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.  We have one in stock at this time.
   Salmon Reel:  Made with polished aluminum rims, black side plates, and an amazing drag system that will stop any salmon, this reel is mint, never used, coming from Paul's family, and includes the original red felt bag. Paul made his salmon reels with a 2:1 multiplying ratio.  It is  RHW, and priced at $2600 plus postage.  Serial #056.
  Large Trout Reel:  There are only a handful of this model in existence.  This one is LHW and bears serial #05.  It has Paul's incredibly strong drag that will stop any size trout and can be used for smaller salmon as well.  It comes with the original red bag and is priced at $2900 plus postage. -Sale Pending

   

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)

Charlton & Walker Fly Reels- From Dr. Hermann's Collection

We are offering some new Jack Charlton & Walker fly reels that were owned by Dr. Hermann.  We currently have the 2 largest Charlton models: 8600-B and 8550-C in stock.   

​Charlton 8600B Signature Series:  This flawless reel is New, never lined or fished and comes with the "Offshore" spool.  Dr. Hermann admired the quality of Charlton reels and had this one in his collection.  It is LHW and has an incredibly smooth drag system that was far ahead of it's time and is still the gold standard by which all other drag systems are measured.  It has the original green bag.   Price is $4250 plus shipping for this American-Made reel. -SOLD

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.
​

 W & M Granger Registered Rod-Model RX9050- SOLD

Representing the highest grade made by Granger, these were special rods, and only about 400 were made.  This 9' rod comes from the original owner, who fished it.  It is a 3-pc, 2-tip rod that was made in 1949, and is marked with serial #1949182.  This indicates it was rod #182.  It has black silk wraps with white tipping on each end of the wraps.  All sections are straight with smooth and tight fitting ferrules.  One tip is 1/2" short at the tip end.  The original varnish shows signs of use, and we polished it to clean it up after touching up a few tiny chips in the finish.  The cork handle is excellent and the nickel silver reel seat functions smoothly and has some surface scuffing due to use.  Completing this amazing rod is the original black silk bag and black tube with nickel silver medallion attached.  These Registered rods rarely come up for sale.  This one is priced at $2900 plus shipping.  

9' W & M Granger "Aristocrat"  Model 9053 Rod - SOLD

This beautiful rod is in excellent original condition and has the light tan wraps tipped brown, chrome tip tops and stripper, patented screw up-locking reel seat showing little signs of use, and Western style handle.  There is some "line burn" on the forward cork rings.  All sections are straight, full length, and have smooth-fitting tight ferrules.  The varnish is good with just a hint of use on the butt section.  This would be a great Western trout rod or for fishing waters that require a long cast.  It handles a #6 line very well.  It comes with the original bag and labeled tube.   $350 plus postage.

Mint: Walt Powell 7' & 8' Companion Rod Set- SOLD 

This rod set has never been fished and consists of 2 butts and 2 tips.  One butt is made 12" shorter than the other, so this allows one to make a 7' or 8' rod.  Both configurations have translucent burgundy wrap over chrome guides, ceramic stripping guides, bright nickel silver ferrules, 2x2 node spacing, and composite wood reel seats with gold anodized screw up-locking hardware.  There is the original plastic wrapping over the cork handles.  Each section is marked with serial number: "G.S.#8-22389".  Purchased by the owner directly from Walt's shop, this is one of 5 rods that were carefully stored all these years and never fished.  We carefully lawn cast this set and determined that both rod configurations are excellent 5-wts.  (smooth, easy casting medium/fast action.)   Priced at $1450. -SOLD  

New: Mint: Walt Powell 7' & 8' Companion Rod Set.-SOLD

This gorgeous bamboo Companion rod set has serial #4-2-87.  It was made by the Powell shop and has never been fished. This is one of 5 Powell rods the owner bought new and set aside without ever fishing them. It consists of 2 butt sections and 3 tips. One butt was made 12" shorter than the other, so when assembled, you have 2 rods: 7' and 8'.  Essentially, this is 2 complete rods with 3 interchangable tips. All sections feature light-to-medium flaming, maroon wraps, 2x2 nodes, bright nickel silver ferrules, and chrome guides.  The reel seats are composite wood with alternating layers of light and black wood with screw up-locking aluminum hardware. Inked above the handles is: "A Walton Powell" Rod, Made for G.... by Walton Powell". We took the liberty of lawn casting to determine the line size, and they are superb 5-wt. rods with both handles. As was common with Walt's rods, he made them to cast 3 different line sizes.  Completing this rod set is the original forest green bag and black crinkle-finished tube with brass caps.  . It is a fine example of Walt's craftsmanship in mint original condition.  Priced at $1550. 

