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.
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-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. Salmon Reel: #022-94: Features Polished Aluminum rims, RHW... $2600-SOLD Two additional reels have arrived and will be listed soon... this includes a very rare Hermann Dry Fly Salmon Model |
Last Hermann D.F. Salmon Reel
Dr. Hermann only made 12 of these Dry Fly Salmon models, and this is the last of those models. It is made for Left Hand Wind, has the normal 2:1 miltiplying ratio, polished rims, and black side plates. This model was made slightly narrower than the normal salmon reels. It comes with the original red felt bag and is the last D.F. reel to be sold by the Hermann family. The serial number is 102. Price is $3200 plus shipping.
Hermann Salmon Reel
Coming straight from the Hermann family, this salmon reel has serial number 093 and features satin-finished rims, 2:1 retrieve ratio, RHW, adjustable drag system, and black side plates. The original red felt bag completes this reel. Price is $2650 plus shipping.
A New Boxed set of Paul Hermann reels has arrived...
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Friends, this is only the second boxed set of Paul Hermann reels to come to the market. Straight from his family, this set consists of a Baby Trout Reel, and a Salmon Reel. They both are all metal (aluminum and nickel silver) with the very rare white handle grasp. Only a handful of his reels were made with the white handles, and to have 2 of them in the same set is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. Lined with burgundy colored ultra-suede, this box is made from an orange colored hardwood which is completely covered in olive leather. The craftsmanship of both the reels and the presentation box is superb. If you want to fish them, the Baby reel can be used either Left or Right Hand Wind, and the salmon reel is Left Hand Wind. Neither reel has been fished. They have been cherished by the Hermann family and are now available for immediate purchase. The price is $10,000 plus insured shipping via FedEx.
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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)
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.
This collection comes from a Catskill family and these rods have not been offered for sale before now. If you have an interest in any of them, please contact us for additional information and photos.
9' "A. Lombard" Bamboo Rod
Made in the 3/2 format, this rod has the name: "A. Lombard" nicely scripted in black India ink above the cork handle. All sections are full length and reasonably straight. The ferrules are oxidized and need cleaning to seat fully. There is a smoky agate stripper, bronzed snake guides, and translucent brown wraps tipped black. The overall workmanship is very high. Due to age, there are some bag marks which could easily be polished to restore this rod to it's original glossy look. It feels like a 6-7 wt. rod, so ideal for bass bugging and larger trout fishing. It comes with an old gray bag and a replacement tube with the South Bend logo stamped on the cap. Only $175 plus shipping.
New: Spectacular 8' T & T "Catskill Legends" Bamboo Fly Rod-SOLD
This 3/2 rod is only one of 15 Catskill Legends rod made by Thomas & Thomas. It has serial #8 stamped on the butt cap, which is full nickel silver and has the name of famous Catskill fishers & fly tyers... Folks like Harry Darbee, Art Flick, Roy Steenrod, Walt Dette, etc. The 15 Catskill Legends rods were made as a fund raiser for the Catskill Fly Fishing Museum. This rod has never been fished ! It also features mottled-flamed bamboo, gold wraps tipped in cinnamon, and full cinnamon intermediates. It is rated for #5 lines, but this rod belongs in a serious collection. It has the original bag with stiffener and brass-capped tube with black label. It is stunning to look at and exhibits the ultimate craftsmanship from T & T when Len Codella owned it. Priced at $3350 plus shipping.
9 1/2' Leonard "Special Tournament" Fly Rod
This seldom seen model has been professionally restored to better-than-new condition. It is made in the 3/2 format and has patent dated stamped ferrules, red wraps tipped black, red intermediates, and a full nickel silver reel seat stamped "Special Tournament" just above the butt cap. A few small dents on the reel seat indicate this rod's vintage but in no way detracts from it's elegant appearance. It comes complete with the original brass-capped tip tube, tip bag, and canvas sack. A modern tube is included for extra protection. All sections are straight and full length, with tightly fitting ferrules that seat fully. It appears this rod hasn't been fished since restoration. It has a medium/slow action- ideal for wet fly fishing. A beautiful rod for only $400 plus shipping. Someone spent a lot of time and money restoring this fine rod.
7' Hardy Bamboo Fly Rod
Made in the 2-pc, 1-tip format, this light little rod has a crisp dry fly action and feels like it is suited for #4 lines. It is original and features blonde cane, 3x3 nodes, black wraps over black snake guides, blued ferrules (that seat fully and are tight), and comes with the original labeled green bag. The tube has no markings and is a replacement . Just below the upper snake guide ont the tip, there is an old repair- someone re-glued a split and it appears to be solid. There is no over-wrap. Inked above the handle is: "D. J. O'Mara, 1956". The aluminum butt cap is stamped "Made by Hardy's, England". It was made as a single-tip rod. Price reduced to $250 plus shipping.
