A Darryl Whitehead bamboo fly rod, 7', 2-piece, 2-tip, built for a #4 line. #50 of what I presume to be a limited set. Fast DF Action and in mint unused condition. The ferrules, reel seat hardware, bottom cap, and the brass tube top are all engraved by Paolo Barbetti. The cane is lightly flamed with lighter nodes arranged in a spiral pattern. The main wraps are brown with tiny black edges and extra bands of lighter brown and black at the keeper, ferrules, and tip-tops. The stripping guide is an agate with black snake guides. The varnish is superb. The swiss style ferrules are engraved and polished although the front cork check is oxidized. The tips are mirrored. The grip is 5 1/2" long light sculpted in a western style and consists of 1/4" corks. The downlocking screwlock is nickel silver and the two pocket bands are fully engraved as well as the bottom cap. The bottom pocket cap is engraved with "D. Whitehead, Maker, No 50". The rod packs into a red cloth bag. The tube has an exterior leather sheath most likely done by Arne Mason and has a heavy brass collar top done in a style reminiscent of the Thomas & Thomas tube tops and again engraved by Paolo Barbetti. The brass top has a bit of fine corrosion that should easily polish off.
