Allcocks Wizard

[Tengisgol]

I’ve just acquired one!

[Tengisgol]

Does anyone have an idea as to when this was made please?

[Aitch]

Hi Phil... Mine was dated early to mid 60's... it looks the same as yours... I found it a little unbalanced due to the short butt until Wal supplied one of his butt extenders... it makes the rod much more manageable... if you want to try mine out you are very welcome

[Olly]

So when did the change from "Gold" label to the later "Black/Green" label take place please?

Or was it phased in for the different models - Wizard & Super Wizard?

[John_Moore]

I would think the green & black label was introduced sometime during 1965 when Allcocks mergered with Lee & Young
I understand the brass reel fittings etc were fitted to around 1958 when alloy fittings replaced them.
As a rule the earlier Wizards have a slimmer cane butt section than later models
The cork on the butt itself also changed as the Wizard progressed.
John

[Tengisgol]

Hi Phil... Mine was dated early to mid 60's... it looks the same as yours... I found it a little unbalanced due to the short butt until Wal supplied one of his butt extenders... it makes the rod much more manageable... if you want to try mine out you are very welcome

Thanks Harry - I’ve got some bolts the right thread and loads of old butts so I’ll try knocking something up. Rod needs a re-whip in any case so it will probably be at least January till it’s ready. I am going to have quite a range of eleven or so footers. This one seems like a nice steady action, getting a bit all through, when compared to the Aspindale and Edgar Sealey rods I have.

[John_Moore]

Three older Allcocks Wallis Wizards and a Hardy Wallis Avon
The second rod from the right has a 19" hardwood handle. Allcocks did make a rare 19" handle Wizard.
The two Wizards on the left are later 1930's models with full agate rings throughout.
Hardy Wallis Avon is on the right.

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[Olly]

Impressive & informative!

[Snufkin]

Hi, I've just bought a Super Wizard and found this thread after looking for some information about it. It's a late model green/black oblong label version and to my untrained eye looks to be generally in good condition but probably in need of a clean and maybe some restoration. I've added a few photos to give an idea of condition - any advice or recommendations for what might need doing to restore it to working condition would be very much appreciated. Thanks.

[Wallys-Cast]

A lot of cane rods feel floppy but are lovely in action. A B James Avon Perfection for example feels saggy and dead but in use they are as the name suggests.
The earlier Wizards were more of a true Avon design and the Hardy Wallis Avon is a country mile different to the later Allcocks rods but the Allcocks rods have a more powerful action and will handle heavier lines. Its probably the short handle that gives them more of a floppy feel.
I have extended a couple of Wizard handles to 24 inch and they do feel much better when waggled but whether they fish any better is best left for the owner to decide.

Wal.