8' Leonard Model 50
7 1/2' Leonard Model #39HMade in the 2/2 format, this post-fire rod is in excellent condition and has honey colored wraps tipped red, ceramic stripper, excellent varnish, blonde bamboo shafts, a 6" Western shaped grip with light soiling, and a screw up-locking reel seat with butternut spacer. All sections are full length, straight, and have serial number 3233 inked on them. The owner's name is also scripted above the handle. The ferrule fit is perfect. This is a light rod, weighing 4.3 oz. It feels like a 4-wt. Completing this fine rod is the original khaki bag with stiffener and brass-capped tube (without the label). Priced at $1200 plus shipping.
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Considered by many to be the best casting model from the Leonard shop, this post-fire 3/2 is in excellent condition and features light blonde cane, 3x3 nodes, red wraps, 6" cigar shaped handle (soiled but sound), excellent varnish, and a screw down-locking reel seat with butternut spacer. All sections are full length and the mid has a light fishing set. The ferrules seat fully with a smooth pop when disassembled. Serial number 2543 is inked on all sections. The label indicates it weighs 4 oz. and is rated for #6 lines. The original labeled tube and yellow bag (w/stiffener) complete this nice rod. Priced at $1200 plus shipping.
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8 1/2' Unmarked Bamboo Fly Rod
This 3/1 rod has been totally refurbished with new varnish, guides, etc. The wraps are brown and it has brown & gold intermediates. The early ferrules have no welts and the sheet cork reel seat has been cleaned - no damage either. The all metal reel seat is nickel plated and has some wear/age. It comes with a blue bag and plain tube. The tip is 2" short at the upper end. This is a rod you can fish with for cheap money... $100 plus shipping.
6'6" Orvis Deluxe
Made in the 2/2 format, this early rod has serial # 8015 on the butt and one tip, and #5016 on the second tip. Inked above the short handle is: "Orvis Impregnated, "Deluxe"" and on another flat: "Dr. Stan Terdiman". Both tip tops have light rust inside the loop which can easily be removed. They are longer than the butt by 1/4-3/8" and may have been made that way. One tip has a slight fishing set near the upper end and the butt has a very minor upward curve. Some of the cork rings in the handle have been replaced with longer rings and there is some damage to the cork reel seat due to the dual sliding rings. None of this affects the fishability of this rare early rod. The ferrules are tight and need cleaning to seat fully. This rod has a crisp dry fly action that feels like a good 4-wt. The bag is probably a replacement and the tube is a black enameled Heddon model with the cap stamped "Heddon" (and missing the rubber gasket). This should be a fun rod to fish for little native trout in the backcountry... Priced at $500 plus shipping.
Early 9 1/2' Unmarked Cross Fly Rod.
This interesting 3/2 rod is in original condition and the only markings are the faint letters inked above the signature wraps that appear to be: " E. Bulieant". A fellow rod collector has advised me that this is a Cross Rod. I believe he is correct as the black and yellow wraps and hardware match those on other Cross rods we have seen. The rod has a short 5 1/2" Western style handle made of 1/2" cork rings, a full n/s reel seat with early sliding band, fancy gold & black signature wraps, machined ferrule without witness marks, gold wraps tipped black, and gold intermediates, and a red agate stripper. It is accompanied by an old olive bag and plain tube (minus the top cap). The mid female ferrule is missing the welt, and one snake guide on the mid and the stripper have become detached but are included. Inked below the stripper on one flat is: 03406". The tips are 3/4" shorter than the butt and the mid is 1/4" longer than the butt. Both tip tops are patent-dated Perfections with one having a broken loop. All sections have slight curves. The varnish has bag marks on all sections but most of the wraps are sound. This would make a nice project rod since it looks like a higher quality rod... "good bones"... $175 plus shipping.
7 1/2' Post-fire Leonard 65 ACM
Made in 1971, this 2/2 rod is in very good original condition and has blonde cane with 3x3 nodes, black snake guides, red wraps, serial #568, an all-cork reel seat with n/s sliding band and butt cap (properly stamped), and the original gray bag with stiffener and brass-capped tube. Inked above the handle is: "D. J. O'Mara, -1941-". The ferrules are tarnished and need cleaning to seat fully. There is a 1/2" clear over-wrap above the ferrule on one tip and underneath it looks like a seam has been re-glued. The tips are very light on this rod: measuring .051-.057" over varnish at the tip end. When wiggled, it feels like a 2-3 wt. rod ...! The owner has attached a note card indicating this rod was purchased in April of 1971 at the Wm. Mills store in NYC. This would be a great rod for native brookies ! $1200 plus shipping.
