The original 'Versa' rods patent by Milwards

[Nobby]

Here is the document with the European Patents office:

http://worldwide.espacenet.com/publicat ... cale=en_EP

And here is the actual document...note there are 8 pages:

http://worldwide.espacenet.com/publicat ... cale=en_EP

Interesting to note the application is dated 1959 at which time only the Spinversa existed, initially a rod built just for the directors and not initially released to the public...possibly awaiting that patent approval perhaps? Later followed by the Swimversa, a tip actioned match rod, the Flyversa, SFR, a staggered ferrule fly rod with a double built butt and the Craftversa, the famous and rare 2 piece 11'3" all-rounder.

The patent was uncovered by Dave Redwood during internet research some years ago and first referred to on the old Waterlogge forum.


The inventor is Terry Thomas the first chap on TV with a fishing programme, accompanied by a very young Chris Tarrant. He worked with Milwards until their dropping of a fishing tackle range then moving on to Edgar Sealey, taking his twin-taper tip design with him. Though I'm not aware of a patent on that, so there must have been soe input and acceptance from Milwards, I'd have thought.