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

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

73.  Scott SC 6114, so 6' 11", 4wt. 2 piece, 2 tip (book matched).  Serial number 1007 and from the deft hands of Bernard Ramanouskas.  This may be the most beautiful rod from any current big company maker in the country.  Dark cane showing golden nodes, perfect varnish, agate stripper guide, moderate cigar grip appointed with a handsome piece of composite cork before the winding check -- a really elegant artifice.  Ever so delicate blued cap and ring over what I believe to be a dark burled maple, truncated perfect fitting ferrules and the most delicate transparent  silks sporting what must be a single wind of auburn to the middle of each winding station.  All of this and a super casting dry fly 4 wt casting machine.  Only the slightest soiling to the grip, otherwise seems little used with not a single reel foot mar to the seat or any other evidence of use beyond a lawn. A spectacular rod made under contract by Bernard Ramanouskas of Eden Cane and Freestone note.  Current pricing from Scott and approved dealers is $3250.   Here, and available without the order wait, $2100.  Sold

77.  Orvis Salmon Rod.  9', 3/2, 7 oz. 3/2, 8 wt.  Unusual to find this rod in a transportable 3 piece configuration and in this remarkable, completely unused, new condition.   Purchased expressly for a client who sadly went in a different direction; now appearing here.  Has a shy 7" grip, all aluminum down locking seat, blued ferrules, elegant brown silks and a removable 5" fighting butt with filler cap still present.  All original tube with perfect blue label and original bag with kangaroo pocket for its fighting butt and warrantee card.  Serial number 32276 so made 1961/62.  Has a great full working dry fly feel and will welcome a trip to the Maritimes for sure.   May be the prettiest, most elegant Orvis rod from this era yet seen by this enthusiast.  Put this rod together with a 3 3/4" St George or a lovely St. John presented earlier on this list,  better yet a No. "O" Bogdan.  Totally new; totally elegant.  $575.  Reduced

79.  Eden Cane.  7 1/2', 2/2, 7612, 4 wt.  6 1/4" moderate reverse half wells grip, up ring over bird's eye maple,  maple inserts fore and aft of the flor grade grip,  elegantly (perfectly) varnished blond cane, red agate stripper guide, clear wraps delicately tipped auburn,  and of course from the able hands of Bernard Ramanouskas, and as expected, nodeless construction.  This may be the finest rod yet seen from Bernard with an absolutely crisp dry fly action,  amazing ferrule fit, dead straight and brand new unused in his hallmark cordovan interior partitioned case.  Absolutely stunning in appearance and amazing in the hand.  The best Eden Cane yet seen.  Last retail price for this rod was $3995.  Here, offered at  $1800.  

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

87.  Don Schroeder.  7' 3", 2/2, 4 wt Quad.  This is one of Don's light colored rods.  Has all the hallmarks of the marque  --  6" cigar grip (unsoiled), tiger maple insert under blued cap and ring, light tan translucent silks tipped  cinnamon, machined ferrule plug, black bakelite winding check and Don's proper die stamp in place to the end cap.  Serial number 59219 and although marked for a 4 wt line, I'd likely use a 5 on it as I do with my own 4 wt. Schroeder.  Don's attention to detail and consistency throughout his range of rods is above reproach, from the way the rod fits into its bag, into the tube with just enough room, his meticulous varnish, perfect morticed reel seat (that fits every reel I've ever had on it) with tastefully machined and coin edged cap and ring; even his writing on the cane is elegant.  Just a great dry fly rod in its length with  perfect finish and detail work.  I believe Don's rods to be sleepers; very much strangely undervalued.  Mint unused condition.  $1550.  

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 $1350.  Sold but another on order 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.

92.  Chris Carlin. (Far North Rodsmiths). Lm 8056h. 2/2, 4 3/8 oz. 5/6 wt.  One of Chris' ever so elegant hollow built quadrates.  6 1/4" half wells grip, down locking  aluminum seat (appears to be Struble) over figured koa insert to a blued cap  -- very handsome.  Lightly, evenly flamed cane that just glistens under a perfect varnish finish; red agate stripper guide, brown silks tipped yellow a la Payne, and properly forged and mounted ferrules.  The rod enjoys a moderate parabolic action reminiscent of the Young Para 15 Keller version, so somewhat lighter than the 15 but with lots of reserve power as Marty Keane would have declared.  In Chris' own words, "I  often like to have a rod with a little extra power and quickness.  The LM tapers maintain the smooth progressive feel and softer tip of the LL variation while being a little faster and more powerful especially in the lower 1/2."  In the hollow built version, "no tip bounce and smooth, powerful turnover characterize this rod series." Not under-gunned but still sensitive and delicate when necessary.  Mint condition.  With Chris at $1895.  Here without the wait,  $975.  Sold 

94.  Winston.  7'9", 2/1, 4/5 wt. hollow built, 3 1/8 oz. Quad.  This rod was expressly built July 23rd 1997 by Glenn Brackett for fly fishing personality, Greg Lilly, son of Bud Lilly and formidable in fly fishing circles in his own right, re: Healing Waters.  Apparently, every rod built by Winston for anyone in the Lilly family was constructed as a single tip rod.  6" moderate  reverse half wells grip, down locking nickel silver jewel like seat over a rather exotic insert of Lilly's choice with a complimenting varnished hardwood winding check , translucent tan silks ever so delicately tagged deep auburn at the ferrule stations, red agate stripper guide,  and just a perfect varnish application that glistens from flat to flat.  Elegant.  Rod has a decidedly light dry fly flavor that is delightful as a 4 wt that will more fully load with a 5.  I like it with a DT4.  Just a delightful rod in the hand and as handsome a rod made today with a very formidable pedigree. I might add that Winston no longer takes orders for quadrates.  Mint condition.  $1350.  Sold  

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.  $1050.

