A stunning EF Payne model 197 fly rod, 7'6", 3-piece, 2-tip. Listed on the hang tag as Model 197, 4 1/8 oz, Serial 1632. I think this would cast a #5 nicely. For condition, all I can say is - WOW! WOW! Super Mint! I would guess this rod may have been lawn cast once, as there is a faint trace of a reel foot impression (that may have also been done at the factory to check the line up to the flat). Otherwise, there is no sign of use. No sign of hand soiling, no sign of sanding, no brassing to the inside of the snake guides, and no cracking to the ferrule wraps. The original ferrule plugs and the hangtag are still in place. I would call the action a very pleasant restrained dry fly. The usual superb Payne varnish. Light brown flame toning. Wrapped brown with yellow edges fore and aft at the keeper, ferrules, and tip tops, with a band of purple at the keeper and male ferrules. The keeper is 1 flat right. Perfection stripper. The step ferrules retain 100% of the original bluing. The grip is spotless and 12 corks, 6" long in the "western" style with a hidden pocket cap for the up lock screw lock reel seat. The reel seat spacer is varnished Spanish cedar. The screw lock nut is stamped "Payne" in the cartouche and "reg us pat off" and on the reverse " Sold by Von Lengerke & Antoine, Chicago". The rod sections are as straight as when they left the factory and the ferrule fits are perfect.
Overall, I'm just amazed to find a 75-year-old rod in this kind of mint original condition. This is the best example of a Payne I have seen, the only one besting it is one that still had the paper and gummed strips on the grip. Comes with the original bag and tube with the Payne sticker on the tube and grey felt in the brass cap. Serious Payne aficionados will love this one.