Mint 6'8" & 7'8" Walton Powell Companion Rod Set.-SOLD  

Made in Chico, California, the mint rod set has never been fished.  The owner purchased a total of 5 rod sets from Powell and stored them carefully without ever fishing them.  This set consists of 2 butt sections and 2 tips - all of which are interchangeable.  One butt is made 12" shorter to assemble into a shorter rod.  All sections feature translucent cinnamon-colored wraps over chrome guides, ceramic stripping guides, bright nickel silver ferrules, 2x2 nodes,  modified full Wells shaped handles, and composite wood reel seats with gold anodized screw up-locking hardware.  Inked above the handles is: "A Walton Powell Rod" and each section has serial number: "G.S. #722389".   We have gently lawn cast this set and it is a delightful 4-wt. rod configuration.  It is complete with the original green bag and black crinkle-finish tube with brass caps.  Priced at $1450.  

New- 7 1/2' Arthur Taylor Fly Rod- SOLD 

This 2-piece, 2-tip bamboo rod was made from Leonard blanks by world renown artist, Arthur Taylor of Maine.  Taylor was commissioned by many customers to paint famous people (Stan Bogdan), places (salmon rivers), and tackle (Bogdan & Zwarg reels).  He assembled this beautiful rod with a teak reel seat, nickel silver cap & ring hardware, chrome guides, translucent orange silk wraps, and bright Z-style ferrules.  Inked above the handle is: "H. L. Leonard by Art Taylor, 2989".  The tips are marked above the ferrules with "H.L.L #1" and "H.L.L. #2".  Each section is full length and straight, with properly seating ferrules.  Mr. Taylor's workmanship is top notch, and he made very few rods.  The light soiling on the cork shows that this rod has seen only light use.   It comes with a dark olive bag and tube bearing Taylor's paper label.  He rated it for DT-4 and WF-5 lines.   A rare chance to own a nice light rod from a famous artist.   $825-SOLD 

7' 6" Schroeder.  -SOLD
​This mint 3/2 rod looks like it has never been fished and features medium flamed bamboo, dark maroon wraps, truncated blued Swiss-style ferrules, a tapered cigar shaped grip, and knurled aluminum ferrule plugs.  The butt cap has exposed wood on the bottom side.  The burled walnut reel seat shows no signs of a reel haveing been mounted on it.  Of note is that the space between the butt cap and wood is narrow so it needs a reel with a thin foot.  When flexed, this rod this rod has nice medium fast action.   When assembled, the rod is 1/4" longer than 7' 6".  The varnish is perfect and it comes with the original bag and black crinkle-finished tube (missing it's cap) with Schroeder's card taped on it.  All sections are full length and straight.  Built in 1994.   Offered at $1300.- SOLD

7' Schroeder Rod.  -  SOLD
​ Made in the 3-piece, 2-tip format, this rod is in excellent condition.  It features lightly flamed bamboo shafts, blued truncated Swiss-style ferrules, knurled brass ferrule plugs, a tapered cigar shaped grip with light soiling, translucent brown wraps tipped black, and blued cap & ring hardware with a curly maple (?) spacer. The butt cap has exposed wood at the bottom end.  All sections are straight and full length, with tight-fitting ferrules.  When flexed, it has a nice dry fly action and is rated for #4 lines. Tne rod is 1/4" longer than the stated length.   It comes with the original khaki bag and black crinkle-finished tube with Schroeder's card taped on it. Built in 1996.  This is a compact rod that travels easily.  Priced at  $1400- SOLD

Phillipson "Paramount" Fly Rod- 8 1/2'

This 3-piece, 2-tip bamboo rod was the second highest grade made by the Denver firm.  It features black & white jasper thread wraps, tipped gold-black-gold, bright nickel silver drawn ferrules, and 'eliptical' handle, a chrome stripping guide, hardened steel snake guides, and a brown plastic screw down-locking reel seat.  There are some scuff marks on the base of the seat and superficial hairline cracks in the seat itself which don't appear to be wide enough to allow entry of water.  All ferrules have a nice suction fit and the sections are straight. The varnish is excellent.   One tip is 1/2" short but appears made that way and the other tip is 3" short at the tip end.  On the shorter tip, the tipping wraps are simply gold & black rather than gold-black-gold, but they appear to be original  so perhaps it is a later era Phillipson tip with the correct ferrule, lighter colored snake guides, and 3x3 nodes.  The rod has a green bag that may be original but it has a non-original flap with draw strings sewn onto it.  A Peerless tube completes this rod.  It is ready to fish as is and is priced to sell at $350 plus postage.   This represents a great quality rod with a medium fast action, suitable for 5-wt. lines.   

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

​'Baby' Bogdan Trout Reel.  This 2 3/4" diameter reel is in mint/unfished condition. Stanley listed it as a "Small Trout" size but many of us refer to it affectionately as a "Baby Trout" reel.  It is the quintessential small trout size reel and is made for WF-3 lines but we also use ours for #1 and #2 lines with backing.  It is listed as weighing 4 oz. and is set up for LHW.  It can be reversed for an addional $40.  The original owners tag in Stan's own handwriting accompanies this great little reel.  We think it gives our bamboo rods an extra classy look.  A great reel for $2200.   Sold

 

​Vintage Pre-War Hardy Reels

Hardy 3 3/8" Perfect- SOLD

Made with the "leaded" finish, this reel is in excellent condition- both mechanically, and cosmetically.  The finish has normal wear on the edges and side plates.  It has a smokey agate line guard free of any cracks or blemishes.  The foot is not modified and is made of brass with ribbing.  The spool retains much of the original finish.  This reel is ideal for #6 weight lines and comes with a newer Hardy bag.  Reels in this condition look great on a bamboo rod !!  $450 plus postage.  - SOLD

