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. We have one salmon reel set up for LHW available at this time. This reel is mint/unused condition with the original red bag. $2600

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

Ultra Rare Hermann all Nickel Silver Salmon Reel-Sale Pending

According to his family, "only a few" of these reels were made and this is only the second time one of these has been available for purchase ! The photos speak for themselves. This is a stunningly beautiful reel with all the quality Dr. Hermann's reels are know for. It is mint, never lined or fished, and bears serial #082. It is LHW and has a powerful drag that could stop any salmon. It measures 3 3/16" diameter and the width inside the spool is 1 5/16". The handle is uniquely white and it comes with his red bag. Priced at $4000 plus shipping. -SALE PENDING

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 standard by which all other drag systems are measured. It has the original green bag. Price is $4900 plus shipping for this American-Made reel.

Charlton 8550C Signature Series Reel. This mint, New American-Made reel was part of Dr. Hermann's personal collection and is fitted with the "Tarpon" spool. It is set up for LHW and features the incredibly smooth and powerful drag system that was way ahead of it's time. There is a minor (1/64") nick in the frame which is hardly noticeable and must have occured while Dr. Hermann was handling / admiring it. The original blue bag accompanies this fine reel. Price is $4000 plus shipping.

Walker Model 200 Multiplying Salmon Reel

Mady by Arthur Walker in N.Y., this 3/0 size reel is in excellent condition. It features nickel silver rims and frame, black side plates, serpentine handle with black knob, and a 7-point drag system with sliding oiler plate stamped: "Arthur L. Walker, Maker, N.Y.". It is set for RHW. The foot is un-altered and the clicker works perfectly as does the drag. It bears serial #636. On the back plate there is a tiny area (<3/16") that has been professionally patched and is not easy to see. Also patched is an area about 1/2" long inside the frame on the black side plate. Neither of these affect the reel mechanically and are simply cosmetic. It comes with a Reddington bag. Price is $3200 for this high quality Walker reel.

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.
RODS:

8 1/2' Dickerson 861711.
I've owned this 8 1/2' rod for over 20 yrs. and it's not getting enough use, so time to find a good home for it. When I purchased it from friend Joe Garman, it needed some work. Tip #1 was 2" short at the top end, so I scarfed it back to full length. Tip #2 was short about 1" at the ferrule end, so I left that way. It had numerous chips and blemishes in the varnish, so I refinished that one and tip #3, re-using the tip tops and guides. So, the butt, mid, and 2 tips are full length, and one tip is down 1".The butt and mid only needed polishing- which I did and preserved their originality. I cast both #5 and #6 lines on it and it has a more mellow action- typical of Dickerson's pre-WWII rods. The wraps are nice and tight, all sections are straight, ferrules seat fully and are tight, so this rod is ready for more time on the water. It has the original tan hooded bag with draw strings and brass-capped tube. [It balances well with a 3 3/8" Hardy St. George reel...just like you see on the cover of the Dickerson book]. We don't see many Dickerson rods for sale in recent years, so here's your chance to own one that you can fish and display. It's priced fairly at $2300 plus shipping.

7' Payne Model 98.
This phenominal 2/2 rod has the highly prized orange colored shafts, brown wraps tipped gold, English twist snake guides, blued ferrules, 5 3/4" cigar handle, and Spanish cedar reel seat with blued cap & ring fittings with the "Sold By A & F" stamping. The varnish is flawless and the ferrules seat so smoothly as only Paynes do. There are 2 small areas of varnish flaking off the top side of the reel seat but we have sealed them with a drop of new varnish. This rare and amazing rod casts a 3-wt. line and feels like a feather in the hand !!! It comes with the original light olive bag with tag and brass-capped tube. The actual weight is 2.8 ozs. The "Sold by Abercrombie & Fitch" stamping on the butt cap makes this a pre-WWII rod. This model is seldom seen on the market, especially in this fine condition. $4100.-SOLD

8' 6" Payne Model 204.
This all-original 3/2 rod is stamped: "Sold By A & F" and is an easy casting 5-wt. It has brown wraps tipped black, blued ferrules, a 5 3/4" cigar handle with some soiling and light ridging, and Spanish cedar reel seat with cap and ring hardware. The bluing has worn off the ring and there is a dent on the cap's rim. In typical Payne style, the sections are dead straight and full length with smooth-seating ferrules. It weighs 4.5 oz. and is so easy to cast you'll think it's a shorter rod. This rod is ready for your next trip to the river. It has the original bag, tag, and brass-capped tube. $2000

