Aspindale's Arrow

[Coral Maestro]

Here is a nice Aspindale's Arrow #910 from the Astwood Bank works. It measures 10ft 6in made up.
The script seems to combine the "A" of Aspindale's and Astwood. Is this normal on rods ascribed to Astwood Bank?

[ReelMaker]

Thats another beauty ,is it hollow built?

[Coral Maestro]

Thats another beauty ,is it hollow built?

There is no script on the butt to suggest it's hollow built (which some Aspindale rods have). The butt and middle sections are both whole cane and interestingly, the female ferrule on the butt section has a hole (about 4mm) drilled through the internal node/plug at the bottom of the ferrule. It's the same with the male ferrule on the middle section. I'm wondering if this is to allow water vapour to escape?

Male ferrule on middle section:


Female ferrule on butt section:

[Coral Maestro]

I've had a look at an Aspindale's Avon and there are no holes on that, the plugs are solid.