Rod Rating Designations and Abbreviations

RKP Cane Rods 226P4 ~ 6’ ~ 2/2 ~ 2.8oz. ~ 3/4wt. ~ Serial No. 31311 ~ EXC ~ This quality crafted rod from Grayling, Michigan’s Rick Perry presumably built in 2011 features attractive light honey-tone cane with golden nodes, translucent light brown silks with black accent at the WC and ferrule stations and black at one tip-top guide for tip differentiation, carbaloy stripper, chrome snakes and tip-tops, smooth & tight fitting N/S “Super -Z- style ferrules that give a satisfying pop when separated and a nicely executed varnish finish. The business end of the butt section has a comfortable pregnant cigar grip with tapered nose, nicely figured cedar seat fitted with D/L'ing N/S cap and ring hardware and petite N/S WC. The rod comes with the original bag and aluminum tube with maker’s label. The crisp medium-fast action throws is perfect for tight quarters on small streams and throws a sweet loop with a Cortland Sylk DT-3 and Cortland Peach WF-4. This well-built rod from the birthplace of Trout Unlimited is a nice find for the small stream and ‘crick enthusiast. $595 $525

SOLD

Orvis Fly and Spin ~ 6.5’~ 2/2 ~ 2 1/2 oz. ~ HDG (WF-6) ~ Serial No. 48462 ~ EXC ~ This light line classic from Orvis is the ultimate rod for fly and spin fishing in small cricks and streams and/or in tight quarters.  It was crafted in 1967 during the Bill Young/Dale Brown era and features richly-hued impregnated cane with 3 around golden nodes, Orvis brown silks, fine Orvis furnishings including bright guides and smooth fitting N/S ferrules that give a soft pop when separated.  The business end of the butt section is fitted with a straight cork grip with flared ends, dual knurled-end slide bands and exposed WC. The rod comes with the original light gray bag and Orvis aluminum tube with blue and silver foil label.  Although rated by Orvis for a WF-6, for me, the brisk medium-fast action throws a tight loop, traditional or roll cast, when paired with a Cortland 444 Peach DT-4 or WF-5.  This sweet little wand is an excellent example of Orvis’ work from this era and a super find for the Orvis “dual-use” aficionado. $475

Steve Gobin (Quilceda Rod Works) ~ 6’8” ~ 2/2 ~ 3.2oz. ~ 3wt. ~ As New ~ This nicely crafted rod from the Pacific NW maker appears to be unfished.  Mr. Gobin is an accomplished a well-known fly tyer who learned the bamboo rod building craft, in part, from Darryl Whitehead, and his workmanship is top notch.  The rod features attractive honey-toned cane with 3 around golden nodes, mirrored tips, jet black silks tipped white, quality furnishings include a black agate stripper housed in a silver mildrum-style frame, black snakes and tip-tops, smooth, tight fitting N/S ferrules (with matching black/white cone-shaped ferrule plug) that give a satisfying pop when separated and a nicely executed glass smooth  varnish finish.  The business end of the butt section has a comfortable extra-flora grade cigar grip, nicely figured black/white ebony seat fitted with D/L'ing N/S cap and ring hardware and a petite N/S WC.  The rod comes with the original black bag with black leather hang tab and heavy gauge aluminum tube with brass end, collar and cap.  The rod has a brisk medium-fast action perfect for close in dry fly work.  It delivers tight loops when paired with a Cortland 444 Peach WF/DT-3 and is the ultimate light line small stream rod that would make a nice addition to anyone’s quiver. $1,295 $1,095

Phillipson Haywood Zephyr Spin ~ 7' ~ 2/1 (made that way) ~ 4 1/2oz. ~ EXC (exception noted) ~ Phillipson introduced this model in 1947 not long after Bill Phillipson’s failed attempt to purchase the Goodwin Granger Company. It was crafted by Phillipson for Whitney Sporting Goods in Denver and named for Jim Haywood, the "Roving Fisherman" for The Denver Post. It features attractive light honey-tone cane with swelled butt, black wraps with open back spiral tipping spinning guides (regrettably, the first guide above the make ferrule is cracked in half), smooth a tight fitting N/S ferrules that give a resounding pop when separated and a nicely executed varnish finish that has a small rough area on the butt. The business end of the bitt section has a no rock reel seat. The rod features the elliptical grip and has burnished gold wraps with black tipping has the popular elliptical “hammer handle” grip, bronze no rock seat with black D/L’ing screw and slide hood hardware and exposed WC. It comes in its original brown plastic case with original paper label 85 % intact and protected by clear tape. A sweet ole classic for those who prefer to toss Mepps and Panther Martins. Because of the broken guide... $195

