Vintage Bamboo Fly Rods, Reels, and Tackle

The following are ‘Vintage’ rods, reels, and other classic tackle that I have for sale.  If you have an interest in any of them, be sure to contact me for availability and any questions you may have, or if you need photographs.. This inventory is subject to change as additional rods & reels are acquired and others are sold.  Reasonable offers will be respectfully considered.  Buyer will pay postage. 

 -Dr. Paul Hermann Reels- Never before offered reels from his family... Contact us if you have an interest in owning a fine Hermann Fly Reel.  All reels are  mint/unused condition with the original red bags. Dr. Hermann was a prolific Atlantic Salmon fisherman, and his specialty was crafting elegant and functional salmon reels.  
   Salmon Reels:  Made with polished aluminum or nickel silver rims, black side plates, and an amazing drag system that will stop any salmon, these reels are mint, never used, coming from Paul's family, and include the original red felt bag. Paul made his salmon reels with a 2:1 multiplying ratio. 
Newly arrived, in stock: 
Salmon Reel: 
Salmon Reel: #122: Anodized Silver Aluminum Rims, RHW. $2600
Salmon Reel: #022-94: Features Polished Aluminum rims, RHW... $2600

New-A new Boxed set has arrived...

 We have received a second boxed set of Hermann reels as of 8/16/23.  A description will be forthcoming soon.  Please contact us if you are interested...This set includes a Baby Hermann and a Salmon Reel- both in bright nickel silver/aluminum finish with rare white handle knobs.

Care Instructions for Hermann Salmon Reels

​The following instructions are from Dr. Paul Hermann, in his own words:

Paul Hermann MD  1995

This 2:1 multiplying reel is handmade from the highest quality solid bar, 6061 T-6 aluminum.
All bearing surfaces are made from high grade bearing bronze and stainless steel.  Each reel is hand fitted and lubricated before shipping.
To oil reel:
Remove oil cap, turn reel on it’s side and fill with good grade machine oil.  Slowly turn reel handle until oil disappears and refill.  Replace oil cap very securely, as it can be easily lost.
Anodized reels may be used in salt water.  Nickel silver reels are recommended for fresh water use only.  For salt water use, flush and dunk in fresh water at the end of each fishing day.  When you return home, carefully remove front face plate (5 large screws).  Use a screwdriver that perfectly fits the screw heads.  With the face plate removed, the spools can then be taken out and flushed with water.  Blow out spool and dry, then spray inside with WD-40 oil.  Re-oil moving parts and reassemble.
DO NOT turn the reel handle backwards to test drag.  This puts unnecessary strain on the gears.  Test drag only by pulling line from the spool.
This reel will hold at least 150 yards of 20 pound dacron backing.  Spool changes are not needed for different fly lines if you use interchangeable loops on your fly lines and backing.
Reversing a reel to left or right hand can only be done by someone who is familiar with this reel and process.  Each left or right hand reel has the drag lever parts made so that the motion to increase drag on a right hand reel is counterclockwise, while the motion to increase the drag on a left hand reel is clockwise.  Multiple mirror image parts must be replaced to accomplish this change.
Each handmade reel is coded with it’s own serial number and is special to me, as are the fisherman who use them. The design of this reel evolved over 20 years of my own salmon fishing experiences. This reel incorporates all I ever liked about the classic reels of the past in modern design with a strong drag system. 
With proper care, this reel should last through a lifetime of great salmon and bone fishing.

Paul Hermann, M.D.  1995
(1946 - 2016)

RODS:
​​The following Bamboo Fly Rods are currently available.  Some are extremely rare and/or in demand, so please contact us to check on availability and  for additional information.  Prices do not include shipping.
​

NEW: Custom 7' 2 1/2" Orvis "Light Salmon" Fly Rod-5 Wt.

This 2-piece, 2-tip rod was custom made and bears serial #31596.  It really is a light line rod so the name 'salmon rod' is misleading.  This feels like a 5-wt. rod, so it would be for light salmon fishing and  ideally suited for trout fishing.  sections are full length and straight, with good-fitting ferrules.  The reel seat is made for a 2" cork extension handle.  This is impregnated and the owner's name is partially visible on the butt section.  The cork is soiled and has some ridging but no other damage.   It comes with the original bag and a plain aluminum tube with the owner's label and other information.  $750  plus shipping.

