An exceptionally rare Garrison model 204 fly rod, 7'6", 2-piece, 2-tip, and built for a #4 line. Serial #Q-76-7. This rod is a medium-full flexing action and the much rarer #4 line model. Q denotes a 1947 manufacture date. The rod bag has been signed "M. Chase" and was owned by Marvin Chase, the legendary Beaverkill angler, giving this rod some interesting historical significance.
As Garrison fans will know, the 76 in the serial number is 7'6" and the following "7" indicates that it was the seventh rod produced that year. The rod has been given a thin over varnish at some point in the past and a very good job was done. Some chips in the original coat are still visible and there are a few chips in the new varnish. One tip has a small line across the facet at one of the nodes but it appears to be glued down and is sealed by the overcoat as I cannot get it to move when flexed (if it had movement that might indicate a structural problem). Resorcinol glue was used to bond the strips. The rod is appointed with a perfection stripping guide and high arch snake guides. The super Z ferrules are oxidized. The grip is the Garrison blunt cigar and 6 1/2" long. The reel seat is cork with a nickel silver pocket cap and a diamond knurled swaged ring. As noted the tan rod bag is signed "M Chase" " 7 1/2" Gar " and also by a later owner "B Conway". The bag has a wooden ferrule plug attached. The brass bottom of the aluminum rod tube has a split in it but it is firmly affixed and is no problem. Double brass in the collar, and the top is in good condition. A nice opportunity here to own a truly rare Garrison and one with some very nice provenance into the bargain.