F.T. Williams & CO LTD “The Rivercraft” ~ 7'2” ~ 2pc. ~ 6oz. ~ Med-Fast Action ~ EXC (exception noted) ~ This classic spinning rod from London England is a real blast from the past. It features attractive light honey-tone cane, deep burgundy silks (possibly re-wrapped at some point) with full intermediates, over-sized red agate stripper, bridge snakes and bridged red agate tip top and blued spiked ferrules that give a solid pop when separated. The business end of the butt section has an elongated straight spinning rod grip with dual slide bands, fighting butt and exposed WC. The makers name is stamped into the side of the elongated butt cap. No bag or tube. There’s still plenty of life left in this ole classic for those who prefer to toss Mepps and Panther Martins. $395 $195

Blitzen River Rod Co. “Blitzen 4” ~ 7.5' ~ 2/1 (made that way) ~ 4oz. ~ 4wt. Serial No. B7640519016 ~ As New ~ This beautifully crafted rod from the bench of Oregon’s Chris McDowell is based on a proprietary taper and features wonderful lightly flamed cane with 3 x3 golden nodes, jet black silks, black stripper and Quality furnishings include black stripper, snakes and tip-top, blued N/S ferules that fit smooth and tight and give a satisfying pop when separated and a nicely executed glass smooth varnish finish.  The business end of the butt section has a comfortable full Wells grip, black seat with black D/L'ing screw and slide hood hardware.  The rod comes with the original 2-compartment bag and labeled aluminum tube.  The sweet medium-fast action is perfect for dry fly work and the rod is capable of delivering a long line with a delicate presentation.  It really sang for me when paired with a Cortland 444 Peach WF/DT-4.  This attractive wand, nicely crafted in the USA, would be a welcome addition to anyone’s quiver. $595 $525

R.W. Summers Model 275 ~ 7.5' ~ 2/2 ~ 3.2 oz. ~ 4wt. ~ Serial No. 622009 ~ As New ~ Mr. Summers’ distinguished career at the Paul Young Company and as owner of the R.W. Summers Company needs little introduction to those who own, collect, and fish quality bamboo fly rods. He is widely regarded as one of the premier makers of bamboo rods and his association with the PHY company is well documented. This beautiful Traverse City, Michigan classic crafted in Mr. Summers’ deluxe format features beautifully flamed cane wrapped in translucent brown silks tipped black, quality furnishings include a mildrum-style stripper, chrome snakes and tip tops, blued N/S ferrules that fit smooth and tight and give a satisfying pop when separated, and an expertly executed mirror-like varnish finish. The business end of the butt section is fitted with a comfortable modified-Wells grip with walnut check, cork seat with dual N/S slide rings and walnut butt cap, and a HK attached at the front of the grip. The rod comes in its original chocolate brown bag with maker’s tag stitched into the top, attached ferrule plug and heavy-duty aluminum tube with brass bottom and cap featuring the makers name clearly struck into the top of the cap. The light in the had feel and action that is just a touch on the fast side of medium throws a sweet loop with a nice blend a power and delicacy and is best, for me when paired with a Cortland 444 Peach WF-4. This delightful wand has seen limited, if any use, and is ready for immediate delivery. Superb! $2,795 $2,595