8 1/2' F. E. Thomas "Browntone" Special.
This 3/2 rod is all original and has a mahogany reel seat with blued short cap and sliding band fittings. The cap is stamped : square -401, which dates this rod to 1939. It has bronze English twist guides, brown wraps, bayonet tip tops, blued ferrules, and a 6 1/2" cigar grip with some ridging. A red agate stipper completes this rod. It comes with the original bright green bag, tag, and tube. It's a medium casting action for a 6-wt. line. Reasonably priced at $1450 when you consider how rare original/ unmolested Browntone rods are.

Engraved Whitehead 7' Bamboo Rod

Made in Oregon by the respected Daryll Whitehead, this 2-piece, 2-tip rod is MINT, and still has the plastic cover over the cork handle. It features blonde cane shafts, 3x3 node spacing, translucent honey-colored wraps with delicate red tipping, red wraps over the engraved ferrules, an amber yellow agate stripper, bronze snake guides, and a "marble cake" gunstock-quality walnut reel seat with cap and sliding band hardware. The band, butt cap, and ferrules are highly engraved by noted Italian engraver Paolo Barbetti. This rod bears serial #138 engraved on the cap along with Whitehead's name. The varnish is flawless and all sections are straight, full length, with properly seating ferrules. It comes complete with the original burnt orange colored bag and leather travel case made in Seattle by Freeman Mariner ( a close friend of Daryll). It has a delicate dry fly demeanor and should be a 3-wt. rod. It only weighs 3.0 oz.
Priced at only $1900

7' 6" Schroeder.
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. There is a slight click in the female mid section ferrule but it doesn't hurt the action of this rod. 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.

7' Schroeder Rod.
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

6 1/2' Orvis "Customized" Flea Rod.
This 2/1 rod apparently was an Orvis Flea (c. 1970) rod that has been redone with a cork bark handle and reel seat, n/s cap & ring reel seat with burled wood spacer, translucent red wraps over chrome guides, and a ceramic stripping guide. This redo was done 4-3-97 by Charles Reading in Missouri as indicated on the butt section and now it if far more attractive than it was originally. This is one very nice looking rod. It is rated for #4 lines and has a green bag and tube. $325

7 1/2' Phillipson Peerless Impregnated rod .
This rod was customized by Charles Reading in MO. in 5-16-97. It now has clear translucent wraps tipped on both ends with red, cork bark handle, fancy burled wood reel seat with nickel silver screw up-locking hardware. There are 2 ceramic stripping guides and bronze snake guides. Both tips are 1/2" short and when assembled the rod is 1/2" longer than the stated length. All sections are straight with tight-fitting ferrules. This beatiful rod has the satin finish of impregnated rods and is rated for #5 lines. It has a black bag and black crinkle-finished tube. $550.

7 1/2' F. D. Lyons Rod.
This 2/1 rod has rich orange colored shafts, brown wraps tipped orange, blued ferrules, and a cork handle that tapers down into the reel seat. a black cap and sliding band anchor the reel. There is mild soiling on the cork. When assembled, it feels slightly parabolic and is 1/2" shorter than the stated length. There is no inscription or stamping on the rod but the bag has a Lyons tag, indicating it is rated for #5 line. It has a bag and labeled tube. A very attractive price for a rod of this quality : $485.

7 1/2' Orvis 'Midge' Impregnated Rod.
This 2/2 rod is in very good original condition. It has brown translucent wraps, chrome guides, a carboloy stripper,
blued ferrules, and screw down-locking reel seat with walnut spacer. All sections are full length and straight with serial # 63331. The ferrules are tight and seat fully. The inscription says it is made for HEG (5) lines. The original gray bag and labeled tube accompany this rod. $495. SOLD

