2377
An HL Leonard "Tournament" bamboo fly rod, 7'6", 3-piece, 2-tip, and built for a #5 line. The rod weighs 3.5 ounces on my scale. Medium-fast action. It is in expertly refinished condition. It is missing the keeper ring (I suspect the refinisher lost it as the strap is unbroken). The rod has an excellent coat of varnish. Oven tempered wheatstraw cane with a three up node pattern. Light tan or gold main wraps with pale green at all wraps and fore and aft at the keeper and all ferrules. There is an extra edge of black and white jasper at the keeper and male ferrules. The stripping guide is an agate with reverse twist snake guides. The tip tops are large hoop, not consistent with the period of manufacture. The step ferrules are polished bright and all are the "pot belly" style. The butt female ferrule still has the patent dates very legible. The 4 1/2" cork grip is somewhat short, suggesting this may have been a "Ladies" rod. The reel seat is cap and ring with the spacer a varnished, flatted piece of butternut with a couple of varnished over impressions. The stamp reads "The / Leonard / Rod / HL Leonard Rod Co / Makers" in a cartouche and under that "Reg Us Pat Off", and on the reverse "Tournament". The original poplin rod bag is missing the hang tag. The aluminum tube has the early larger brass collar, bottom, and top.