R.W. Summers Model 275 ~ 7.5' ~ 2/2 ~ 3.2oz. ~ 4wt. ~ Serial No. 532009 ~ New! ~ Mr. Summers’ distinguished career at the Paul Young Company and as owner of the R.W. Summers Company needs little introduction to those who own, collect, and fish quality bamboo fly rods.  He is widely regarded as one of the premier makers on the planet.  This one-owner Traverse City, Michigan classic features beautifully attractive flamed cane with golden nodes, translucent brown silks tipped black, quality Summers guides and furnishings, smooth and tight-fitting oxidized N/S ferrules with ferrule plug  that give a satisfying pop when separated, and a perfectly executed glass-smooth varnish finish.  The business end of the butt section is fitted with a comfortable cigar grip, cork seat, dual slide rings, walnut butt cap and grip check, and a HK attached at the front of the grip.  The rod comes in its original chocolate brown bag with makers label stitched into the top, heavy gauge aluminum tube with brass end and cap, and original shipping tube.  The maker’s name is engraved into the top of the tube cap.  The pleasant light parabolic dry fly action is reminiscent of a PHY Perfectionist that was formerly in my quiver and delivers a smooth and tight loop, for me, best with a Cortland 444 Peach WF/DT-4.  The rod was made for the current owner who only endeavored to lawn cast it, but reported that he did not even do that.  It has never seen the water. Superb! $3,995 SALE $2,495

Winston ~ 7.5' ~ 2/2 ~ 3oz. ~ 4wt. ~ Serial No. 1751 ~ EXC ~ This sweet little wand crafted by Glenn Brackett in 1978, not long after the move from San Francisco to Twin Bridges, features attractive light honey-colored cane, tan silks with burgundy accent wraps at the ferrule stations, tip-tops signature wraps and HK and a beautifully executed glass smooth varnish finish.  The quality furnishings include a mildrum-style stripper, chrome snakes and tip tops and smooth and tight fitting Winston Duronze ferrules that give a satisfying pop when separated and feature the hallmark silk wrappings on the male ferrule housing and female ferrule.  The business end of the butt section is fitted with a cigar grip that shows some light ridging, nicely figured teakwood seat with D/L’ing N/S cap and ring hardware, petite N/S WC and folding ring HK.  The rod comes with the original red Winston labeled bag, no doubt left over form the San Francisco era, and Winston’s Twin Bridges, Montana labeled aluminum tube.  The brisk medium action is a joy to cast and handles beautifully when paired with a Cortland 444 Peach WF-4 and DT-4.  The taper is well-suited for close-in dry fly work but has plenty reserve power to punch out longer casts when called upon to do so.  This early Twin Bridges era wand is just another in a long line of superb offerings from the famous Western rod-maker. $1,795

SOLD OUT

L.J. Downes 7913 ~ 7’9” ~ 2/2 ~ 4.3oz. ~ 5wt. ~ Serial No. 6622 ~ As New ~ Jim Downes has been hand crafting custom bamboo fly rods for over two decades and honed his craft in part, under the watchful eyes of the late George Maurer. This nicely constructed rod from Mr. Downes PA shop features attractive light honey-tone cane with lightly swelled butt, 3 x 3 nodes, book-matched tips, burgundy silk tipped black with full intermediate wraps, chestnut agate stripper housed in a bonze nickel frame, bronze snakes and tip tops, smooth and tight fitting blued N/S ferrules that give a satisfying pop when separated and a nicely glass-smooth executed varnish finish. The business end of the butt section has a comfortable extra flora grade cigar grip, nicely figured dark tiger stripe maple seat with blued N/S D/L’ing cap and ring hardware and a petite blued N/S WC. The rod comes with quality-made bag with leather hag tab and labeled aluminum tube with brass cap, collar and end (light tarnish on tube cap and collar). The makers logo is stamped into the side of the butt cap. The medium-fast action is a joy to cast and the 7’9” format is well suited to most trout fishing situations. I really enjoyed casting it with a Cortland 444 Peach WF/DT-5. The present retail price for this quality-constructed rod is $1,600+ the intermediates. Get this one, as new and sans wait. for… $1,295 $995

SOLD

SOLD

SOLD

H.L. Leonard #50H ~ 8' ~ 3/2 ~ 4 5/8oz. ~ 7wt. ~ Serial No. 2963 ~ EXC+ (exceptions noted) ~  This quality-made post-fire Midland Park era Leonard features attractive blonde cane with swelled butt, old gold silks tipped brown, chrome stripper with brown ceramic insert, chrome snakes and tip-top, smooth and tight-fitting Leonard N/S step-down ferrules that give a satisfying pop when separated, and a nicely executed varnish finish.  One tip is down ¾” that, IMHO does not affect performance.  The tip top guide on the full length tip is starting to loosen on its station and should be reset.  The business end of the butt section is fitted with a comfortable flared palm cigar grip, butternut seat with U/L'ing screw and slide hood hardware, petite N/S WC, and folding ring HK.  The slide hood cap carries the H. L. Leonard die stamp.  The rod comes with the original yellow bag and original aluminum tube with brass bottom, cap and collar, and red/silver Midland Park era label fully intact.  The wonderful medium-fast action is well-suited for dry fly work, dry and dropper rigs, and terrestrials and for me, delivers a sweet loop with a Cortland 444 Peach DT-6.  It would be right at home in east on the Delaware, in the mid-west on the Manistee and Pere Marquette, and/or out West on the Big-Horn, Henrys Fork or Missouri. $995