NEW:  9' Orvis "Light Salmon" Impregnated Fly Rod.  

This early 3/2  impregnated rod bears serial #2991 and is marked "Light Salmon".  It's in very good original condition with one tip 1 1/4" short.  It comes with 2 1/4" detachable extension handle.  When attached, the rod measures 9' 2 1/4" long.  It has steel snake guides, blued ferrules, and brown translucent wraps.  It comes with the original light green bag and a plain tube with the owner's label.  It feels like a 7-wt.   $700 plus shipping.

New:  Nice 9' Orvis Impregnated "Pat. Pend." Fly Rod with Extension Handle 

This 3/2 rod bears serial #3001, which was made just a few rods after the above "Light Salmon" rod was made (serial #2991).  All sections are full length with tight ferrules and the tips have light sets.  It has the early hardened steel snake guides, blued ferrules, screw up-locking reel seat, and a 5" detachable grip.  When assembled with the extension handle, it measures 9' 5".  The cork is excellent.   Completing this rod is the original light olive bag and a plain tube with the owner's label.  It feels like an 8 or 9-Wt. rod.    $700 plus shipping.

New: Pre-1910 F. E. Thomas "Dirigo" Fly Rod

This 3/1 rod was made by the famous Fred Thomas shop before 1910 as evidenced by the lack of date stamping on the butt cap.  The single tip is about 3" short at the tip end.  It features the small guage reverse twist English snake guides (including the stripper), red wraps and intermediates, full nickel silver reel seat,  bamboo tip tube, and hooded canvas sack.  The ferrules are tight and seat fully.  There is a 'V' shaped dent in the middle of the cork handle.  With a little polishing, this rod could be made to look very nice.  It can be fished as is.  Accompanying this rod is a plastic replacement case and a magazine article about Hiram Leonard which mentions employing Fred Thomas in it's shop.  This wonderful and rare Thomas rod is priced at $300 plus shipping.  

New: 8 1/2' Orvis "Kit" Fly Rod

 Years ago, you could buy 'kits' from Orvis which included the materials to assemble your own rod.  That is what we have for sale here.  It is a 2/1 rod with the Orvis translucent brown wraps, chrome guides, bright n/s ferrules, carboloy stripper, a cigar shaped grip, and an aluminum screw down-locking reel seat.  The tip was made 1/4" longer than the butt.  Each section is straight with tighly seating ferrules.  It comes with a typical Orvis plaid bag (made for 1-tip) and plain Orvis-style tube.  This rod feels like a 7-Wt. and would be an excellent starter bamboo rod for bass, pike,  and larger trout.  Priced at $250 plus shipping. 

New: 8 1/2' R. L. Winston Hollow-Built Fly Rod

This 2/1 rod was made in 1957 According to the owner who spoke to someone at the Winston company.  It was made as a single-tip rod and has the original 1-tip bag with Winston S.F. label.  The light tan nylon wraps looked dry so we gave it a coat of the proper color preserver to seal them up without discoloring them. The original owner's name is inscribed above the handle along with the Winston rod details.  This includes patent number and serial #8020.  It is listed as weighing 4 3/4 oz. but the actual weight on our scales is 5.1 oz.  Both sections are straight, full length, and with fully-seating snug ferrules.  The original reel seat has been replaced with a Wright & McGill Granger seat that functions normally.  There is moderate soiling of the handle and one very tiny chip on the 5th ring from the front end.  Completing this rod is the original labeled maroon bag and tube (with the San Fransisco decal).   It feels like a 6-7 Wt. would work well on it.   Priced at $600 plus shipping.  

