Orvis - 11" 3/2 Early Salmon Rod

For sale here is a very rare and special Orvis - 11" 3/2 salmon rod. Serial no. 281. The rod is made from Calcutta bamboo, the predecessor to Tonkin, today's standard. We have been unable to accurately date the rod though we feel it is turn of the century or 1890s.  The rod is in very good original condition though there are some issues, as is to be expected. There are sets throughout the rod. A few of the wraps have become dry and brittle resulting in breakage and unraveling. Lastly, the varnish has experienced minor heat exposure and is alligatoring in a few places as well as chips and scratches here and there. There are also a few intermediates missing from the mid section. All sections are full length and without repair. The Calcutta cane has a unique look with bands, spots, scars that differs from Tonkin. The color is a pumpkin tone. The rod's silks are a crimson color and feature full intermediates. Bronzed flip-up guides of a small diameter to accommodate silk line. The ornate grip features a large nickel silver cone shaped winding check/cap with fine knurling and scoring. The grip itself is made from a beautifully figured wood in the cigar shape. The reel seat features two nickel silver band, the bottom one sliding and a spring loaded base to secure the reel foot. The spring loaded plate reads,                                                                                              C.F. Orvis                                                                                                                                                                      Maker                                                                                                                                                                   Manchester, N.Y.                                                                                                                                                               Patented                                                                                                                                                                     June 6th                                                                                                                                                                         1882

The serial no. 281 appear on both the top and bottom band of the reel seat as well as on one of the tip sections. The ferrules are quite interestingly a straight cylinder shape similar to Swiss-style/Super-Z ferrules, though many decades before the invention of this design. They are size 13/64 and 20/64. The fit remains fairly tight. The rod weight 7.35 oz. with a  very slow action typical of rods from this period. Includes the original bag though there are a few holes and no tube. This well-preserved rod is a wonderful example of early fly-fishing equipment and a treasure to any serious Orvis collector. Don't miss out.