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".  $650.- SOLD
9' Payne Model 208.  3/2 rod.  $1850---SOLD
9' W & M Granger 'Victory'.  $350-- SOLD
10' Payne Model 415 Dry Fly Salmon Rod.   $1400-SOLD
11' Payne Model 222 Two-Handed Double-Built Salmon Rod.  $1100--SOLD​
8' F. E. Thomas "Special".     $1400-SOLD
 8' H. S. "Pinky" Gillum.   $7500.   SOLD
8 1/2' F. E. Thomas "Browntone" Special Fly Rod.   $1300-  SOLD
Empty F. E. Thomas Tube.    $125. -SOLD
8' F. E. Thomas "Special".    $1300.-SOLD
8' Mint H. L. Leonard Model 40-6 "Hunt" Bamboo Rod.    $1700. - SOLD
Mint 8 1/2' W & M Granger 'Aristocrat' Model GA8642. $600- SOLD
8 1/2' South Creek Limited Fly Rod.  $2000- SOLD
6 1/2' Bogart "Brookie" - $975- SOLD
9' Garrison Model 230- $3000.  - SOLD
7' 2" Pezon et Michel Parabolic.-$500 - SOLD
Garrison Model 228 - SOLD
​​​​​9' Heddon Model #50-$500 SOLD
8 1/2' A & F by Heddon -$350 SOLD
8' Al Bellinger- $1500- SOLD
Orvis 'Midge'- $495-SOLD
7' Whitehead Engraved rod- $1825- SOLD
Pair of T&T Royalty Rods- $6750- SOLD
Orvis Flea (refinished- $350- SOLD
8 1/2' F.E. Thomas Browntone- $1350- SOLD
7 1/2'' Phillipson/Reading- $550- SOLD
9' Payne #400 Salmon Rod- $1100- SOLD
6 1/2' Orvis Flea- Original- $525- SOLD
8 1/2' Dickerson 861711- $2300-SOLD
7' Payne Model 98- $4100- SOLD
8' Carpenter, LAT - $2850- SOLD
​Powell "Ultimate" Rod Set- $1800- SOLD
Powell Pak Rod Set- $1600- SOLD
Powell 7' & 8' Combo Set- $1450- SOLD
Powell 6'8" & 7'8" Combo Set - $1450- SOLD
Phillipson 'Paragon'- $400- SOLD
7 1/2' Arthur Taylor/Leonard Rod- $825- SOLD
​7 '& 8' Powell Companion rod set- $1450- SOLD
7 1/2' Lyons Rod- $485- SOLD​
7 1/2' Arthur Taylor/Leonard Blank Rod- $825-  SOLD
7' Schroeder Rod-  $1400-  SOLD


REELS:
3" Hardy Perfect Reel.  Made before WWII.  $650-SOLD
3 3/8" Hardy  St. George Reel.   $400- SOLD
Bogdan Model #1 Large Salmon Reel.   $2200. - SOLD
EVH Model 423, 2/0 Size Salmon Reel...$1400- SOLD
Edward Vom Hofe Model 423, 6/0 size... $1500.  - SOLD
Bogdan "Trout Reel".   $2000- SOLD
Archie Walker TR3 Trout Reel.   $1500-SOLD
Bogdan No. 00 "Grilse/Sea Trout/Salmon" Fly Reel.  $2500 -SOLD
Zwarg Model 400, 2/0 Salmon Reel.   $1700- SOLD
​​A Pair of 2 7/8" Hardy Perfects- $575 each  - SOLD
Hermann Salmon Reel, RHW-$2600- SOLD
Herman Trout Reel, RHW- $2600-SOLD
Hardy 3 3/8" St. George- $425- SOLD 
Bogdan 0 Salmon Reel- $2300- SOLD
Hardy 3 3/8" St. George- $550-SOLD
Hardy 3 1/8" Perfect- $350- SOLD
Baby Bogdan Wide Spool/all black- $2300-SOLD
Bogdan Trout- $2100- SOLD
Hermann All Nickel Silver Reel- $4000- SOLD
Hermann Salmon Reel- $2600- SOLD
Bogdan 00 Salmon Reel- $2350- SOLD
Hardy 3 3/8" St. George - $424- SOLD
Hardy 3 1/8" Perfect- $500- SOLD
3 1/2" Leonard Salmon/Grilse reel- $525- SOLD
Baby Bogdan Trout Reel- $2200- SOLD
EVH Model 621 Reel-$200- SOLD
Hardy 3 1/8" Perfect- $525- SOLD
Charlton 8550C- $3400- SOLD
Finnor No.1- $750- SOLD
Charlton 8600B- $3750-SOLD
5 Hermann Reels- $14,850- SOLD
2 Hermann Salmon Reels LHW- $2600 each- SOLD
Hardy 3 3/8" Perfect" Reel.  $400- SOLD

                                 Books

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