New: 8'11" Orvis 'SS' Salmon Fly Rod

This is a 2-pc, 2-tip impregnated rod in excellent condition.  The serial on each section is: 63874.  It has chrome snake guides, 3 carboloy slippers, translucent brown wraps, an aluminum screw down-locking reel seat, and a 2" detachable lower grip.  With the grip installed, this rod measures 8' 11".   All sections are straight, full length, and with fully-seating tight ferrules.  Most of the inked inscription has flaked off.  Accompanying this rod is the original gray bag and tube with silver & green label.  They list it as weighing 6 1/4 oz. but the actual weight is 6.7 ozs.  It is rated for WF-10 lines.    $600 plus shipping.

8' Payne Model #200- Sold as of 8/16/23

This 3-pc. 2-tip rod is one of the most sought-after models.  It casts both a #4 and #5 lines and is listed as a "Light DF" rod in the old Payne catalogs.  This one is ready to fish and features the usual brown silks tipped gold, a screw up-locking reel seat stamped "Made For Abercrombie & Fitch Co.", cedar spacer,  and the original khaki bag (minus the tag), and labeled brass-capped tube with gray felt insert.  It weighs 4.2 oz. and has size 10 & 15/64" ferrules.  One tip is a replacement with resorcinol glue lines and both tips plus the female mid-section ferrules are Orvis replacements.  We believe Orvis probably made the second tip.  All ferrules seat snuggly and fully.  There is a dent in the tube about 11" from the bottom and a slight bend in the tube at the dent but it doesn't impact the rod in any way.  There is moderate soiling of the cork grip but no damage, and the cedar spacer has a pair of creases in the surface.  The price reflects this rod's condition.  All proceeds from the sale of this rod will be donated to Project Healing Waters in Virginia.   Price reduced to $1400 plus shipping.  This is a great opportunity to own a fish-able 8' Payne at an affordable price.  SOLD  8/16/23.
​

 7' Wright & McGill Granger "Aristocrat" Fly Rod- SOLD

This seldom seen 2-pc, 2-tip rod is in excellent original condition.  It features the Granger "hammer-handle" cork grip, orange wraps tipped brown, a chrome stripper, and the patented all nickel silver screw up-locking reel seat.  The varnish has only light signs of usage, as do the ferrules and reel seat.  All sections are full length and straight, with snug ferrules the pop when pulled apart.  It weighs only 3.7 oz. and is a perfect 4-Wt. dry fly rod.  It has the original khaki bag and W&M tube (without the label).  It is fairly priced at $1000 plus shipping. -SOLD 

Payne Model 103-SOLD

This 2/2 rod has been in my personal collection for over 10 yrs. It is in very good original condition. All sections are straight and full length with brown wraps tipped gold. The cork handle tapers down into the all cork reel seat and has some ridging and soiling. The blued hooded collar has the "Sold By Abercrombie & Fitch Co." stamping and it has the earlier slightly wider sliding band found in the rods in this era. The "cap" is dome-shaped with the correct target rings on the bottom and it is bright aluminum. Also present are bronzed English twist snake guides with paddle feet. I made an ebony & cork ferrule plug for this rod. The original owner had displayed this rod behind glass with one tip in his office, which explains why the brown silk wraps on one tip are ever so slightly faded compared with the other. It weighs 4.0 oz. with either tip and the size 13/64" ferrules have that perfect smooth Payne fit.  In my hands, this rod casts both #5 and #6 lines beautifully, but I prefer the 5-wt lines for most of my trout fishing. Completing this rod is the original khaki bag and brass-capped tube.  In my 33+ yrs. of collecting Paynes, this is the only one with the "acorn" butt cap I have owned- they are quite rare. This rod is ready for more fishing and is priced at $3450 plus shipping. -SOLD

REELS:
If interested, let us know and we'll be glad to send photos.  Buyer to pay shipping & handling costs.

Bogdan Model '0'. R.H.W.  This used reel has normal rim rash and light dents in the frame and handle but is in excellent machanical condition.  It has 2:1 retrieve and the owner's name engraved on the front plate.   $3000 

Bogdan Model 200- Sold
This reel is in pristine condition and features ported side plates and a single handle. LHW. $3500

Bogdan Model 2
This nice salmon reel has the 2:1 ratio retrieve and the frame is faintly anodized a light champagne color.  There is very light rim rash on the bottom of the reel rims and hardly noticeable at arms length.  The serpentine handle also has a few minor scratches which could easily be polished out. One unique feature of this reel is what Stan referred to as a "pouchers knob" just above the name plate.  This is used to quiet the clicker when playing a fish.   RHW.  $3100-Sale Pending

Spare Spool for 3' Hardy St. George

This spool has the enamel finish and is in excellent condition.  It has a DT5F line of English manufacture.  Price is $150 plus shipping.  