9' Payne Model 400 Salmon Rod for 6 & 7 wt. lines.
Cataloged as the smallest 3-piece Dry Fly Salmon model, this one has been restored with new brown wraps tipped red, bronze snake guides, a black stripper, re-blued ferrules, and new varnish. It has the original Western style handle, 6" detachable handle, and screw up-locking reel seat with Spanish cedar barrel. The lower 5" of the mid section has been given a clear over-wrap- no damage is visible and the wrap is almost undetectable. All sections are straight and full length with tight-fitting ferrules. There is a 2" invisible over-wrap on one tip near the tip top. Completing this rod is the original khaki bag with tag, brass-capped tube with silver label, and canvas sack. The bag is rubber-stamped: "William Rosgen, Riverton Road, Winsted, Conn.". This rod is ready for more salmon fishing. It casts beautifully with both 6 & 7 wt. lines. Priced at $1200

12 1/2' Payne Model 225.
Two-Handed Double-Built Salmon Rod. Made for the big ones, this 3/2 rod has been nicely refinished and now has new varnish, American twist bronze snake guides, and cinnamon wraps tipped yellow. The original red agate stripper was retained. All sections are straight with tight ferrules. Both tips are short by 1 1/2" and 4" respectively at the top end. The moisture cap is missing on the mid section male ferrule and there is a clear over-wrap between the upper two snake guides on one tip (no damage is seen). Hand engraved on the reel seat is: "W.A.J. , 12 1/2', 15 oz.". Completing this rod is the original canvas sack, aluminum tip tube with brass caps, and olive tip bag. $950

8' Carpenter "L.A.T." Fly Rod.
Many of you know that Walt is no longer making rods, so to own one of his rods in mint condition is a rare opportunity. This 3-piece, 2-tip rod is Carpenter's rendition of a F. E. Thomas Browntone Fly rod. Hence the model name L.A.T ("Like A Thomas"). Very few of these rods were made and this one has serial number WC 7 inked on the tag. It was made in 2016 and has Thomas brown wraps over English twist bronze guides, blued ferrules, and a walnut reel seat with blued cap & ring hardware. The sliding ring is a near perfect copy of the thin early era Thomas style bands. There is only a hint of soiling on the cork. Varnish is perfect. There is slight fading of some bluing on both female ferrules. The butt cap is stamped "W. E. Carpenter, Maker". It weighs 4 1/8 oz. and is rated for DT-5 lines. It comes with the original khaki bag, tag, and brass-capped tube with a black & yellow Thomas Rod decal and Walt's card . All sections are straight, full length, and have tight-fitting ferrules. Made by one of the more respected rod makers, this one is $3100- well below the prices of Walt's last rods.

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

New: Baby Bogdan- All Black, Wide Spool.
From my personal collection, this reel has never been lined or fished. Stan told me that less than 10% of the Bogdan reels were anodized all black, so this makes it very rare. It is made for RHW but for $25 I can change it to LHW. Stan was a dear friend and his reels are superb in every way. This size is rated for #4 lines with 20 yds. of 20# backing [you can add more backing if you like]. It is also great for #3 lines. This reel measures 2 3/4" in diameter and weighs 4 1/4 oz.. It comes with the original leather pouch. These reels look great on a classic bamboo rod! Priced at $2300.-SOLD

Mint Bogdan Model 00 Reel.
From the bench of master reel maker Stan Bogdan, this one has been in my collection and never used, so here's a mint reel ready for fishing. Stan named this model as a "Grilse/Sea Trout" reel but it can handle larger salmon and steelhead too. It is a single action model, and set up for RHW. It has the exclusive drag that can be adjusted by a lever on the back plate... it's an incredibly smooth drag that can handle most any fish. It also has what Stan described as a "poachers" knob on the back plate that removes the sound of the clicker when the drag is engaged. It's made for those of us who don't care to let the other fly fishers know when a big fish is taking out line. It is 3 1/4" diameter, weighs10 oz., and is rated for WF-7 lines with 75 yds of 20# backinbg. It has the original leather pouch and tag signed by both Stan and Steve Bogdan! Reasonably priced at $2350.