H.L. Leonard #66 ~ 8’ ~ 2/2 ~ 3.8 oz. ~ 5wt. ~ EXC (exceptions noted) ~ This early (pre-WW-II) pre-fire classic is a favorite among Leonard rod enthusiasts and features light honey toned cane with swelled butt, deep burgundy silks, agate stripper, hardened steel snakes and tip-tops, and smooth and tight fitting Leonard step-down ferrules with witness marks that give a resounding pop when separated and a nicely executed varnish finish. The female ferrule on the butt carries the pat stamp just below the welt. One tip is down 3/8” and has a clear 5/8” protective wrap between the 4th and 5th snake guide. The wrap, which was expertly applied, appears to be protecting a hook dig when viewed under magnification. The cane seems solid with no open voids noted when the tip is flexed and I would have no reservations about fishing this tip with full force. The business end of the butt section is fitted with a cigar grip, D/L'ing N/S wedding band cap and ring seat over a butternut spacer, petite exposed N/S WC and folding ring HK. The Leonard Rod HL Leonard Rod Co. makers and Reg U.S. Pat Off die stamp is clearly struck into the side of the butt cap.. The rod comes with the original olive bag with stiffener (hang tag included, but spearated from bag) and original slender brass capped tube. This hard to find classic has a silky smooth medium to medium-fast action that I found very pleasing when paired with a Cortland 444 Peach WF/DT-5. It is a perfect all-around trout rod that is well-suited for dry fly work, dry and dropper rigs, and tossing hoppers and terrestrials. This superb effort from the famous world renown maker could become your new go to rod! $1,095 $995

McKellip M84 ~ 8' ~ 2/2 ~ 4.3oz. ~ 4wt. ~ As New ~ This finely-tuned one owner rod from the bench of Michigan’s McKellip Brothers was built in 1995. One immediately notices the attention to detail soon as the rod is removed from its handsome antique olive tube. It features select heat-treated tonkin cane with an attractive light carmel hue, matched tips, 2 x 2 nodes, avocado silks tipped red and nicely-executed glass smooth varnish finish. The quality furnishings include a smoke black stripper, black snakes and tip tops and smooth and tight fitting blued NS ferrules that give a resounding pop when separated. The business end of the butt section is fitted with comfortable modified well grip perfectly married to a nicely figured birds eye maple seat with blued N/S D/L’ing cap ring hardware. The side of the butt cap is tastefully engraved with the maker’s logo. A petite blued WC completes the grip area. The rod comes with a quality stitched antique olive bag with leather hang tab and matching antique olive labeled tube with the makers logo engraved into the top of the heavy gauge brass tube cap. The comfortable action is just a touch on the fast side of medium and is well-suited to dry fly work when paired with a Cortland Peach DT-4/WF-5. This superb rod has seen little, if any use and will surely please. $895

Orvis Battenkill ~ 8’ ~ 2/2 ~ 4 1/8 oz. ~ HDG (6) ~ Serial No. 60643 ~ EXC (exceptions noted) ~ This 1970 offering from the famous New England area maker was built by Ron White and features attractive light honey-colored cane, Orvis brown silks and a virtually maintenance-free impregnated finish.  Fine Orvis furnishings include chrome guides and tip-tops and tight fitting blued N/S ferrules that give a satisfying pop when separated.  The wraps on one tip are a shade lighter that the other two sections indicating that tip was either re-wrapped or replaced.  A faint ferrule tick can be felt when the original tip is in use and the butt cap sleeve is loose on its station.  The business end of the butt section is fitted with a cigar grip, D/L’ing screw and slide hood aluminum seat with a nicely figured walnut spacer and exposed WC.  No HK.  The rod comes with the original gray Orvis bag and original Orvis aluminum tube with blue/silver foil label.   Although rated by Orvis as a WF-6, the accommodating  medium action really came alive for me when paired with a Cortland 444 Peach WF-5.  The Battenkill was one of the more popular bamboo rods of its time and this one is a super find for the budget-minded Orvis enthusiast. $425