9' Edwards 'DeLuxe' 3/2 Rod
This quality rod from the Edwards shop is in good original condition except for new wraps at the female ferrules on the mid and butt. Also, one tip is broken 4" down from the tip top and the broken section is included so it can be scarfed. The varnish has a few bag marks and nicks from fishing and the cork is soiled but sound. The ferrule fit is good and the sections are straight except for a very minor set in the full tip. Wiggling it, I believe this is a 6-wt. rod with a medium action. It comes with the original mustard-colored bag and a plain tube with home-made ventilation holes in the cap. The wraps are Edwards classic brown with double gold tipping on both ends of each wrap. This quality rod is priced at $400 plus shipping.
Rare (Ed ?) Payne Fly Rod- 9 1/2'
This 3/2 rod has been professionally restored and is a stunningly beautiful rod...! It features darkly flamed cane, red wraps tipped black, full red intermediates, 6 signature wraps above each male ferrule and the hook keeper, an orange agate stripper with wire frame, matching agate tip tops, a straight cigar-shaped grip made of 1/4" cork rings (with ridging but no damage), and a full nickel silver reel seat with the "E. F. Payne Makers, Highland Mills, N.Y." stamping. The snake guides show wear inside but the rod appears unfished, so they are likely the original English twist guides. The ferrules need cleaning to seat fully. Both tips have fishing sets near the upper end. Completing this fine rod is a brass-capped bamboo tip tube and canvas sack, plus a plain tube (minus the cap) for extra protection. This gorgeous rod is a rare find and is priced at $1300 plus shipping. It likely is an Ed Payne but could possibly be a very early Jim Payne)
10' Cross "The Essex Rod".
Made in the 3/1 format, this would make an excellent project rod in need of a full restoration. It has dark red silks, full intermediates, a red agate stripper, and a full n/s reel seat stamped: : "Cross Rod & Tackle Co., Lynn Mass, The Essex Rod". The mid is 3/4" short and the tip is 2 1/4" short, plus one guide is missing on the mid. The cork is ridged with a couple tiny hook digs on the lowest ring. All sections have fishing sets and the varnish should be replaced. It has an early brown bag and old tube minus the cap. It was likely made when Wes Jordan was there. $175 plus shipping.
7' Goodwin Granger "Aristocrat". - SOLD
This 2/2 rod needs some help to bring it back to excellent condition. Mainly, the varnish has bag marks and a few chips. Some polishing and touch up with varnish is what's needed. It features 'orange' colored wraps tipped brown, the hammer handle grip (soiled with some ridging,), and a full n/s reel seat with sliding band and the Goodwin stamping. All sections are full length with fishing sets. Goodwins in this grade and short length are rarely seen. This rod has tight ferrules that need cleaning to seat fully. It has a replacement bag and fiber tube. Due to it's rarity and desirability, this rod is priced at $750 plus shipping. It has a light, crisp, dry fly action for 4-wt. lines that the early Goodwin rods are noted for. - SOLD
Early 8 1/2' Heddon #14.
This 3/2 rod has been in my personal collection for about 10 yrs. It's all original and has the gun-metal finished ferrules, red wraps tipped black, half-Wells handle (faintly ridged on a couple of rings), and mottled plastic screw up-locking reel seat. It appears the mid was made 1/2" short. There are some chips in the varnish and it could use some polishing. The wraps at the mid and butt ferrules need some repair. The mid male ferrule needs cleaning to seat fully and the other ferrules are snug enough to fish with. One tip has a slight fishing set. The tip ferrules are .174" (11/64") and the mid is .278" (18/64"). It has the original bag with tag and labeled Heddon Peerless tube. Priced at $225 plus shipping.