Bogdan Trout Reel.
This iconic reel is in mint/unfished condition. It is 3 1/4" diameter, weighs 5 oz, and is made for WF-5 lines with plenty of room for backing. It comes with the original owners tag in Stan's handwriting and is set for RHW. For $40, we can change it to LHW. If you want to fish in style, this reel is for you. Priced at $2100.-SOLD

Bogdan '0' Multiplying Salmon Reel.
This mint reel has never been lined or fished. It has Stan's legendary drag system that can tame any salmon, This reel has a 2:1 multiplying ratio which allows for faster retrieval of line, and is set for LHW. Stan lists it as weighing 11 oz. and rates it for a WF-9 line with 150 yds. of 20# backing. It is 3 1/4" wide and has a 1 3/8" wide spool. Affordably priced at $2300.-SOLD

'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.

Wide Spool Baby Bogdan Trout Reel.
This reel has a new peach colored Cortland 444 line but appears to be unfished and in mint condition. The are no marks on the reel foot, nor any scratches or nicks in the frame. Having the same diameter as the Baby Trout models, this one has a wider spool and is rated for WF-4 lines with 20 yds. of 20# backing. It is the best 4-wt. reel for short bamboo rods. It is set for LHW and we will reverse it if you desire for $40. A great value at $2250.

New Hardy "Bougle" Trout Reel.
Bearing serial number USA467, this reel comes with the original box, leather case, owners card, and a Wulff TT-4/5-F line. It may have been fished a few times but shows little if any signs of use. It measures 2 15/16" diameter from pillar to pillar and has a satin finish with cream colored handle. It was made on July 10, 1998 by I.W. Evans. The true weight is 5.4 oz with the line. It is set for RHW but the clicker is not directional, so it can be used for LHW as well. There is a tensioner screw with an over-lapping strap. This beautiful reel is priced at $550.

3 1/8" Hardy Perfect.
This beautiful vintage reel has the ribbed brass foot (unaltered), tensioner, and leaded finish that has age & wear patina that gives it a classic look. The number 6 is stamped inside the face plate. It is tight with no excessive wobble and is RHW. This reel has been in our collection for many years. The line is not included. It has an old/vintage leather pouch. Priced to sell quickly at $350. -SOLD

Vintage 3 1/2" Leonard/Mills Raised Pillar Grilse Salmon Fly Reel.
This one has very faint stamping: "Leonard Mills" on the front plate. Solid black side plates. Aluminum frame, nickel silver cross bars, handle, and foot. Straight n/s handle with counter balance. Back plate has sliding oil plate and is stamped "Light" & "Heavy". RHW. Excellent condition with only light scuffing on rims. The foot has not been modified. It comes with a green #8 wt. line. Very fishable and collectible reel. $600.

Ultra rare Fin Nor No. 1 Wedding Cake reel & Spare Spool.
It has the gold anodized finish, black drag adjustment knob, chromed foot and line guard... In excellent condition with faint scuffing on rims but hardly noticeable. RHW. Has original light orange leather pouch. This is the smallest size wedding cake model made. Included are two 6-wt. lines. Offered at $1000.

Early 3 3/8" Hardy St. George with 2 Spare Spools.
From our personal collection, this reel was restored by the Hardy shop according to the previous owner, and it now has a charcoal satin finish (not an enamel finish). It has a smooth aluminum foot, smokey agate line guard, 2-screw latch, and a tensioner. All spools have the same beautiful finish and small arbors, so they can hold a lot of line with backing. It weighs 5.9 oz. and is an ideal reel for 8-9' bamboo rods and 6-8 wt. lines. It comes with a leather bag and a double clam-shell zippered case with fleece lining. There are no scratches in the frame or spools, so it has seen little if any use. The lines have been removed and there is no residue from the line identification stickers. It may have been used for display only. A rare find in such condition. $550. -SOLD

Vintage Pre-War Hardy Perfects & St. George Reels

#2. 3 1/8" Perfect. Leaded finish worn to a great patina. Ribbed brass foot, smoky agate line guard, tensioner, Abercrombie & Fitch Badge, modern Hardy bag. . Price without line is $525. Brand new Rio Trout LT line WF-4F is available for $40 more. See photos to left.

#4. 3 1/8" Perfect-Earlier model. Beautiful aged leaded patina, smooth brass foot, smoky agate (not cracked), Price without line is $550. Cortland Silk WF-4F line for additional $40. Modern Hardy bag included. See photos to right.