Orvis Battenkill ~ 8’ ~ 3/2 ~ 4 1/2oz. ~ HCF (7) ~ Serial No. 47090 ~ EXC (exceptions noted) ~  This 1967 Skinner and Reid-era offering from the famous Vermont maker comes in the highly sought after 3/2 format.  It features richly-hued impregnated cane, Orvis brown silks, chrome guides and smooth and tight fitting blued N/S ferrules that give a satisfying pop when separated.  The water plug is missing on the bottom of the mid section and one of the tip section male ferrules.  I also noted that the writing style on the serial number inked on one of the tip sections is a bit different from the other three sections.  The business end of the butt section is fitted with a comfortable cigar grip, walnut seat with D/L’ing screw and slide hood eere hardware, exposed WC, and HK loop.  It comes with a newer green soft cotton s bag and Orvis labeled aluminum tube.  Although rated by Orvis as a WF-7, for me, the sweet action that is just a touch on the fast side of medium, throws a tight loop with a Cortland 444 Peach WF-5, DT-5 and a 6 if asked.  This multi-use rod should handle most trout fishing situations and could be your next go-to rod. $595

Redwing Fly Rods “Para 15” ~ 8’ ~ 2/2 ~ 4oz. ~ 5/6wt. ~ EXC+ (exception noted) ~ Check out this neat rendition of the popular PHY Para 15 from the bench of Wisconsin’s Joe Balestrieri. It features richly flamed cane with 2 x 2 golden nodes, matched tips, clear silks (burgundy at the ferrule stations), smoked sliver mildrum-style stripper, light wire silver snakes, black tip-tops, blued, super –Z- style N/S ferrules give a satisfying ‘pop’ when separated, however a ferrule tick can be felt in one of the tips, and a nicely executed varnish finish. The business end of the butt section is fitted with a comfortable ventilated grip, attractive and highly figured black walnut seat with blued D/L’ing nickel silver cap and ring hardware. The rod comes with a sturdy hooded bag and black powder-coated aluminum tube with brass end, cap and collar. The sweet parabolic action provides smooth line delivery and offers a nice blend of power and distance. I really liked it with Cortland 444 Peach DT-5 and WF-6. This para is another in a long line of quality-crafted and affordable rods from the respected Wisconsin maker. $525

Vadalia Rodworks ~ 8’ ~ 3/2 ~ 5.3oz. ~ 5wt. ~ EXC ~ Check out this offering from Phil Smith at VRW.  Mr. Smith has been handcrafting bamboo rods in his West Virginia shop since 2003.   This custom built rod is based on a Payne 201 and features attractive flamed cane 3 around golden nodes, brown silks tipped gold, mildrum style stripper, silver snakes and tip tops,  smooth and tight-fitting N/S ferrules that give a resounding pop when separated, and a nicely-executed varnish finish.  The business end of the butt section is fitted with a comfortable western style grip, nicely figured hardwood seat with D/L’ing N/S cap and ring hardware, petite N/S WC and folding ring HK.  The rod comes with a soft bushed cotton bag and aluminum tube with makers logo.  The responsive medium-fast action throws a tight loop, for me best when paired with a Cortland 444 Peach DT-5 and would be an excellent choice for dry fly work.  This finely-tuned rod from the Appalachian region is an excellent value and would make a nice addition to anyone’s quiver. $625

