The first thing that struck me when I took the rod from the bag was that the guides on the butt section were not in line with the nicely done logo and writing. The rod has obviously been stripped and re-whipped in gold at some point ... very well in the main ... but I suspect that the hook keeper whipping is actually original. Whether the guides were whipped on deliberately 'off centre,' or whether it was an accident ... who can say !
I also noted that there are the shadows of some very fine intermediate whippings, which are very precise at 3/4 inch apart for the length of the section. (I hope they show in the photo below.) I can see no evidence of the shame shadows on the tip section.
The handle is a lovely 'onion' style and is 25 1/2 inches in length (including button).
The tip and butt guides are in good condition, as are the intermediates, and the ferrule set, slide bands and butt cap are quality items ... but without any markings on them.
On putting the rod together it measures 10ft 1 1/2 inches long (including button). With the guides in line there is a distinct 'bend' but, when I turned the tip section to line up with the monogram on the butt it significantly reduces. There's also a slight 'droop' in the tip ... so when I rebuild it I'll whip the butt guides back in line with the monogram, and turn the tip through 180 degrees. (The photos below show the rod with guides in line , and then with the tip guides turned to line up with the monogram.)
There are some 'extra' intermediate whippings on the ferrule end of the tip section but, having been over it with a magnifying glass I can see no reason for it. Perhaps it may become apparent when I remove the varnish, but I'm keeping my fingers crossed.
From interest, I have taken measurements of the taper at places matched to my "Harvey Torbett" and a Chapman's 500 :-
The figures are as follows ...
Chapman's 500. Handle 24 inches. Tip taper 0.133" - 0.281". Centre taper 0.322" - 0.422". Total weight 11.1 oz.
Harvey Torbett. Handle 25.5 inches. Tip taper 0.106" - 0.285". Centre taper 0.313" - 0.472". Total weight 11.9oz.
FJ/JF Mk1 Avon. Handle 25.5 inches. Tip taper 0.114" - 0.266". Butt section 0.277" - 0.442". Total weight 10.9 oz.
If anyone can identify any of the rod furnishings, I'd be fascinated to hear your thoughts, of course.
All in all I think it will make a fine rod ... and I think you can see why I couldn't resist the temptation !!!