Early 8 1/2' Heddon #35
I started collecting Heddon model 35's in the mid 90's, and this 3/2 rod has been with me most of that time. It is c. 1929 and in very good original condition. It has gold silks tipped black on both ends, gold intermediates, a screw down-locking reel seat with walnut spacer, red agate stripper, and bright ferrules that are tight and seat smoothly. The sections are full length and straight. There is light soiling of the cork but no damage. It has "Heddon" written spirally across 3 flats, and '35' inked above the signature wraps. The tip ferrules are .174" (11/64") and the butt ferrules measure .279" (18/64"). The tips are light with one being scarfed just above the upper snake guide. It has a nice medium action and feels like a 5-wt. The varnish is very good. I've touched up a couple of nicks but it is not soft. It comes with an early bag which may not be original and a Heddon tube with partial label. A great fishable 8 1/2' rod in a higher grade model...! $475 plus shipping
9' Heddon Model #17
This is an early model #17 with the name Heddon written spirally across 3 flats and the number '17' inked above the signature wraps. It has black silk wraps tipped orange, an agate stripper, blackened ferrules, and a screw up-locking reel seat with a wood spacer. The half-Wells handle is soiled and lightly ridged but not otherwise damaged. All sections are straight and full length. The ferrules are tight on the mid-to-butt fit and somewhat loose on the tip-to-mid fit. This rod feels like a 6-wt. with a medium action so characteristic of rods from this era. It comes with the original bag with tag. No tube. The varnish has hairline cracks and can be polished or replaced if desired. The ferrules are .190" (12/64") and .293 (19/64"). This would make a great project rod and a desireable fishing rod. Price is $225 plus shipping.
Vintage A. B. Shipley & Son Wooden Fly Rod
Shipley rods are rarely encountered. This 3/2 rod is made of Bethabara wood (see decal above handle) and features yellow brass ferrules (without welts), red wraps over flip ring guides, red & green intermediates, and an all yellow brass reel seat (stamped: "A. B. Shipley & Son, PHILADA" . It has a sheet cork covered handle in good condition. One tip is about 4 1/4" shorter on the butt end when compared to the other tip . It comes with an old wooden form case covered in light blue felt with leather end caps. This would make a great display piece. Priced at $125 plus shipping.
Pre-1910 9' F. E. Thomas "Dirigo" Fly Rod- Price reduced...
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 only $225 plus shipping.
8'11" Orvis 'SS' Salmon Fly Rod - $525
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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. Priced reduced to $525plus shipping.
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REELS:
If interested, let us know and we'll be glad to send photos. Buyer to pay shipping & handling costs.
If interested, let us know and we'll be glad to send photos. Buyer to pay shipping & handling costs.
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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. Price reduced to $2500 plus shipping. |
Hardy "Zenith" Salmon/Steelhead Reel
This desireable reel has the 2-screw line guard and is currently set up for LHW, but can be reversed. It has rim wear in the finish...having surely been fished and loved by it's previous owner. The reel is in good mechanical condition. It also comes with the original black zippered case and a WF-8 wt. line, plus a spare spring. It is ready to fish and priced at $200 shipping.
Miscellaneous Tackle
New: HMH A.P.I. Fly Tying Vise- SOLD
New: 2 Vintage Tip Tubes with 4 Tips
The bamboo tip tube measures 40 1/2" long and comes with 4 vintage tips. Three tips are matching in every way: 40 1/2" long (for a 10' 3-pc rod), light red wraps over flip ring guides, bright ferrules with witness marks, and measuring .172", and round tip tops. The fourth tip has only one flip ring guide (detached but included) and a tarnished ferrule sized at .189". It is finished off with a brass cap and collar. Price is $175 plus shipping.
The aluminum tip tube measures 36" long and has a nickel plated screw cap (tarnished). It is $50 plus shipping.
The aluminum tip tube measures 36" long and has a nickel plated screw cap (tarnished). It is $50 plus shipping.
New: 2 Leather Rod Cases - Vintage
Case #1 is a soft case with a carry handle. The strap for the cap is torn . It measures 37" long inside. Price is $100 plus shipping.
Case #2 is stitched leather over a hard material (either wood or metal). The cap strap needs repair. There is no handle. It'll hold rod sections up to 35" long. Price is $125 plus shipping.
Both cases are classic looking!
Case #2 is stitched leather over a hard material (either wood or metal). The cap strap needs repair. There is no handle. It'll hold rod sections up to 35" long. Price is $125 plus shipping.
Both cases are classic looking!
Early Vintage Fly Box - Cummings, Bishop Auckland
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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 (hand-written with a fountain pen). 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. The box has a label on the bottom: "W.J. Cummins, Bishop Auckland". It probably dates to the 1920's-30's... $80 plus shipping.
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Books
Schmookler & Sils' Rarest Limited Editions- SOLD-Another set is available. Please inquire if interested.
F. D. Kretchman Rod Co.
46 Crockett Neck Rd. Kittery Point, ME 03905 Open: By Appointment only. |
[email protected]
603-801-5745 |
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