Carlin P200H ~ 8'3” ~ 3/2 ~ 4.3oz.~ 5wt. ~ New (with plastic on the grip) ~ This taper for this finely-tuned rendition of the popular Payne 200 was extended out to accommodate the additional 3” in length by Far North Rodsmith’s Chris Carlin. This one owner classic features attractive light carmel-colored canewith golden with 3x3 golden nodes, matched tips, replica Payne style java silks tipped yellow with a turn of red at the HK, light carmel agate stripper housed in a smoked nickel frame, with light wire smoked nickel snakes and tip tops, smooth and tight-fitting blued N/S truncated ferrules that give a resounding pop when separated and a perfectly executed glass-like varnish finish. The business end of the butt section is fitted with a modified cigar grip with tapered nose, Payne-like cedar seat with blued N/S D/L’ing cap and ring hardware and folding ring HK. The rod comes with a custom-made bag with brass grommeted leather hang tab and aluminum tube with brass cap, collar and end complete with the maker’s label and rod information. This rod has a wonderful medium action designed for long casts and stealthy presentations. The rod performs admirably when paired with a Cortland 444 Peach DT/WF-DT5 and would be a fine choice for the large and finicky trout of the Henry’s Fork, Missouri, Big Horn or Big D. Superb! $1,395

Barney & Berry ~ 8.5' ~ 3/2 ~ 4.4 oz ~ 5wt. ~Serial No. 7255 ~ EXC+ RS ~ Barney & Berry contacted Winchester/Edwards to build rods bearing the B&B name into the 1902s, and was eventually acquired by Remington Arms. This early 1920s classic was reportedly refinished by Steve Blake and features attractive carmel-colored cane with swelled butt, gold silks tipped red and black, red agate stripper, hardened steel snakes, red agate tip-tops, smooth and tight fitting N/S ferrules that give a solid pop when separated and a nicely-executed varnish finish. The business end of the butt section is fitted with a cigar grip, screw D/L’ing seat with cedar barrel spacer, exposed WC, and folding ring HK. The butt cap carries the Barney & Berry Made in USA (with serial number) die stamp, nicely struck. The rod comes with comes with what is believed to be the original olive canvas bag and an early Heddon aluminum tube. It has a light in the had feel and a wonderful medium-slow action that for me, is best with a Cortland 444 Peach DT-5. It was also easily handle a 6 in WF/DT/TT formats if asked and would be a good candidate for a silk line. This would be a nice find for the Winchester/Edwards enthusiast and cool piece of Century old Americana. $595 $495

Edwards “Quadrate” #50 ~ 8.5' ~ 3/2 ~ 4.9oz. ~ 6/7wt. ~ EXC+ RS ~ This Mt Carmel, CT quad was nicely restored (not sure who did the work) and features attractive shade of lightly flamed cane with golden nodes, red silks tipped black with alternating signatures wraps on the butt section, red agate stripper, black snakes and tip-tops that appear to be new replacements, smooth and easy working blued N/S ferrules that give a nice pop when separated and ai nicely executed glass smooth varnish finish. The business end of the butt section is fitted with a light cigar grip brown pyralin seat with matching scree U/L’ing hardware, black grip checks and a folding ring HK. Inked on the rod in white script is #50. From the famous writings of the late Martin Keane comes the following passage… “Don’t draw any conclusions about an Edwards Quad rod until you’ve actually fished it under normal conditions – wiggling it around in some dealer’s showroom will tell you absolutely nothing. The Quad is mighty different when working under the weight of a properly fitted line. It is an amazing instrument with great power-and considerably more delicacy- than most anglers imagine.” The rod comes with a new tan bag and replacement water-tite aluminum tube. This strong medium taper would be well suited for windy condition and larger than average quarry including trout or and is prced for an immediate sale at… $795 $695

Orvis Light Salmon ~ 8.5’ ~ 2/2 ~ 5oz. ~ HCH (#7) ~ Serial No. 23033 ~ EXC- (exceptions noted) ~ This big water rod from Orvis was made in 1957 during the Cal Skinner / George Reid era and features rich impregnated cane, Orvis brown silks, mildrum style stripper, hardened steel snakes and tip-tops, and blued N/S ferrules that give a resounding pop when separated. It is possible that a couple of the wraps may have been redone. The business end of the butt section is fitted with a comfortable new grip, full metal screw D/L'ing seat with removable butt cap plug and fighting butt, blued WC and HK loop. The rod comes with the original tan bag with dedicated fighting butt storage compartment at the bottom and original Orvis aluminum tube with blue and white paper label. This popular model is renowned for its use by Atlantic salmon and steelhead aficionados and would also make a nice rod for smallies and bucket mouths. This one is fine example of Orvis’ craftsmanship from what many believe is their best period of production, but the best part is the price. $395

