FLY RODS

 

I have plenty of excellent fly-rods between 6’6” and 8’6” in stock . Say what you need, and I’ll mail you back with suggestions. Anything currently un-wrapped can be colour specified.

 

HEDDON   (Model to be advised) 9’ three section with two tips. Appears to be about a #4/5 Swelled butt design. Nickel silver ferrules and reel fittings. Original four section bag. £250. ( PHOTO)

 

Leonard USA 1950 ? The Leonard Rod.  Maybe # 3/4 9’0” 3/1. I understand that this is one of the very desirable Catskill series of rods. A very unusual find here in England. This Leonard rod is made to an incredible standard – much better than any British-made rod of the period. It is extremely fine in the tip, and was presumably made for the smallest size of silk line, or early plastic. Needs restoration, but the cane is in fine condition, under slightly reticulated varnish. Cane swells above the handle, which itself is quite small and thin, with a butternut wood spacer. The very finely-made cap and slider fittings are nickel silver, as are the ferrules. Wrapped in light red silk, with very complicated and finely executed signature wraps. All snakes, plus small drop loop tip-top. Original cloth bag (in poor condition). No work undertaken on this rod here, as it clearly deserves the attentions of  someone who understands high grade, pre-fire Leonards. $600.

( PHOTOGRAPHS)

Leonard USA 1930’s ? 57” ( PHOTOGRAPH) Butt section only from a salmon fly rod. This would make the base of an interesting restoration/building project. The quality of this butt is simply breath-taking. Beautiful fittings in nickel silver. Looks as though it would make up to a #11 or #12. Presumably the tapers for Leonards are accessible through Rodmakers’ site. (PRICE Offers)

 

P.D.Malloch of Perth 1958c 8’6” #5/6 3 piece. Conveniently transportable rod. Super little all-round trout rod from the most prestigious of all Scottish makers. Excellent cond. Appears to have been little used from new. Agate stripper and tip ring. Snake intermediates. Red silk with fine intermediates ties. High grade shive corks. Aluminium furniture £275

 

Ogden Smiths 1965 c ‘Royal Sovereign’ 7’6” /1 #4/5. A stunning and super quality rod from one of the great London makers. Super flor shive cork handle with lightweight aluminium sliding reel-band and polished housing butt-cap.  Wrapped in finest silks: old gold at ferrules and light brass at guides. Fine near-transparent intermediates at name. Agate stripper, s/s snakes intermediates, hayfork drop-loop tip top. £370.

 

Sharpes (Aberdeen) 1975 c 14’ #10 3/2 Swelled splice. Salmon fly. NEW. Quite what a replacement for this rod would cost from a comparable maker, is hard to imagine. I suspect Sharpes, if they were still in business, or Hardy’s, would want around £2,500. A magnificent salmon rod. £395

 

Paul Young USA. ‘Driggs River Special’ (repro.) 7’2” #5 /2 Two tips. High quality reproduction of the rod that is said by some to be the best all-round trout rod ever designed. Superb flamed cane. Flor grade corks. Polished Fosters housing butt cap with decorated sliding band. Agate stripping guide, USA twist snake intermediates, drop loop tip-top. Gossamer silk tied in transparent gold with one-turn tippets in contrasting black (alternative choices possible).  £575

 

REELS

 

 

Allcocks Pattern  Nine 3½” Centrepin 1937. Stag motif. Lever check. Centre latch drum removal. Original Xylonite handles. Internal drum spokes. Alloy with brass foot. The Pattern 9 was made only during the period 1937 – 1939, after which the factory was went over to wartime (wheels) production, so it is quite rare. Originally black coated, this Pattern Nine, has aged very gracefully, with a rich shine and patina. It is still nicely tight on its spindle, suggesting that it has had a gentle lifestyle. Spins well for those who can Wallis cast. Contracted drum gives excellent line recovery. Partnered with a Wizard or Record Breaker sized rod this would be an excellent all-round float fishing reel. Very simple, very beautiful, and very competent. £325 (Photograph)

Allcocks 1939 Aerial Popular 4” Wide. The most sought after Aerial size. Many of the 4” Aerials were bought for salmon spinning, and had a hard life loaded to the rim with 20lb line, and casting big lures. This one seems to have no spindle wear, so it has either been in a drawer for a long time, or it’s had light float fishing use.  The reel looks lovely with lots of shine and patina about it. It also spins for ages, with no wobble. After seeing a lot of bedraggled Pops it’s nice to find a really good 4”. The perfect barbel reel. £395 (Link to photograph)

 

ABU 1700  Very collectable. In virtually mint condition. No wear at all. Suitable for inclusion in a serious collection. (Not many of these around). £95  PHOTOGRAPH

ABU 6000C 1970 Black plates. Little used. All original, with tools and oil, in leather case. £165

ABU 5000 1968 Red plates. Little used. All original. In leather case with oil bottle. £145

Hardy's Eureka 4” Centrepin Circa 1950  In virtually mint condition. No wear at all. Suitable for inclusion in a serious collection, but even better suited to use for another 50 years. A very beautiful and classic latched centrepin  from a very prestigious maker. £450

 

(On reserve) Hardy’s Altex No 2. Very early. Like Chris Yates’ in a Passion for Angling. Appears to be