A nice EF Payne model 209 model fly rod, 9', 3-piece, 2-tips, built for what feels to me like a #6 or 7. A nice medium action heavy trout rod, a circa 1950's build. Despite missing ferrule plugs and a hangtag, this rod appears to be original and unfished. The grip has a been given a mild cleaning at some point and there are a few marks from sandpaper on the cork (though I don't see any soiling in the cork pores which you would typically expect from a sanded grip on a well-used or restored rod. Maybe someone removed some slight soiling from handling or lawn casting?). The grip is done in the western Payne fishtail style and measures 6 1/4". The varnish is superb, the wraps are all correct as well as the perfection stripper and the high arch snake guides with no brassing to the inner guides at all. Stripping guide and snake guides. The wraps are brown with an edge of red and an extra wrap of yellow and purple at the keeper and male ferrules. The reel seat spacer wood is Spanish cedar. The up lock screw lock is stamped "Payne" in a cartouche and "U.S. Pat Off". On the reverse is stamped "Sold by, Von Lengerke & Antoine, Chicago". The ferrule fits are perfect and the rod is pin straight. The rod tube is original with the Payne sticker though it has seen some wear here and there. Comes with a standard rod bag, and there is a small hole where the hangtag used to be attached. The rod tube cap has the grey felt in the top.
