Vintage Rods/Reels, etc...
From time to time, we are privileged to offer vintage rods, reels, and other tackle for sale.
Please feel free to contact us to have additional, or larger photos emailed to you, for any of the items listed.
1946 Old Town 18' Square Stern Canoe; Studebaker Gift
Beautiful, 1946 Old Town, 18 foot Square Stern canoe.
This is a great canoe that has been with us for years, but gets very little use, so we've decided to let someone else enjoy it.
This Rib & Plank canoe has a plaque attached to the stern that indicates the boat was originally a gift to the original owner from the Studebaker Co.
The canoe comes complete with a custom made canvas snap down cover, trailer, canoe seat backs, and copy of the original records from Old Town Canoe matching the original owner to the name on the Studebaker plaque.
Excellent condition $1995.00
F.E. Thomas 8 1/2' Streamer Fly Rod
This beautiful, vintage 8 1/2', 3pc, 2 tip, 4 3/4oz. Thomas Streamer rod was made in 1947, and is one of the most sought after Thomas rod models in the shop's history.
This rod features a powerful, streamer taper for a 5/6 wt line, Half Wells grip, and screw locking Hardy style reel seat.
This rod does have 1 repaired tip that is 1 1/4" short, otherwise, all sections are full length, straight, and original.
This great rod comes complete, with original bag, with hanging tag, and original labeled Thomas brass capped tube.
Excellent condition
PRICE REDUCED Item #0906 $ 995.00
8 1/2' Thomas Dirigo Trout Rod
Beautiful 8 1/2' Thomas Dirigo made in 1950. 3pc, 2 tip rod. Weighs 5 1/8oz.
Rod is all full length, and features a nicely swelled butt, screw locking reel seat with black spacer, and original bag, with perfect hanging tag, and nearly perfect original Thomas labeled tube. Rods in this kind of shape don't come around much any more.
Item #1029 - Near Mint condition Sale Pending
Early 9' Thomas Special Fly Rod
Early 9' Thomas Special, 3pc, 1 tip rod, with the early full nickel silver slide band seat, that has the side rails, and is marked with a 30 on the butt.
The tip is 2 3/4" short on this rod, and the mid is 1 3/8" short.
This rod has full intermediate wraps, and is ready to fish!
Comes with original bag, and original aluminum tube.
Item #1019 - Good condition $395.00
Orvis "Wes Jordan" 8' Impregnated Fly Rod
Orvis 8' Wes Jordan Impregnated Fly Rod. This 1960's era, 2 piece, 3 tip rod weighs 4 3/8oz, and is for a 6/7 wt line.
The rod was made by Wes Jordan himself, and is marked as such. The rod has "Made for ____ by Wes Jordan" written on the shaft. The owners name was removed from the flat at some time in the past. It appears this rods 3rd tip is a Orvis replacement. It is likely that the tip was ordered and built using the taper on record, because the tip has the serial number written in, but the guide spacing does not match the original two tips. It is still a fine tip just the same. The rod has one broken tip, which is most likely the reason for the 3rd tip, and the other does have a small repair wrap apoximately 1 3/4" from the top. The hook keeper is also missing from this rod, although the wraps for it remain.
Rod also has the thumb and heal rest cork grip.
Rod is in very good condition, and ready to fish.
Comes with original bag and original, unmarked aluminum tube.
Item #1020 - Very Good condition $995.00
Early Orvis Battenkill 3 1/2" Trout reel, made by J.W. Young
Rarely seen Orvis single action reel, made in England by the J.W. Young Co.
3 1/2" reel, with 1" wide spool. Adjustable click & pawl drag. Reel has minor wear around rim.
With original Orvis zippered pouch
Item #1025 - Excellent Condition $295.00
Scarce Orvis "Magnalite Multiplier" 3 1/2" reel, made by J.W. Young
Orvis "Magnalite Multiplier" 3 1/2" reel, made in England by J.W. Young.
This adjustable drag, multiplying reel has the original owner's name engraved on the reel spool and also on the bottom of the reel foot. 1" wide spool.
With leather pouch.
Item #1026 - Excellent Condition $195.00
Vintage Hardy 3 1/8" Perfect Trout Reel
Beautiful vintage Hardy 3 1/8" Perfect, "Made by Hardy Bros Ltd England".
