it is from  a very desirable period of manufacture for cosmetic excellence. Serial number C764 for those who are familiar with the issue.  A great reel at a modest $400.  Sold

232.  Tibor Riptide by Juracsik.  LHW.  Serial number F267.  Gold anodized finish, original case and box and spare spool (anodized black) with neoprene case.  The spare spool is shallow arbor designed to carry a lighter line much like the Charlton Configurable reels.   Capacity of this, the big brother to the Everglades, is 9/10/11 and currently holds an as new WF9F Bonefish line as labeled by the previous very dependable owner. The spare spool ostensibly meant for 7/8 wt lines -- a rarely seen and very cool arrangement.    Blank name plate, easily removable spool, ergonomically shaped handle befitting the size of the reel.  Spare spool is mint; reel has some in use mars, bumps and random scratches otherwise in excellent condition.  List price for this combination of reel and spare spool is $1085.  Here with some honorable use, in very good/excellent condition, a true bargain in big game reels at $525.  Sold

233.  Orvis CFO III.  3" diameter and the perfect 4 wt reel.  Now set for LHW but reversible. Has the "H" shaped line guard.   In generally good condition but for some enamel absent from its rear frame edge.  Use this reel with abandon as it is mechanically tight and perfect with the usual rear mounted drag knob and raised boss and rivets to the back.  I'll be glad to send pics of the edge wear upon request.  $150.  Sold

234.  Orvis CFO IV.  Screwback iteration with spare spool.  3 1/4" diameter,  "H" configured line guard, full range drag adjust.  I use mine with a 5 DT line but often used as a 6 wt.  Now set for LHW but reversible.  Edge wear to rear frame, cosmetically perfect spool.  Its spare spool shows edge wear and considering the condition of the frame, likely was the original spool.  Put up in a dark brown sued case with paperwork and registration card.  $275.  Sold

235.  Abel AC-1 large arbor and spare spool. At  3" diameter the perfect 4 wt reel.  Contoured rosewood handle,  beautiful glossy black anodized finish and smartly designed with either or LH/RH retrieve. The fixed drag is perfect but can be internally adjusted for greater or lesser pressure.  Mint condition as is its spare spool as well.  Abel cases with both.  325.  Sold

236.  Another AC-1 also large arbor.   This one with 2 spare spools.   Again, mint unused condition with Abel cases for  reel and spare spools.  $350.  Sold

237.  Abel AC-2 and 3 spare spools.  3 1/2" diameter; the perfect 5/6 wt reel.  Contoured rosewood handle, elegant glossy black anodized finish and just the perfect RH/LH fixed drag system.   Mint condition.  $375.  Sold 

238. Abel TR-2 and spare spool.  Beautifully machined 3" diameter, RH/LH wind,  great 4 wt reel with a standard depth spool, glossy black anodized finish, contoured rosewood handle, semi gloss anodized finish, hallmark rosewood button to the verso center, and proper cases for both the reel and the spool.  Reel has a relatively unnoticeable tick to a foot end from mounting otherwise near mint and spare spool has minor rim rash.  Has a great just right fixed drag and all the qualities expected from the Abel manufactory.  For those who missed out on the previous TR-2 in this list position, another at  $275.  Sold

239.  Hardy narrow spool LHW Perfect.  Just as item 230  but in the 3 1/8" size.  Beautiful black leather case and box, less paperwork.  Last retail price for this reel  in this size was $925.   Mint unused.  $525.  Sold