915
A very nice and rare EF Payne Bass Bug fly rod, 9', 3-piece, 2-tips, and built for a #7 or #8 line. Very good condition, all original except for the cleaned grip which shows an ever so slight amount of ridging as a result. The varnish has been polished too, indicated by a white residue under the guides. 6.6 ounces. Medium fast action. Chestnut colored flamed and oven tempered cane. The wraps are brown with copper edges, with an extra band of yellow and purple at the keeper and male ferrules. This rod has seen very little use judging by only the faintest tracing of brassing to the heavy wire reverse twist snake guides and zero brassing to the ferrule oxidation. The stripping guide is a perfection and the ferrule wraps have only the slightest beginning of the usual casting cracks. The varnish has been polished but is in perfect condition. The grip is 6 1/2" done in a western style, with some minor ridging from cleaning. The reel is is an uplocking aluminum screwlock with the stamp "Payne" in a cartouche and "Reg US Pat Off" and on the reverse "Sold by Abercrombie and Fitch Co., New York". The varnished wood spacer looks like Spanish cedar. The rod is straight and ready to fish. A very rare model indeed, one of the few specialty models put out by Payne. It comes with the original bag (unfortunately the hang tag has become detached but has been saved and is with the rod). The Payne tube has a red label and white felt under the brass top.