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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 institution 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.  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.  $2850. 

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.  $1550.

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 

113.  John Gallas Croton model.  7', 2/2, 3.2 oz., 4 wt.  5 3/4" cigar grip, choice highly figured walnut insert,  coin edged blued cap and ring (some absence of bluing to both) machined by John, elegant "pond scum" green silks delicately tipped black, pale red agate stripper guide, and lovely perfectly varnished and uncompromised  lightly flamed  cane.  The rod has a very pleasing, brisk dry fly habit and is just one of the finest examples of John's work currently available.  John is a very meticulous and deliberate maker who selectively  builds a  few rods each year so the wait for one,  can be interminable.  This one, serial numbered 1006, is particularly nice and much desired.  Put up in a fully labeled, and identical  to, a  post fire Leonard tube.  Elegant.  $1475.  Sold

114.  Thomas and Thomas Caenis.  In the rare 7 1/2', 3 Wt format.  5 1/4" slightly soiled cigar grip , 2 piece, 2 tip, nickel silver cap (die stamp present)  and ring over highly figured walnut, deep straw colored varnished cane, prominent swelled butt, transparent tan silks ever so delicately tipped auburn,  and all hardware blued.  A tough combination really i.e. making a 7 1/2' rod that can carry a 3 weight line with aplomb.  This crisp dry fly light line rod is quite able in that regard.  Might even tolerate a WF4 if required.  Just a beautiful work of art from the company as you would expect with performance genious design.  Serial number 4105.  The exact rod seen on Gary Seimer's site at $2700.  Original bag with stiffener and fully labeled tube complete the package.   $2100.  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.

116.  Don Schroeder.  7'9", 3/2, 5 wt., blond hex.  6" cigar grip, tiger maple morticed seat with knurled edge nickel silver cap and ring (properly die stamped with Don's maker's logo), transparent pale yellow silks delicately tipped cinnamon, moderately swelled butt, serial number 31602, presumably made 2002. Elegant rod as are all of don's rods -- perfect attention to detail, perfect cane work, perfect varnish set off with a pale red agate stripper guide.  Rod enjoys a medium progressive dry fly action and for that an absolute all around rod.  Can throw medium to small dries, will tolerate a bit of weight and a fair nymphing rod as well. A rod with some backbone but a true 5DT design.  Elegant.  Appears unused.  $1675.

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.

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

119.  Sweetgrass Mantra.  From the Boo Boys of Twin Bridges, MT.  8', 2/1, 6wt. hex.  6 1/4" full wells grip accented with a lovely agate winding check, black anodized down locking seat over exotic, figured filler, translucent brown silks, silk wrapped ferrule stations (a nod to Winston), and perfectly varnished dark straw colored cane.  Rod has a rather brisk dry fly, dare I say, Catskill action with most of its casting activity to its upper reaches. With original bag and tube,  very minor soiling of the grip,  otherwise perfect uncompromised condition.  Current retail pricing for the Mantra is $1350.  Here in super condition and without a wait,  $875. 

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.  Undervalued at $725.

121.  Leonard Duracane 807.  8', 2/2, 7 WT.  Serial number 2430, made ca. 1976.  This rod, a Ted Simroe era production, is a slam dunk 7 wt rod, ideal for bass bugging or big water trout duty.  Just a perfect Delaware River or canoe rod.  6 1/2" reverse half wells grip, up locking black anodized seat with a rather dark rosewood insert, straw colored impregnated cane, brown silks tipped black, blued perfect fitting ferrules and the familiar Leonard 3 x 3 node pattern.  Full bodied progressive action typical of the Duracane design -- just a great big water all around rod.  Can handle medium to large dries; weighted wet flies and nymphs.  Just a spectacular large brown trout or landlocked salmon rod.  Excellent plus, plus condition.  Pair this rod with  the Orvis EXR V reel or one of the Hardy Bougles listed as items 159 or 160 offered in the reel section of this list.  $725.  Sold

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.

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,  $2850.  Sold

127.  Pre-fire Leonard 50 Hunt.  8', 3/2, progressive 5 wt. dry fly rod.  This is the original Hunt sporting the hallmark black anodized up locking reel seat hardware, dark straw colored cane, unlike the modern rod with its dark cane that is often associated with the Hunt model -- this the Richard Hunt original.  5 1/2" reverse half wells grip, swelled butt, agate stripper guide (think later addition) and proper pre-fire die stamp to the end cap.  The rod has been gloriously restored by an unknown but but superior level worker.  Still has its hang tag with all original writing in place reading 4 5/8oz., 50 Hunt, 8' and remarks about its stained finish.  Someone later on took the liberty of adding to the tag SSR -Trout, 1950 in blue ink and I suppose for his own identification.  The tag, however, remains in remarkable condition.  I am certain that during the restoration a tip was replaced as they visually have different tapers particularly to the upper area of the tips.

Both feel the same for action and are a dead match for color and 3 x 3 node pattern.  Just an elegant rod that recieved a fabulous refinish -- conceivably by Leonard as the blueing is as Leonards, the second tip a Leonard (?) and the finish Leonard-like.  With original bag and tube and for its compromised state should be used with abandon.  Although the second tip is quite perfect, selling it as a single tip rod and an opportunity to own one of the all time great rods. $875.  Sold

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. 

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.  $2300.