Vintage Rods from an Estate

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From the estate of George R Costa. Long time collector and member of Art Flick Trout Unlimited, Suffolk County, NY. 

Charles ‘Chuck’ Neuner 6’6” 2p, 2t. for 4 wt line, 0812. Fast. Gorgeous blond cane, pressed nodes in 3x3 spacing, mirror matched tips. C/P light brown wraps tipped yellow over black guides and Mildrum stripper, bright NS hook keeper, oxidized Super Z ferrules w/ferrule plug. 5 ½” cigar grip terminating in an oxidized NS cap and ring with cedar spacer.

In new, unfished condition this rod possesses a delightful action, made by the premier longtime Long Island cane rodmaker. Varnish, bluing and overall workmanship clean and immaculate. With original case and bag as shown. $1,750.

Charles ‘Chuck’ Neuner 8’ 2p, 2t. for 5 wt line, 0321. Fast. Gorgeous lightly flamed cane, pressed nodes in 2x2 spacing, mirror matched tips. Translucent red wraps tipped black over bronze light wire snakes and agate stripper, bright NS hook keeper, oxidized Super Z ferrules w/ferrule plug. 6” cigar grip terminating in a downlocking NS cap screw lock with amboena spacer, end cap roll stamped with company logo.

In good gently used condition this rod possesses a strong action, made by the premier longtime Long Island cane rodmaker. Varnish, bluing and overall workmanship clean and immaculate. Grip soiling, NS reel seat could use a polish, female and one male ferrule have worn bluing, an easy touch up. Tips have extremely minor fishing sets, ferrules still very snug with lots of life left in them. Would be a great rod for big water and big fish. With bag and case, case top engraved with logo and rod info, a nice extra touch! $1,450.

Hardy ‘The Jubilee Rod’ 8’6” 3p 2t 4.5 oz. for 4-5 line. Medium fast. Caramel color cane, nodes in 3x 3 spacing. Chocolate C/P doubled wraps over reverse twist snakes and white agate stripper. Oxidized nickel silver ferrules, aluminum winding check, 5 1/2” reverse Wells grip terminating in a U/L aluminum and black Bakelite screw lock. ULTRARARE MARKED WRENCH FOR TIGHTENING THE SCREW LOCK NUT. Ring is impressed E53423 and By Appointment and end cap bearing and “MADE BY HARDY’S , ENGLAND”. Signed in the unusual straight white inking above the grip.

In excellent condition overall given age. Varnish excellent, wraps excellent, bluing very good, tips straight, grip with soiling as shown. Original silk bag and tube with labeled canvass cover and remnants of hang tag, butt has ferrule plug, mid does not. According to internet research perhaps the rarest Hardy models ever produced. Has a delightful light action. $1,450.

Leonard Tournament 8’6” 3p, 2t. for 4 line. 4.2 oz. Slow. Blond cane, pressed nodes in 3x3 spacing. Tan C/P wraps over reverse twist snake guides and red agate stripper, NS hook S/R keeper, s. 16/10 step down ferrules with witness marks, 5” cigar grip terminating in a D/L NS C/R, butternut spacer and end cap roll stamped “The H.L. Leonard Rod, Leonard & Mills Co., Tournament ”.

All sections full length and straight. One tip appears to be a very old factory replacement as it is slightly larger at the tip and the factory ferrule differs slightly, along with its snakes being slightly heavier in gage and the tip tops don’t match. May have been over varnished at some point, varnish is poor and alligatored and could use a full restoration to bring it back to its original glory. Slight cork ridging, seat has typical wear for age. Bag, tube and cap crudely engraved ‘FAT 1944’. A very cool rod and with everything full length and ferrules that separate with a satisfying pop. Would be a great candidate for restoration and a delight to use. $745

H.L. Leonard 7’6” 2p 1t baitcasting rod for 3/8 oz.(?). 7.8 oz. w/grip. Flamed cane, production mismatched nodes, boat guides wrapped with C/P chocolate wraps tipped yellow and black, detachable handle w/ oxidized D/L seat impressed “H.L. , H.L Leonard Rod Co. , Makers” . An interesting and one-of-a-kind rod, the cane color and wraps scream ‘Payne’ but the reel seat is stamped Leonard with the 70’s era HL logo. Excellent overall condition, straight and tight evidencing minimal use. W/specially designed bag and large diameter tube. $495

Amherst Rod Company ‘The Hadley’ 8’ 3p 2t for 4/5 line. 3.5 oz. (Actual weight on my postal scale is 4.1 oz.) Medium. Flamed cane, pressed nodes in production mismatch spacing. Chocolate C/P wraps over Perfection snake guides and Mildrum stripper, S/R hook keeper, s. 16/10 blued drawn and pinned step down ferrules with machined welts , 9 1/2” combined half Wells grip terminating in a D/L NS C/R with cork spacer.

