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.  
Salmon Reel: #093: Features Satin Aluminum rims, RHW... $2650
Two additional reels have arrived and will be listed soon... this includes a very rare Hermann Dry Fly Salmon Model- SOLD

Last Hermann D.F. Salmon Reel-Sold

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.  SOLD   

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 Boxed set of Paul Hermann reels has arrived...

 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.

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:  8'  Dickerson Model 801611-C

This highly desirable 3-piece rod comes with 4 tips!  The original 2 tips are short by 3 1/2 and 4" respectively, so we made 2 spare full-length tips which match the originals precisely.  This rod features gold silk wraps tipped black, blued ferrules, a red agate stripper, cigar shaped grip, and a figured black walnut screw-downlocking reel seat.  It also has Lyle's traditional 4 wraps on the butt section, spaced at 7", 8", 9", and 10" above the winding check.  This was for measuring trout in the "old days" to determine if they were of legal size.  The ferrules fit smoothly and tightly.  We polished the rod to clean up some light marks from years of fishing and this rod is ready for more time on the water.  We also treated the cork to preserve it from wear while preserving it's appearance.  We believe this is a c. 1930's era rod.  In those days silk lines were in use, and Dickerson marked this one for a size "C" line (#6).   However, with the full length tips, this is a nice 5-wt. rod.  Using the shorter tips makes it feel more like a 5/6 wt. rod.  Of course, it has that medium action prevalent in pre-war Dickersons (not too stiff)...  The original brass-capped tube and bag accompany this desirable model rod.  Inked on the bag's hood is:  '801611, 4 3/4 oz."   This is one classy rod made by one of the most highly respected Master bamboo rod makers.  It is priced fairly at $3000 plus shipping.  

New:  Early 7 1/2' Goodwin Granger "Special"

This early 1930's rod features the exceptional 'gold' silk wraps instead of the later light green wraps.  It also has the full nickel silver reel seat with the sliding band and the model "Granger Special" stamped within 2 knurled bands at the upper end of the seat.  All sections are straight and full length with snugly fitting ferrules.  As is often encountered, there is some 'hook damage' to the lowest cork ring .  Both tips have the original varnish and wraps, while the mid and butt have  been expertly re-wrapped and varnished. The tips have been polished to remove most of the bag marks and don't need further attention.  All nickel silver parts retain some age-related tarnish which could be cleaned if desired, but it gives this rod that classic patina.  Completing this rod is the original olive bag with hood and draw strings and the original labeled enamel tube.  The label has about 2/3 of it worn but the model name is present.  This 3/2 rod is a perfect 4-wt!  You won't find a nicer casting 4-wt. rod in this price range.  We are asking $900 plus shipping.  

New:  Pre-War 8 1/2' Goodwin Granger "Victory"- 5-wt.

This 3/2 rod is in very good original condition and features the orange/black jasper wraps with double black tipping, the patented screw up-locking reel seat, a Western style grip, chrome tip tops and stripper, and hardened steel snake guides.  It is a lighter version of this length, and casts a 5-wt. line perfectly.  Great for delicate presentations...  There is some hook damage to the lower cork ring and some light age-related areas in the varnish that can be polished if desired.  Overall, this is an affordable Granger rod, with a light/medium action, and the original bag and Granger style tube (which might be original).  Priced at $500 plus shipping.  

New:  5 1/2' Payne Model 302 Bait Casting Rod-Sold

This 2-piece, 2-tip rod represents the typical highest quality found in only Payne rods.  The varnish has been polished and it is ready for fish.  The wraps are normal Payne brown with gold tipping, and all the guides and tip tops are red agates...!  That's 9 agate guides and tip tops...!  The forward and rear handles are mildly soiled but sound.  This rod features the "Sold By A... & F..." stamping and a spiral raised rail used to lock the down-sliding ring.  The initials:  "G.A.M." are engraved on the lower hood of the reel seat.  The rod is made in the "staggered ferrule" format so that the butt section is about 13" shorter than the tips.  This moves the ferrules away from the middle of the rod and closer to the handle.  It comes with the original olive bag and tag (detached from the bag), and a "Peerless" tube which may or may not be original.    This ready-to-fish rod is priced at only $375 plus shipping.  Take this rod out fishing with some classic wooden plugs for a real nostalgic experience. -SOLD 

New:  9 1/23' F. E. Thomas "Dirigo" Fly Rod- Pre 1910

This beautiful 3-pc. 2-tip rod is in excellent original condition.  It features red wraps and intermediates, a cigar cork grip, a full nickel silver reel seat with the Thomas logo stamping and a down-sliding ring, a snake guide stripper, and 2 agate tip tops.  All sections are full length with tight fully-seating ferrules.  This rod has a wonderful wet fly action- common for that period of time when wet flies were the norm.  There is no stamping on the base of the reel seat, which indicates this rod was made prior to 1910.  This would make an excellent display piece and it can be fished safely too.  The varnish has a hint of 'crazing' but is not compromised .  It has the original brown bag and a plain tube with the owner's paper labels.   Priced at $250 plus shipping.

5 Rods:

The following rods are owned by a longtime friend of ours and he is willing to sell them to you directly:  Please call him if you are interested in any of them.  His phone is: 617-240-5615.  If his mailbox is full, he will see your call and return it as soon as he can.  
1.  7 1/2' Hardy 6-wt., 2-piece, 2-tip in excellent condition 
2. 6' Hardy 5-wt., 2/1 in excellent condition 
3. 7 1/2' Thomas & Thomas "Hendrickson", 2/2 in excellent condition 
4. 7 1/2' Leonard Post-Fire, 2/2 rod with serial #1062 in exc. condition 
5. 8' Leonard Post-Fire, 3/2 rod with serial #1464 also in exc. condition 

New:  Mint/Unfished Sage SLT Model 590-4 Graphite III Fly Rod

This 4-piece rod is made for #5 lines and came to us from the Walter Ungerman Estate.  Ungerman was a renowned fly fisher and was captain of the United States Fishing Team.   He had written in black magic marker notes on the rod tube and bag indicating the model and line weight.  As the photos show, it has never been cast or fished.  The original price sticker is still attached to the tube cap.  When compared to the prices of new Sage rods today, this rod is well-priced at $525 plus shipping.  Your chance to own a fine rod from a world famous fly fisherman.   

 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.  

 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.   

 7 1/2' Leonard Model #39H

Made 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 $1100 plus shipping.

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... $75 plus shipping.   

6'6" Orvis Deluxe- Note- There is a possibility that this rod was a 9' rod and someone made a shorter rod from the tip and mid sections.  If you have an interest, please contact us and we can discuss this. 

Made in the 2/2 format, this early rod has serial # 8015 on the butt and one tip, and #8016 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...  Reasonable offers will be considered.

 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"...   $100  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 !  $1100 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 $350 plus shipping.

  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.   $100 plus shipping.

  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 $200 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 $200 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 reduced to  $50 plus shipping.  

 8'11" Orvis 'SS' Salmon Fly Rod - $525

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.

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.  Price reduced to  $2000 plus shipping.

Miscellaneous Tackle 
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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.

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 $90 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 $100 plus shipping.  
​Both cases are classic looking!  

Early Vintage Fly Box - Cummings, Bishop Auckland

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.  

                                 Books

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