This 1960's era reel has some minor wear around the rim, but otherwise near perfect.
Has an uncracked, clear Agate line guide, which has "Hardy's Pat." stamped on the nickel silver frame. 3/4" wide spool. With leather pouch.
Item #1028 - Excellent Plus condition $595.00
Orvis Rocky Mountain 6 1/2' "Fly and Spin" Impregnated Pack rod
Great Orvis 6' 6" Rocky Mountain "Fly and Spin" Impregnated Pack rod.
This tiny, 3 piece, 2 tip rod weighs only 2 3/4oz, and is for a 5/6 fly line.
Cork sliding band seat has a chip off the end of the butt, but otherwise, this rod is in near mint condition. Comes with original bag, and labeled aluminum tube.
Item #1021 - Near Mint condition $995.00
Orvis Model 50A Spinning Reel, made in Italy by Alcedo.
Beautiful, near mint condition ultralight spinning reel, made in Italy by Alcedo, for Orvis.
This reel was purchased new in 1963, and used very sparingly since.
Comes with leather pouch.
Item #1027 - Near Mint Condition $195.00
Orvis 8 1/2" Impregnated Wes Jordan Fly Rod
Beautiful 1970's era, 8 1/2' Wes Jordan Impregnated bamboo fly rod. 2 piece, 2 tips, weighing 5 1/8oz., for a 8/9 wt line. Original owners name written on shaft by Orvis, as well as engraved on end of butt cap.
Rod has thumb and heal rest grip, and original bag and leather tube.
Item #1024 - Mint condition $1295.00
Orvis 8' Batttenkill Impregnated Fly Rod
8' Orvis Impregnated Battenkill fly rod. 2 piece, 2 tips, weighs 4 3/8oz, for a 7/8 wt line.
This 50,*** serial number rod has been used, but taken very good care of and is in near mint cond.
With original bag and aluminum tube.
Item #1023 - Near Mint condition $995.00
Orvis 7 1/2' Battenkill, Impregnated Trout Rod
Beautiful 7'6" Orvis Impregnated Battenkill Trout rod.
2 piece, 2 tips, weighing 3 7/8oz. for a 5/6 wt line.
Perfect stream rod for Trout. Original owner's name engraved on rod tube.
Item #1022 - Near Mint condition $995.00
Hardy "The Princess" Lightweight Series Reel w/ Spare Spool. Made in England!
Made in Alnwick, England this 3 1/2" Hardy Princess Lightweight, adjustable drag reel with rare spare spool, would make an ideal trout reel. Beautiful condition, showing very little use at all, with only minor wear at edges of spool. Comes complete with papers, and original Hardy zippered pouches for the reel and spool!
Item #1013 Exc Condition $395.00
Valentine Model 375 Fly Reel w/ Spare Spool
Seldom seen Valentine reel in Near Mint original condition. This "Made in USA" reel is 3 3/4" in diameter, and has a 7/8" wide spool. It weighs 9 oz. Reel is designed for a WF9 line + 200 yds of 20# backing. Comes with rare spare spool, original zippered leather pouch, original boxes for both reel and spool, and paperwork. Registration card has a 13 cent stamp on it, which would date this reel to the early 1980's.
Item #1014 Near Mint condition $395.00
Unmarked H.L. Leonard 10 1/2' Lt. Salmon Rod
Fairly early H.L. Leonard 10 1/2' 3pc, 2 tip, single handed salmon rod, with removable fighting butt. Rods has 1 tip that is 1 1/4" short, otherwise all full length. Short tip also has a strange nickel silver repair to the tip. It looks as if the tip may have been broken clean off, and re-attached with the ferrule section. Signature wraps were removed at some point, and a hook keeper was put in their place. Original Leonard nickel silver seat was also repalced for an aluminum screw locking seat, unfortunately. Rod has full intermediate wraps, and appears to be all original, other than the above details. Varnish has bag marks, and could use a rub down and re-coat once signature wraps are replaced. Great chance to own a classic Leonard, without all the cost. Comes with original brass capped, bamboo tip tube, and original canvas bag.