Phillipson Powr Pakt ~ 8.5' ~ 3/2 ~ 4.9 oz. ~ 5/6wt.~ EXC+ (with exception noted) ~ This Rocky Mountain classic, likely from the 3M era, features light honey-colored cane with swelled butt, 3 x 3 nodes, tight resorcinol glue lines, yellow silks tipped black and a nicely executed varnish finish. Phillipson-issue furnishings include bronze mildrum stripper, hardened steel snakes, and bronze tip –tops, smooth working N/S ferrules with witness marks give a soft pop when separated. The tips have light sets that, in my opinion, does not affect line flow or performance. The business end of the butt section is fitted with a comfortable wells grip, black “no-rock” seat with screw D/L'ing hardware and exposed WC. The rod comes with the original tan canvas bag and what is likely the original unlabeled aluminum tube. The brisk medium-fast action throws a tight loop with point & shoot accuracy when paired with a Cortland 444 Peach DT-5 and WF/DT-6. This is one of the nicer examples of this model that I’ve seen in a while. $595

Heddon #17 Black Beauty ~ 9’ ~ 3/2 ~ 2 3/4F ~ 5 3/4oz. ~ 7/8 wt. ~ EXC- (exceptions noted) ~ This 1950’s classic from Dowagiac, Michigan comes in what Heddon refers to as the Power Plus 2 3/4F format. It features an attractive shade of browntone cane with swelled butt, jet black silks tipped orange, black stripper, hardened steel snakes and tip tops, tight fitting Japanned ferrules that give a soft pop and a nicely executed varnish finish that has a few marks and dings.  a few of the guide wraps are dry and I noted a faint ferrule click. The business end of the butt section is fitted with a comfortable reversed half-wells grip, black pyralin seat with D/L'ing screw and sliding hood hardware, black WC and folding ring HK.  The rod comes with the original Heddon-labeled bag with stitched in tag and original black aluminum tube with remnants of the original label.  The rod has an easy-throwing medium action and tosses a fine loop, for me best with a Cortland 444 Peach DT-7.  This powerhouse of a rod that appears to be all original would be a good choice for hoppers, buggers, mousing and frogging.  Priced to allow for a little TLC. $250 $195

Heddon #17 Black Beauty ~ 9’ ~ 3/2 ~ 2 1/2 F ~ 5oz. ~ 6/7wt. ~ EXC+ RS (exception noted) ~ This post classic era rod from the famous Dowagiac, Michigan Maker was beautifully restored by Michigan’s Winston Binney.  Mr. Binney formerly finished out rods for his friend Larry Foster, the late President of the H.L. Leonard Rod Company, during the time in which Mr. Foster owned the Leonard name.  He’s been restoring bamboo rods as well as assembling graphite & glass rods since the late 1960's.  The Black Beauty was Heddon’s most popular rod and features an attractive shade of browntone cane with swelled butt, jet black silks tipped orange, black stripper, hardened steel snakes and tip tops, smooth working black ferrules that give a soft pop when separated and a nicely executed varnish finish.  Both tips hav sets that do not affect line flow or performance. The business end of the butt section is fitted with a comfortable reversed half-wells grip, black pyralin seat with D/L'ing screw and sliding hood hardware, black WC and folding ring HK.  The rod comes with the original Heddon-labeled bag with stitched in tag and black aluminum tube with gold foil Heddon label.  The rod is has a comfortable medium action and tosses a fine loop, for me best with a Cortland 444 Peach WF-7. This powerhouse of a rod would be great choice for larger dries, hoppers, nymphin, froggin or mousein. $295

Heddon #20 ~ 9' ~ 3/2 ~ 2 1/2F ~ 5.8oz ~ 6/7wt. ~ EXC+ RS ~ This quality rod is from Heddon’s Neo-Classic era (1939 – 1948), which is widely regarded by many as Heddon’s best era of rod production. The #20 was built in Heddon’s “Handmade Rod Department” where all rods (# 20 and up) were crafted by a single rodmaker. The only exceptions to this were the #22 which was Heddon’s lowest grade rod and is hardly ever seen, and of course the two models made exclusively for Sears (#115 and #125). This rod features browntone cane with swelled butt, deep burgundy silks tipped gold, agate stripper, hardened steel snakes, tight-fitting blued N/S ferrules, and a nicely-executed varnish finish. One tip has a light set that does not affect performance. The business end of the butt section is fitted with a comfortable reversed half-wells grip, D/L'ing screw and sliding seat over a brown tenite spacer, wound over WC, and folding ring HK. The rod comes with a replacement bag and Heddon-issue tube. This smooth medium-slow to medium action throws a sweet loop and ample amounts of Cortland 444 Peach DT-6 and WF-7 line. This Dowagiac, Michigan classic will make a welcome addition to your large water/large fish arsenal. $295 $250

