|
Allcocks 1958c The Eclipse 10’6” /3 All
split cane. The Eclipse is one of Allcocks’ great rods. Similar in
weight/quality to the Record Breaker, but with a more through action. A
marvellous Wallis casting rod. Capable of landing big chub, but not at all
over-gunning for roach and grayling. Proper reinforced and spigotted
ferrules, found only on Allcocks best rods. Obtained in almost new condition,
but nevertheless completely re-furbished with new shive corks and fine alloy
fittings, agate butt and tip, fine green silks with close intermediates, and
gold oval label. £485 Allcocks 1958c Super Wizard 11’0” /3. A really amazing
find. This Wizard is one of a VERY small number made to a much higher
specification at the transition time when Allcocks changed from brass to
aluminium for the butt fittings. It has a proper GOLD OVAL LABEL. It also has
a longer SHIVE (whole) cork handle (completely original) rather than the
usual sheet cork stuck over shaped wood. This proper cork handle appears to
be in response to B. James’ Avocet (itself a modified Wizard type). In this
upgraded Wizard the whole cane runs through the handle. What is even more
extraordinary, is that this rod appears to have had almost no use from new.
It is all utterly original, with no over-varnishing. Original agate rings are
in place throughout, tied in Allcocks famous scarlet, with graduated
intermediates. The beautiful shive cork handle is as new, and the fittings
show only a gentle patina of age, and no wear at all. The ferrules are
perfect, and even have their original stoppers. The rod-bag is clean, and
undamaged. This rod appears to have
been used a few times only, then hung for nearly fifty years in a cupboard.
Ready for everyday use, or perhaps as part of an important collection;
hopefully with at least some occasional use. With modern versions of the
Wizard now costing about £1,000 this has to be an excellent investment. £585 Allcocks Wizard (1964 - known date) 11’0”
/3 Whole cane butt, split cane middle and top. With its original DAILY HERALD PRIZE ROD transfer. (
PHOTOGRAPH OF ROD AND PAPERS) It isn’t often I suggest that a rod might best
be collected and exhibited, rather than used. But this highly important
Allcocks Wizard with its impeccable provenance might be such a rod. It was awarded by the famous angling writer
Eric Marshall-Hardy, on behalf of the Daily Herald (then a major national
daily newspaper) in 1964, to Mr W. J. Sommers of Brecon for a most superb
catch of dace, including four one-pounders, taken from the River Usk. What is most amazing, is that all the original
correspondence from Eric Marshall-Hardy is still with the rod. The
documentation includes: 1. Letter from Eric
Marshall-Hardy to Mr Sommers dated 30/7/64 2. Letter from Eric
Marshall-Hardy to Mr Sommers dated 4/8/64 3. Letter from Eric Marshall
Hardy to Mr Sommers dated 10/8/64 4. (Each of these letters is
personally written in longhand and signed E Marshall- Hardy) 5. Original envelopes for
each of these letters, with early Elizabeth II stamps (including one special
issue commemorating the International Botanical Congress). 6. Original 2¼ x 2¼ black
and white photograph of the whole catch (six huge dace). 7. Original clipping from
the Daily Herald announcing the catch, and confirming the award of the
Special Wizard. These documents are
all preserved in a brown envelope at present, but they would produce a
wonderful display piece if displayed behind a mitred mount in a single
picture frame of suitable quality. There cannot be many
rods of any kind with such a provenance. Wizards are highly sought-after in
any condition. To find a Wizard completely restored to original condition,
with such a famous connection, and full documentation, is really quite
extraordinary. The rod itself has
been sympathetically restored to perfection. It is finished in green silk,
with original agate type butt and tip, and new (from original 1960’s stock)
intermediates. It is entirely usable, and might then be expected to do
another lifetime of service. Whilst
this is undoubtedly a collector’s ideal, it would certainly be nice to think
that this very special Wizard would see at least occasional action: perhaps against the dace of the Usk. New owner with
honourable intentions sought. £985
(This includes all the original paperwork) Allcocks 1960c Super
Wizard 11’0” /3. Obtained from the
original owner in virtually new condition, but nevertheless completely
re-finished to the very best 21st Century standard of finish and protection
(even on unused rods, Allcocks’ original finish looks less than ordinary by
today’s standards, and it offers very little protection to the rod). Original
agate rings all through. Finest vermilion Kinkame Japanese filament silk
whipped. Original alloy handle fittings, and Allcocks black button. Probably
the best standard spec Wizard in the country. An extraordinary ‘new’ late
Super Wizard, (over 40 years old). £595. (
Photograph) BLACK LABEL WIZARDS -
Occasionally available new or used. OTHER ALLCOCKS WIZARDS - We usually have one or more in stock.Allcocks 1955c Melody. |
|
Rods and Accessories for
Sale
Link to Fly rods Example: 12’ /3 indicates a rod that is 12’ long, in
three sections. |
|
ALSO SEE SEPARATE LISTS OF ‘
SUBLIME RODS’ AND ‘
NAMED COLLECTORS
RODS’ |