Miscellaneous Tackle 
​

Early Vintage Fly Box - Cummings, Bishop Auckland

Vintage Box for 3" Hardy St.George Reel  

This rare box is filled with early English style flies.  The glascene lids to each compartment has yellowed with age, but the lids all work and are in the correct compartments according to the 'map' inside the lid.  A unique item seldom seen in any condition, that would make a wonderful display piece with vintage tackle.  The only thing missing is a small set of tweezers for plucking the flies from the box.  $100 plus shipping.  

What a treasure!  This old box comes with the original pamphlet and packing material.  The lid corners are split and have been taped on the inside for support.  The photos show it's condition.  It's a reel eye-catcher and would compliment that old leaded Hardy St. George.  Priced at $125 plus shipping.

 

Archives of Recent Sales:
​
 The market for high quality vintage bamboo fly rods and reels is strong and new rods & reels  are constantly coming into our shop.  The following rods and reels  have been sold by us recently.  We pride ourselves in accurate descriptions and honesty in all transactions.  

RODS:
9 1/2' Payne Model  #435 Dry Fly Salmon rod. SOLD
​8 1/2' Thomas & Thomas Salmon Fly rod.  SOLD
 7 1/2' Walt Carpenter,  "Browntone".  SOLD
7 1/2' Winston, 2/2.  SOLD
8' Winston, 3/2.  SOLD
7 1/2' Daryl Whitehead Custom Engraved Rod. SOLD
7' Thomas/Campbell 'Browntone' Fly rod.  SOLD
8' Thomas/Campbell 'Browntone' fly rod.  SOLD
7' Edwards "Quadrate".  SOLD
7 1/2' Edwards Model 50 "Quadrate". SOLD
8' Leonard Model #50.  SOLD
9' Paul Young "Para-18".  SOLD
8' Summers Model 856. SOLD
8' Summers Model 856.  SOLD
7' 3"  Summers Model 735. SOLD
9' Gillum Salmon Fly rod.SOLD
12' Olaf Kundrus Spey Rod.  SOLD
8' F. E. Thomas "Special". - SOLD
9' Payne Model 208.  3/2 rod.  ---SOLD
9' W & M Granger 'Victory'.  -- SOLD
10' Payne Model 415 Dry Fly Salmon Rod.  -SOLD
11' Payne Model 222 Two-Handed Double-Built Salmon Rod.  --SOLD​
8' F. E. Thomas "Special".     -SOLD
 8' H. S. "Pinky" Gillum.      SOLD
8 1/2' F. E. Thomas "Browntone" Special Fly Rod.   -  SOLD
Empty F. E. Thomas Tube.    -SOLD
8' F. E. Thomas "Special".    .-SOLD
8' Mint H. L. Leonard Model 40-6 "Hunt" Bamboo Rod.     - SOLD
Mint 8 1/2' W & M Granger 'Aristocrat' Model GA8642. - SOLD
8 1/2' South Creek Limited Fly Rod.  - SOLD
6 1/2' Bogart "Brookie" - SOLD
9' Garrison Model 230-  - SOLD
7' 2" Pezon et Michel Parabolic.- SOLD
Garrison Model 228 - SOLD
​​​​​9' Heddon Model #50-SOLD
8 1/2' A & F by Heddon - SOLD
8' Al Bellinger- - SOLD
Orvis 'Midge'- -SOLD
7' Whitehead Engraved rod- SOLD