Heddon #35 ~ 9' ~ 3/2 ~ 2 1/2F ~ 5.4oz. ~ 6/7wt. Serial No. 1516 ~ EXC ~ This rarely seen 1st generation (c. 1920’s) classic was Heddon’s top rod at the time. The red inked serial number (1516) is still present, yet faint, on the butt section.  It one features a beautiful shade of light browntone cane with swelled butt, old gold silks with elegant old gold and B/W jasper intermediates, reversed twist hardened steel snakes (the stripper is also a snake guide) and tip-tops, smooth and tight fitting N/S ferrules that give a soft pop when separated and a nicely executed varnish finish that has stood the test of time.  The business end of the butt section has a modified cigar grip fashioned from 1/4 inch cork rings with tapered perfection nose, full metal seat with D/L'ing slide band hardware and exposed WC.  Heddon is engraved into the bottom of the butt cap. The original acetate label is approximately 85% intact on the butt section and reads Heddon “Tempered Bamboo” with the red inked serial number on the flat above it.  It comes with an olive canvas bag with stitched in hang tab and aluminum tube with the early “Heddon’s Dowagiac” engraved into the top of the cap.  The tube cap has some hairline cracks that do not affect use.  Both bag and tube are believed to be original.  One tip section is about a half shade lighter than the other.  Of noteworthy interest, a previous 1st gen #35 I sold (Serial #1527) exhibited the exact same characteristic, leading me to believe it was possibly done to differentiate one tip from the other.  The comfortable medium action is a joy to cast and throws a sweet loop with a Cortland 444 Peach DT-6 and WF-7.  I can only presume that it would really sing if paired with a silk line.  This historically significant Dowagiac, Michigan classic has a unique bond to yesteryear and is a super find for the Heddon collector or any classic rod aficionado. $595

FE Thomas Dirigo ~ 9’2”/9’5” ~ 3/2/2 ~ 5.9/6.1 oz. ~ 7/8wt. ~ Serial No. 22 ~ EXC- (exceptions noted) ~ The FE Thomas Company built rods from turn of the 20th Century up to c. 1958-59. During their early years, and up through 1936, the rods were numbered with a die stamp on the bottom of the butt cap, usually starting with the number 1 and continuing until the end of that calendar year and then repeated again the following year beginning with number 1. At some point in the mid to late 1930s (some believe 1936-37), the FET Co. modified the die stamp to include both symbols and numbers. This FET classic has the number 22 stamped into the bottom of the butt cup and is believed to be a pre-1937 rod. In addition to the FET Dirigo die stamp on the side of the reel seat, a former (and likely original) Reading, PA owner’s name and 1922 is stamped into the side of the reel foot sleeve further delineating the rods age. This old world classic with 2 mid sections features a rich carmel-colored hade of browntone cane with swelled butt, brown silks and intermediates, agate stripper housed in a black nickel frame, reverse twist snakes, one tip has a standard hardened steel tip top guide, the other has a milky white agate tip top guide and this tip also has a 1” long repair wrap between the 1st and 2nd snake guide. The varnish, which no doubt has been touched up and possibly overcoated over the years, is beginning to craze and has some nicks and bag marks. The blued NS ferules fit smooth and tight and give a give a solid pop when separated. The business end of the butt section has a cigar grip with tapered nose, blued German silver seat with D/L'ing. slide band hardware and the hallmark FET petite blued WC with attached folding ring HK. The rod comes with what is likely the original factory-sewn 5-compartment brown bag with properly sized slot for the shorter mid, and aluminum tube. The rod has a slow wet fly action that will perform admirably in the hands of a patient caster. This century-old classic is a super find for the FET enthusiast. $595