#5. Very scarce 3" Perfect. Has smooth aluminum foot, no stamping except within circle between 3 brass pins, single clicker, tensioner, smoky agate line guard (no cracks), and modern Hardy bag. Actual size is 3" but not stamped on reel face. It was made with the handle mounted closer to the center of the reel -presumably for faster winding. Price without line is $550. Nearly new Cortland Peach WF-4F line is available for $40 more.

#16. 3" St. George- Refinished by Hardy. This reel has been redone at the Hardy shop and now has dark blue/black frame, and bright spool with satin finish. The foot is ribbed brass. 3-screw model. Unblemished dark smoky agate line guard in nickel silver frame. "28" stamped inside spool. Has modern Hardy bag. Asking $850 for this rare reel. Photos to the right.

#7. SOLD 3 3/8" St. George. A nice leaded finish reel with smoky agate line guide (not cracked), 3 screw model, cresent stamping, ribbed brass foot (w/ slight upward curve on forward end), new Hardy bag, and initials "T.A.G." stamped inside the frame (Tom Armstrong, 1928-1978). $425 for reel only. Has a new Rio Gold WF-7F line for an addtional $40. Photos to the left---SOLD

#8. 3 3/8" St. George. Another leaded finished pre-war reel. Ideal for #6 or #7 lines. This one has crecent stamping, 3-screw latch, blemish-free smoky agate line guard, tensioner, ribbed brass foot, and Hardy leather case. $425. Line is a Cortland 444 Peach DT-6F for an additional $40. Line looks almost new. Photos to the right.

#9. 3 3/8" St. George. A great pre-war reel with aged leaded finish, 3-screw latch, smoky agate line guide, ribbed brass foot, tension adjuster, cresent stamping, and the letters "AA" stamped inside the spool and frame. Has newer Hardy bag. Reel only- $425. Photos on the left.

11. 3 3/8" Hardy St. George. This reel has a fair amount of the original leaded finish still present and has cresent stamping, 3-screw latch, blemish-free smoky agate line guard, ribbed brass foot, tensioner, and new Hardy bag. The initials "J.S." (James Smith- 1908-1960) are stamped inside the frame and "25" stamped inside the spool. Priced at $425 without line. The line appears to be a new Rio Trout LT WF-6F and can be bought for an addtional $40. Photos on the left.

#12. 3 3/8" St. George Reel. Another classic pre-war reel with smoky agate line guide, leaded finish, tensioner, ribbed brass foot, crecent stamping, 3-screw latch, and the initials "J.S" (James Smith, 1908-1960) stamped inside the frame. Comes with soft bag and priced at only $425 with the line. Line is almost new Cortland Peach WF-6F for $40 additional. Photos on the right.

#17. Hand-Made Vintage 3 3/8" Aluminum Reel. The only markings on this reel is "July '45" etched on the side of the foot. It is all aluminum including the foot. Inside the spool it measures 1/2". There is a scratch on the back side plate and light marks from use. It can be fished either RHW or LHW. The hard leather case has green velvet lining it and was made to accomodate this reel as it fits perfectly. $400. Photos to the left.

#6B. Post-War 3 3/8" Perfect. Post-War model with enamal finish, smoky agate line guide (hairline crack-cannot be felt), straight line stamping, smooth aluminum foot, and modern Hardy Bag. This reel was once owned by the Rev. Edgar Rohrbach, who fished it on a Payne rod, and drown in 1949. His friend, Philip Chase, retrieved the rod and this reel 3 days later. Attached is interesting provenance from Mr. Chase. See photos to the left. Price is $400.

