Hardy Houghton Fly Rod

[Paul F]

Hi Leigh,
The rod is not listed in my copy of "The House the Hardy Brothers Built" which list all the rod names and the years of manufacture,
The serial number does not seem the correct configuration too!
Did you take the serial No from the butt cap?
some photo's including close up of fittings/rings etc

[Paul F]

mmm..this one is interesting, I think there maybe more knowledgeable Hardy experts on here who may have an opinion.
The ferrules are early twist lock which I would expect to see on a Houghton, the screw up reel seat is much later 1950-60's, the earlier rods just had brass reel bands, it has obviously been re-whipped and the agate butt ring is wrong.
I am not sure about the script!
My personal opinion, this is made up, maybe on a Hardy blank, but I cannot be sure.
What length is the rod?
Paul

[Paul F]

Leigh, the patent numbers is for the up-lock reel fitting

[Harry H]

The patent dates from 31/7/1922

[Harry H]

The patent dates from 31/7/1922

Nearest rod I can find ii the Crown Houghton a 3 piece split bamboo came in 9ft 9", 10ft,
10ft 4", 10ft 7" made between 1903-1969
Also if the E was at the beginning of the numbers it would date to 1935

[Huttojon]

I have a Hardys Anglers Guide from 1937 and this lists the Houghton in lengths from 9.5 feet,10.0 feet,10.25 feet,!0.5 and 11.0 feet.The ferrules are detailed as "spiral lockfast" and the reel fitting is described as "screw grip with patent reversible spear and button".The rod is described as "The Houghton Dry Fly Rod"."Although a perfect dry fly rod it is most useful for loch and sea-trout fishing.For New Zealand and India it is perfect,as it will if desired cast a light spoon".All that for £10 ! Well done. JohnH

[Barbulus]

Fingers crossed Leigh - and for a rather good price whatever..... a nice project too over the next few weeks or so.

[Huttojon]

The Hardy fly reels for 1937 in trout sizes were :- Perfect,Saint George,Uniqua,Sunbeam,and the Lightweight.All of the reels in smaller sizes as the silk fly lines of that era were much thinner than todays plastic lines.The trouble is that these reels are now collected and carry high prices.

[Huttojon]

That looks to be3 a craking rod but somehow I like the idea of the potential in your rod .