Item #1017 Good Condition $395.00
Early 9' Goodwin Granger "Granger Special" Trout Rod
Nice mid to late 1920's Goodwin Granger rod is a 3 pc, 2 tip rod and has been refinished at some point in the past. All wraps appear to be original and the original "Granger Special" writing was retained on the shaft. Grip has been cleaned and is in fine shape. Early sliding band real seat, marked "Made by Goodwin Granger Company Denver" in three lines on the full nickel silver seat. One ferrule wrap is frayed otherwise excellent condition overall. Nickel silver ferrules round out this wonderful full length example of Granger's work. Original bag and short, non-original tube.
Item #1018 Very Good Cond. $495.00
Very Early "Orvis-Impregnated""Pat-Pend" 10' Light Salmon Rod
Very Early, 10' 3pc, 2 tip, all original light salmon rod w/ removable extension butt. All sections have serial # 2159 written in ink, which puts this near the beginning of Orvis' series of impregnated rods in 1945. Uplocking wood spacer seat marked "Bakelite Impregnated Rod U.S. and Foreign Pats. Pend." in 4 lines on seat. 1 tip has a repair wrap at 8 in. from top otherwise near mint condition, with original bag and non-original aluminum tube.
Item # 1016 Excellent condition $995.00
South Bend 8 1/2' Model 346 Trout Rod
Nice 8 1/2', 3pc, 1 tip rod, showing very little use. All original, with full length sections, orange/black varigated wraps, comficient thumb rest grip with odd "Obselete" stamped into cork, and uplocking reel seat. Marked on shaft with "E or HEH", which is the older line designation for a 5 wt line. Comes with original marked bag, and labeled tube, which is missing the scew cap and collar.
Item #1011 Exc. Condition $250.00
South Bend 8 1/2' Model 359 Trout Rod
Nice South Bend 8 1/2' 3pc, 2 tip, Model 359 fly rod. All sections are full length, and shows very light use. Brown wraps, discolored in places, are the only flaws on this rod. Has Comficient thumb rest grip, uplocking seat, original labeled bag, and unmarked tube.
Item #1012 Exc Condition $350.00
South Bend 9' Model 359 Trout Rod
Beautiful South Bend Bait Company 9', 3pc, 2 tip rod shows very little use at all. All full length sections, and original Orange/Black Varigated wraps. Comficient thumb rest grip, and locking reel seat. The only detraction on this rod is that the hook keeper is missing, leaving only the strap that held it on. Original wraps underneath it are still intact. This is a great example of South Bend's rods, at a reasonable price. Comes with non-original bag and Abbey & Imbrie marked tube.
Item #1010 Exc. Plus Cond. $295.00
H-I "Silver Lake" Bamboo Fly Rod, made for Abbey & Imbrie
Horrocks & Ibbotson "Silver Lake" 8 1/2', 3pc, 2 tip rod, made for Abbey & Imbrie in New York. Nice H-I rod fly rod with original, full length sections, and labeling. The only detraction is that 1 tip top was replaced at some point in time, otherwise this rod is in Near Mint condition. Rod has Tan wraps, with Maroon tipping. Rod also has perfect H-I Abbey Imbrie decal, as well as "Tonkin Cane" written in ink on shaft. With original bag and H-I labeled plastic tube.
Item #1018 Exc. Plus condition $250.00
Orvis Battenkill 8' Impregnated Fly Rod
1967 Orvis Battenkill 8', 2pc, 2 tip, 4 3/8oz Impregnated Bamboo Fly Rod. This rod was made for a GBF line, which is the equivalent of a WF8 in a modern line. Rod is is excellent original condition, with full length sections, aluminum locking reel seat, and Brown wraps. Written on the bamboo is "Orvis Impregnated Battenkill 8' 4 3/8oz. GBF (8). A couple of wraps could use a light minor recoat, but all wraps are intact, original, and ready to fish as-is. Comes with the original bag, and original labeled Orvis tube, which has all the information on this rod, as well as a decal from "Autumn & Greenleaf" in Simsbury, CT, which is most likely where this rod was purchased originally.
Item #1008 Excellent condition $795.00
Payne 9' Dry Fly Salmon rod
Here is another fine example of Jim Payne's work. A 9' one handed, Dry Fly Salmon rod.