Ted Williams' Personal Rod- Paul Young Para-18: Sold

This 9' 2-piece, 3-tip rod was owned and fished by the the Boston Red Sox slugger and Hall of Fame baseball star, Ted Williams. In fact, according to the owner (who was a close friend of Williams), this rod was loved more and fished more than any other rod Ted Williams owned. It was his "go to" rod. This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to own a one-of-a-kind bamboo rod like no other rod in the world. It has been fished all over the United States and in other countries as well. At one point, Williams had the rod refinished so that he could fish it in salt water- taking first place one year in the Islamorada Tarpon Tournament. This powerful rod was made by Paul Young in May, 1948 as a gift from Williams close friend and fellow Boston Red Sox player Bobbie Doerr. The inscription on the rod is: "Ted Williams 'Parabolic 18', 9'-6.41 oz, Paul H. Young, Detroit, May 1948, Bob Doerr". The insciption is not in Paul's hand and might have been redone during the refinishing of the rod. The black anodized butt cap also bears the "Detroit, Mich." stamping. This rod features mottled flaming, 2 carboloy stripping guides, translucent cinnamon wraps with open spirals on the outside edges, black wraps at the ferrules, black snake guides, blued Super-Z ferrules, an 8" front handle with 2 thumb rests, a cork reel seat with black anodized screw down-locking hardware, and a 1" lower cork 'butt rest'. The current owner bought this rod directly from Williams in 1994, and a copy of his check to Ted will be included with this rod. Plenty of provenance accompanies this rod: it was featured in the Fall 2005 issue of The American Fly Fisher (journal of the American Museum of Fly Fishing- Vol. 31, #4) and was prominently displayed at the Ted Williams' Museum and Hitters Hall of Fame Museum in Hernando, Florida for years.
All sections are full length and straight, with one tip having a 3/4" clear repair wrap below the upper most snake guide. The cork is soiled from use (this is Ted's DNA on the handle!) and there is a small paper label on the reel seat which identified the rod in the Museum. It is accompanied by the original cinnamon felt bag (no tube). There is no other rod with this Heritage in the world, so as such, we are pricing this rod at $10,000 plus shipping and insurance.--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

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

"Fit For A King?"-2 Salmon Rods Made for Prince Charles & Princess Dianna by T&T for President Reagan to present as Wedding gifts.

President Reagan (during his second term of office) ordered a pair of salmon fly rods from the Thomas & Thomas shop as a wedding gift. Len Codella, owner of T&T at that time, had a short time frame to make these rods, so he instructed Tom Dorsey to build a back-up set of blanks just in case something went wrong with the first set. Fortunately, the first set of blanks were perfectly made, so Len ordered the extra blanks be advertised for sale. Our friend, Dr. Marchant, saw the ad and asked Len to complete them for him. That pair of rods is being offered here as a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity! These stunning rods are pictured below. They have only been cast or fished possibly once or twice. They are in pristine condition. The only difference between these and the ones made for Charles and Diana are that these rods have detachable lower handles, whereas the Royal Couples' rods have fixed handles. Accompanying these rods is the original letter of sale to Dr. Marchant signed by Codella and Dorsey, and the original advertisement that drew Dr. Marchant's attention. Additionally, a letter from Len describing in detail this whole story is included. This pair of rods will be the centerpiece of your collection. The only other rods like this in the world are housed in the Sporting/Trophy room at Balmoral Castle. This package is priced at $7000 plus shipping & insurance to the fortunate buyer. Please inquire if you have more questions or need addtional photos.

Books

Schmookler & Sils' Rarest Limited Editions- SOLD

This spectacular book is #5 of only 30 copies ever made! It is: Rare and Unusual Fly Tying Materials: A Natural History. Housed in a blue leather slip case designed to look like a book. It measures 15 1/2" x 13" x 4 3/4". When opened, there is an index inside the front cover of 117 different feathers featured in the book. The book itself is simply breathtaking- gold gilded edges, royal blue leather trim and matching blue cloth covers, and is loaded with exquisite photos & text. Stored under the book are 14 panels of actual feathers- numbered to match the index inside the front cover. This "book" has lived for years on the original owner's bookshelf- away from direct sunlight, and is in excellent condition. Several prominent book dealers have told us they have never seen one of these editions, so this is a very rare opportunity to own one of the most desirable books by Paul Schookler and Ingrid Sils. Priced at $2000 for this very rare book. - SOLD

The Salmon Flies of Major J.P. Traherne: (1826-1901). This copy is #5 of only 28 copies made. It is in excellent condition and features gorgeous leather binding with gold embossed lettering, cloth covers, gold gilded edges, and matching slip case. The photos inside are Paul Schmookler's spectacular quality. Inside this book (behind the text), is an actual Major Traherne Salmon Fly. It is approximately 3 1/2" x 2 1/2". With only 28 copies in existence, this represents perhaps the rarest of Schmookler's works, and it is in excellent condition. Priced at $900. - SOLD