The rod is a Warren Hastings combination rod.The advert that I have says "We are proud to state that we are the sole manufacturers of this wonderful rod,designed by Mr warren Hastings.
10ft6ins.bottom rod,built with care throughout,ideal for fishing from punts in fast water,for Chub and Barbel.When used with short top 9ft6ins. makes the perfect ledgering and light spinning rod.Price £9 17 6d."
"Monarch of the Thames" is Hastings' book on the Thames Trout; after A.E. Hobbs, Hastings was probably the top man in that field. It was all spinning or wobbling dead bleak, not fly fishing, for the big Thames trout were predators - hence the short top for spinning.
It will be a fine rod; top designer, top maker. Well found!
"Write drunk, edit sober" - Hemingway.
Hemingway didn't have to worry about accidentally hitting "submit" before he edited.
Sorry for the delay in getting back to you,the advert is in his book and doesn't mention any whipping colours ,the advert concludes "Full details of this rod will be found in our catalogue,sent free on request".The book was printed in 1955 which makes this rod at £9 17 6d,an expensive bit of kit.
JohnH