In excellent condition, this rod has a wonderful light action. Varnish and wraps excellent, bluing 99%, grip with very slight ridging and soiling, a slight set to one tip. A rare rod, even rarer to find in this condition. Original labeled tube and bag. $595

F.E. Thomas Special 9’ 3p. 2t for 5 line. 4.8 oz. Medium. Blond cane, pressed nodes in production mismatch spacing. Red C/P wraps tipped variegated silk over reverse twist snake guides and red agate stripper, full intermediates and signature wrap, triple tipped at ferrules, NS hook keeper integrated into winding check, s. 17/12 step down ferrules with witness marks , 9” combined coke bottle grip terminating in a D/L NS C/R with cork spacer and end cap roll stamped “F.E. Thomas, Special, Bangor ME.”

One tip is down 3 ½” and the second appears lighter in color but wrapped correctly, perhaps a later factory replacement. Varnish is good given age of rod, some small nicks are present. Slight sets in tips. Slight cork ridging and grip soiling. Cap and ring have some crudely engraved numbers. Bag, hand tag denoting the model and weight and tube. $595

Orvis Battenkill 8 ½’ 2p 2t for GAF WF(9) line. 5 1/8 oz. #45611(12/66) Medium fast. Orvis impregnated cane, 3 x 3 node spacing, cinnamon wraps over chrome snake guides and Mildrum stripper, oxidized s .15 step down ferrules, chrome hook keeper, 6 1/2” cigar grip terminating in a D/L aluminum screw lock with walnut spacer.

In decent condition, cane is great but two wraps replaced along with their corresponding snakes in black rather than chrome and a third needs a touch up, as shown, and another is bent but usable. Ferrule bluing is good. As typical for Orvis, this rod feels over-rated in terms of line weight, giving it a wiggle I think it would be very nice with 6-7 wt lines. Slight grip soiling with a small chunk missing near the reel seat, writing is intact including original owner’s name. Replacement bag with labeled tube. $395

Sharpes of Aberdeen Scottie “Eighty Eight” 2p 1t 8’8” for 5-6 line. 4.7 oz. Medium fast, staggered ferrule design, impregnated cane, 3 x 3 pressed node spacing, C/P burgundy wraps over chrome reverse twist snake guides and Mildrum stripper, oxidized 18 step down brass ferrules with witness marks, chrome hook keeper, 6 ” cigar grip terminating in a D/L aluminum screw lock with cork spacer with roll stamped end cap with hood impressed “J.S. Sharpes, Aberdeen”.

In very good + condition, cane is great, great ferrule fit. The wraps on these rods tend to dry and get brittle, these have been professionally overcoated and the rod ready to fish. Ferrule bluing is very good. Writing and Scottie decal is intact. I’ve got a soft spot for these old Scotties as they were affordable alternatives to Orvis rods of the period- perfect for a college kid like me- when I got my first one. Would be fantastic on big water for big fish with a delightful, relaxed action. You can take this in a guide boat with no fear of marring its finish. Original labeled bag, these rods came without a tube but one is present for this rod. $525

Sharpes of Aberdeen Scottie 13’ 3p 2t for 9 line. Two handed salmon. Slow, impregnated cane, 3 x 3 pressed node spacing C/P burgundy wraps over chrome reverse twist snake guides and Mildrum stripper and braced tip tops, oxidized, reinforced step down brass ferrules with witness marks wrapped with copper wire/thread, 23 ” two-handed grip with aluminum slide band and foot hood, end cap with rubber fighting butt impressed “J.S. Sharpes, LTD Aberdeen” and 75 274(July of 1972).

In very good + condition, cane is great, great ferrule fit and they are structurally sound, the rod ready to fish. Grip soiling shows this rod was used but the cane and wraps don’t show it. Ferrule bluing is very good. On one tip there are a few minor scuffs, perhaps from being in a boat? The lowest guide on the mid is bent, perhaps from inartfully disassembling the rod, but it doesn’t shift. Writing and Scottie decal is intact, owner’s name inked on rod. Original labeled bag, no tube. $195

Cortland 444 2p 1t 7’6” for WF7 line. 4 oz. Fast. Impregnated cane, 3 x 3 pressed node spacing C/P burgundy wraps over chrome reverse twist snake guides and Mildrum stripper, oxidized 13 1/2 step down brass ferrules with witness marks and ferrule plug, chrome hook keeper, 5 1/2 ” cigar grip terminating in an anodized D/L aluminum screw lock with cork spacer.

The Cortland rods were made by Sharpes and have the same attributes. In very good + condition. The wraps, cane and ferrule bluing are very good. Writing is intact. I’ve got a soft spot for these old Sharpes as they were affordable alternatives to Orvis rods of the period- perfect for a college kid like me- when I got my first one. This is an interesting taper. Although the rod is marked for a 7 line I took it out on a windy day and it cast both a DT5 and WF7 line very well. The 5 felt a tad under-lined to me, but I have a very lazy casting stroke and tend to overline my personal rods so I think for most people a DT5 would work quite well. Original labeled bag and tube. $275

Philipson Paragon 8’6” 3p 2t for 5 line. 4.9 oz. Fast. Caramel color cane, pressed nodes in 3x 3 spacing. Tan C/P wraps over Perfection snake guides and Mildrum stripper, s. 17/11 drawn step down ferrules with machined welts and witness marks , 7” full Wells grip terminating in a D/L aluminum and black plastic screw lock.