This 3pc, 2 tip rod is completely original, and full length. It has an Agate stripping guide, beautiful Brown silk wraps, tipped with Red, and a screw locking reel seat with the Payne logo, and a #20 on the reel seat plug.
This rod comes with the original bag and brass capped aluminum tube, which has tape that is marked "9 ft 7 oz Dry Fly Salmon".
Rod has had some use, but was very well taken care of. The mid section has a couple of bag marks on the varnish, that could likely be polished out.
Item #1002 Excellent Original condition $2495.00
Early 9' Orvis 2 PC Salmon Rod
Early 9' Orvis Salmon Rod, made in 1956. This early rod is only marked with "Orvis Impregnated" on the butt section, but is completely original.
This 2 piece, 6 3/4oz Salmon rod has all original, full length sections, with the rod's serial number written on each section, as well as marked on the tube.
This rod also has a removable fighting butt, original bag, and properly labeled Orvis tube.
Great opportunity to own a wonderful casting light salmon rod, at an affordable price.
Item #1003 Excellent condition $895.00
Edward Vom Hofe Model 504 "Tobique" 2/0 Salmon reel
Edward Vom Hofe Model 504 "Tobique" 2/0 Salmon Reel.
This is one of "the" classic salmon reels in history.
The perfect size reel for a light salmon bamboo rod, and in excellent original condition.
This reel was actually the original match for the 9' Payne salmon rod listed above.
Reel has the original owners initials professionally engraved at Vom Hofe, into the side plate.
Comes with a brown suede zippered pouch, with a sewn on label marked "Intrinsic, Wm Mills & Son New York".
Item #1004 Excellent condition SOLD
Hardy "St John" Salmon reel
3 7/8" Hardy St John Salmon Reel, made by Hardy Bros in England.
This early, 3 screw, brass footed model is in wonderful working condition, and comes with a hard leather, Lyon & Coulson case!
Hard to beat the sound of a Hardy reel, as an Atlantic Salmon strips line from it!
Item #1005 Excellent condition $395.00
F.E. Thomas 9' Browntone Streamer Rod
1937 Thomas Browntone Streamer rod; 3 piece, 2 tips; 1 tip 2 1/4" short, otherwise all sections full length; Rod is in need of a little TLC to be made ready to fish.
Stripping guide missing, 2 addl. guide wraps need to be re-wrapped; some guides have some rust, but can be cleaned up. Varnish needs to be rubbed down and re-varnished.
One tip has american twist guides, but good wraps.
Male ferrule on mid is missing end cap on slide. Browntone bluing mostly worn off.
Otherwise, a great 7/8wt streamer rod once this work is done.
With non-original bag and tube (Heddon Dowigiac tube)
Fair condition
Item #0913 $595.00
Payne 10 1/2' Model #420 Light Salmon Rod Made for A&F
Nice Light Salmon rod made by master rod maker Jim Payne for Abercrombie & Fitch. Rod is a model 420, 10 1/2', 3 piece, 2 tip rod, and has a removable 6" fighting butt.
Rod features dark blued ferrules, with original ferrule plugs, aluminum screw locking seat, marked "Sold By Abercrombie & Fitch Co. New York", as well as the "Payne Reg US Pat Off." logo.
This rod has a mid section that is 3 1/4" short, which most likely was repaired by the William Mills & Son,Inc. shop in New York,(Repair tag still on bag), and the male ferrule on the mid is missing the end cap for the male slide.
Original hang tag is marked "E.F. Payne Rod Co., Inc. Highland Mills, N.Y., 1831, 10 1/2', 9 1/2oz, no. 420".
Rod is complete with original bag, brass capped tube, and canvas sack that holds tube, and fighting butt.
Original owner's name written in marker on canvas bag, and rod tube
Great opportunity to own a very nice salmon rod by one of the masters of this craft.
Very Good/Excellent Condition
Item #0912 $1495.00
Early 9' Thomas Streamer Fly Rod
Early 9' Thomas Streamer rod, made prior to 1937, with a Triangle stamping on the long, nickel silver, streamer butt cap.
This 3pc, 2 tip rod has all full length sections, seldom seen cork sliding band reel seat, early, strutted tip tops, and half wells cork grip.