Pair of T&T Royalty Rods- - SOLD
Orvis Flea (refinished- SOLD
8 1/2' F.E. Thomas Browntone- - SOLD
7 1/2'' Phillipson/Reading-- SOLD
9' Payne #400 Salmon Rod-- SOLD
6 1/2' Orvis Flea- Original- - SOLD
8 1/2' Dickerson 861711- -SOLD
7' Payne Model 98- - SOLD
8' Carpenter, LAT -  SOLD
​Powell "Ultimate" Rod Set-- SOLD
Powell Pak Rod Set- - SOLD
Powell 7' & 8' Combo Set-- SOLD
Powell 6'8" & 7'8" Combo Set -- SOLD
Phillipson 'Paragon'- - SOLD
7 1/2' Arthur Taylor/Leonard Rod-- SOLD
​7 '& 8' Powell Companion rod set- - SOLD
7 1/2' Lyons Rod- - SOLD​
7' Schroeder Rod-   SOLD
7 1/2' Orvis Madison-- SOLD
8' E. C. Powell Hollow rod.  -  SOLD
8' Payne Model 202-SOLD
8' Summers Model 856-  SOLD
8' E. C. Powell Hollow -custom rod-- SOLD
8' W&M Deluxe Rod--SOLD
8 1/2' W & M DeLuxe Rod- SOLD
8 1/2' F.E. Thomas Dirigo Rod- - SOLD
8' Summers #856 Rod-  SOLD
7'9" Phillipson 'Smuggler' Rod- SOLD
7 1/2' Phillipson 'Premium'- SOLD
7' W & M Aristocrat-SOLD
8' Payne Model 103-  SOLD
​8' Payne Model 202- SOLD
8 1/2' F. E. Thomas "Mahogany" Special-  SOLD
9' Payne Model 207 or 208- SOLD
7'9" Herter's Custom Fly Rod. -  SOLD
8' Payne 200- SOLD
​
REELS:
3" Hardy Perfect Reel.  Made before WWII. -SOLD
3 3/8" Hardy  St. George Reel.   - SOLD
Bogdan Model #1 Large Salmon Reel. . - SOLD
EVH Model 423, 2/0 Size Salmon Reel... SOLD
Edward Vom Hofe Model 423, 6/0 size...  - SOLD
Bogdan "Trout Reel".    SOLD
Archie Walker TR3 Trout Reel.   -SOLD
Bogdan No. 00 "Grilse/Sea Trout/Salmon" Fly Reel.  -SOLD
Zwarg Model 400, 2/0 Salmon Reel.  - SOLD
​​A Pair of 2 7/8" Hardy Perfects-  - SOLD
Hermann Salmon Reel, RHW- SOLD
Herman Trout Reel, RHW--SOLD
Hardy 3 3/8" St. George- SOLD 
Bogdan 0 Salmon Reel- SOLD
Hardy 3 3/8" St. George- -SOLD
Hardy 3 1/8" Perfect-  SOLD
Baby Bogdan Wide Spool/all black- SOLD
Bogdan Trout-  SOLD
Hermann All Nickel Silver Reel- SOLD
Hermann Salmon Reel- SOLD
Bogdan 00 Salmon Reel- SOLD
Hardy 3 3/8" St. George - SOLD
Hardy 3 1/8" Perfect- SOLD
3 1/2" Leonard Salmon/Grilse reel- SOLD
Baby Bogdan Trout Reel-  SOLD
EVH Model 621 Reel- SOLD
Hardy 3 1/8" Perfect-- SOLD
Charlton 8550C- SOLD
Finnor No.1-  SOLD
Charlton 8600B- -SOLD
5 Hermann Reels-SOLD
2 Hermann Salmon Reels LHW-  SOLD
Hardy 3 3/8" Perfect" Reel.  - SOLD
Hermann Dry Fly Salmon Reel-  SOLD
Hermann Nickel Silver Salmon Reel-  SOLD
Hermann DF Salmon Reel, LHW- SOLD
Hermann DF Salmon Reel, RHW- SOLD
Baby Bogdan Trout Reel, RHW- SOLD
Wide Spool Baby Bogdan Trout Reel- All Black- SOLD
Hewrmann Salmon reel -#157- SOLD

                                 Books

Schmookler & Sils' Rarest Limited Editions- SOLD-Another set is available. Please inquire if interested.