In fair condition, this rod has a light action. Varnish fair with some chips, wraps excellent, one snake guide missing from mid, grip with soiling, sets to both tips. Fiber tube and bag. $175

Hardy ‘The Gold Medal Rod’ 9’6” 3p 2t for 7(?) line. 7.9 oz. Fast. Caramel color cane, nodes in 3x 3 spacing. Burgandy C/P wraps over braced guides and tip tops and white agate stripper. Full intermediates, guides double wrapped, oxidized brass step down twist lock ferrules impressed with patent, hook keeper, brass winding check, 8” full cigar grip terminating in a U/L aluminum and black Bakelite screw lock terminating in a rubber fighting but. Ring is impressed ‘Patent Steel Centre’ and end cap bearing and “MADE BY HARDY BRS LTD, ALNWICK, ENGLAND”, serial number E31844(1946). Signed in the usual spiral inking above the grip.

In very good condition overall given age. Varnish fair with some alligatoring but not soft, wraps excellent, bluing worn on butt ferrule but good on others, tips missing moisture plugs at end of sections, grip with light soiling, sets to both tips. $495

A.W. Gamage Ltd. 9’6” 3p 2t 8.4 oz. Slow. Caramel color cane, nodes in production mismatch spacing. Red C/P wraps over braced guides and tip tops and red agate stripper. Full intermediates, brass spike twist lock ferrules, hook keeper, brass winding check, 9 3/4” full sheet cork cigar grip terminating in a D/L brass slide band and hood terminating in a rubber fighting butt. End ferrule roll stamped ‘Steel Centre, 53, A.W. Gamage LTD, London”. Tips appear to be about 2” short, but when rod is assembled measures 9’6”, so apparently made that way. Varnish is good, there is a clear overwrap on one tip about 2” long, one has a replaced agate tip top, some guides have been rewrapped, a modern stripper has been wrapped near the ferrule on the butt section. With labeled bag and plastic rod tube. A.W. Gamage was a department store who carried trade rods like this. $245

Tips and tip tube: Two high-quality salmon tips and tube. Leonard? Early Payne? Thomas? Tips measure 52 ¾” wrapped red over reverse twist snakes w/full intermediates, triple tipped at ferrules, ferrules are 16 step downs w/witness marks. Varnish and wraps are good w/some drying of one ferrule wrap as shown. With their original tip bag and tube. $125

Project Rods

Bristol 9’ FB-7 9’ 3p 2t for 6-7 line. 5.8 oz. Medium. Caramel cane, nodes in production mismatch spacing. Red C/P wraps over Perfection snake guides and red agate stripper, S/R hook keeper, s. 18/12 drawn and pinned step down ferrules, 6” cigar grip terminating in a D/L plated C/R . Varnish on mid is poor and melting down, other sections fair. Rod is inked in white Bristol FB-7. All sections full length, guide is missing on the mid but sections are straight, ferrules snug, end cap has a dent, grip soiling. Shows potential to be a good usable rod with a total stripdown and the correct number of guides added. Original tube and labeled bag. $145

Unmarked(Montague?) 9’ 3p 2t for 6-7 Medium 6.2 oz. Dark flamed cane, nodes in production mismatch spacing. Green variegated C/P wraps tipped black over Perfection snake guides and Mildrum stripper, S/R hook keeper, s. 17/12 drawn and pinned plated skirted step down ferrules, 6” modified Wells grip terminating in a D/L plated screw lock w/plastic barrel, end cap w/dent. Varnish good, wraps good, ferrule fit good, all sections same length, sets in both tips, grip soiling. Bag only. $95

Granger Special 8’6” 3 p. 2t. for 5 line. 5.2 oz. Caramel cane, nodes in 3x3 spacing. TanC/P wraps over Perfection snake guides and Mildrum stripper, s. 17/12 drawn plated step down ferrules, 6 1/2” modified Payne grip terminating in the typical D/L plated screw lock. Varnish good, wraps good, ferrule fit good, all sections same length, set in tip, grip soiling w/some cork missing, dents and scratches to reel seat but works, 2nd tip broke and down 8”. Bag w/fiberboard tube missing cap. $95

Montague Flash 8’6” 3p 1t for 5 line. Medium 6.4 oz. Caramel cane, nodes in production mismatch spacing. Red C/P wraps tipped green43y1``over Perfection snake guides and Mildrum stripper, S/R hook keeper, s. 17/12 drawn and pinned plated skirted step down ferrules, 6” modified Wells grip terminating in a D/L plated screw lock w/plastic barrel, end cap w/dent. Poor condition overall. Fiberboard case with no lid, no bag. $25

Thomas Special 9’ A mixture of various parts. The butt w/stamped reel seat is full length, varnish poor. The mid is down 1 ½” and has a non-matching female ferrule. An apparently original tip is just a stub with the ferrule and two snakes. There are two apparently replacement tips with ferrules that fit the mid, unvarnished. Original bag with hang tag and labeled Thomas hardboard tube and cap. WYSIWYG. $75.

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