Varnish has bag marks, and some chips, but is completely original, and usable as-is.
Comes with the original green cloth bag, and labeled, brass capped aluminum tube.
This is an excellent example of a scarce, early example of the famous Thomas streamer rod.
Very Good/Excellent condition
Item #0911 $1495.00
Early Thomas & Thomas Graphite Salmon Rod
Early Thomas & Thomas Rodmakers 8 1/2' Graphite 2pc, 7/8 wt salmon rod, serial #1869. This rod was made in the early 1980's, and is in near mint condition. The rod looks as if it has been never fished. Rod has aluminum locking seat, with "Thomas & Thomas Rodmakers" logo. Comes with original bag, and original labeled aluminum tube.
Item #1007 Near Mint $395.00
Early F.E. Thomas Dirigo "Dame Stoddard" 10' Salmon Rod
Very early Fred Thomas Dirigo Salmon rod marked "Made for Dame Stoddard Co. Boston, MA" on the nickel silver butt cap.
This unique, light salmon rod is a 3 piece rod, with 3 original TIPS, and 2 original MID sections!
2 of the tips are original, and full length, but the third tip is 1/2" short at the tip top, and14" short at the ferrule end.
Full nickel silver, sliding band reel seat has "Dirigo F.E. Thomas Bangor, ME" stamping.
This rod originally had a fixed 2" fighting butt, but at some point in time, the fighting butt was extended to 4", using a lower quality grade of cork, so the butt section is now longer than the full length mid and tips. This could be returned to original.
Several of guides will need to be replaced, and a few of the original red silk wraps as well.
Otherwise, this rod is in good, original condition.
Comes complete with the original brass capped bamboo tip tube, and tan canvas sack, which has "10" written on the inside of the flap, as most of these early cases do, to signify the length of the rod it was made for. The case also has an extra compartment for the 2nd mid section, so it was obviously made with 2 mids.
Good Condition
Item #0910 $595.00
Orvis "Battenkill" 7 1/2' Trout Rod
Orvis "Battenkill 7 1/2', 2pc, 2 tip, 3 7/8oz. Trout rod. Impregnated. Screw-lock seat.
Nice 60's vintage, top line Orvis trout rod, in excellent original condition.
Both tips are full length, but are aprox 1/2" shorter than the butt section, but appear to be completely original, and un-repaired.
Rod has all original wraps over dark impregnated cane; marked in India ink with model, length, and weight. All sections serial numbered in ink as well.
Great, classic fishing rod from Vermont.
Original bag, and tube, with fair tube label.
Excellent condition
Item #0907 $795.00
F.E. Thomas Dirigo 8', 3pc, 2tip 4/5wt Fly Rod
1930's vintage Thomas Dirigo with nickel silver sliding band reel seat; Full intermediate windings, and original bamboo tip tube, and canvas case. Tips are short 2" and 4".
Great, fishable Thomas rod for an affordable price.
Very Good Condition
Item #0904 $695.00
H.L. Leonard 8' 6" 3pc 2 tip Fly Rod
Vintage H.L. Leonard 8 foot 6 inch trout rod has full intermediate windings, nickel silver cap and ring reel seat, and original bag and brass capped aluminum tube.
Reel seat stamped "The H.L. Leonard Rod Leonard & Mills Co. Makers".
Tips are short 1" and 2 1/2". Otherwise excellent condition.
Excellent condition
Item #0903 $695.00
Pre-1925 Goodwin Granger "Denver Special" 9 1/2' 3pc 2tip Fly Rod
Early Pre-1925 fly rod from the Goodwin Granger Co. of Denver, Co.
This rod has full intermediate windings, and early full nickel silver reel seat with sliding band.
Seat is stamped "Denver Special" and "Made by Goodwin Granger Company Denver"
1 tip is short 3/8", and one snake guide needs to be re-wrapped on the mid section.
Varnish is a little rough in places. This rod could use a refinish, and would make a great classic rod.
Good condition
Item #0902 $295.00
**All items have a 3 day inspection period, and can be returned within that period for a full refund, less shipping and insurance.
If you are interested in a item that is listed here, or would like information on consigning an item for sale at our shop, please contact us at (207)570-7637, or email us
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