1617
A very nice Walt Carpenter Browntone bamboo fly rod, 7'6", 2-piece, 2-tip, built for a #5 (though also feels as though it would take a #4 nicely). A nice delicate medium action. Near mint restored condition. The original owner used this rod and took it to Walt to restore three years ago, though if he hadn't told me that I would have assumed that it was in almost mint condition, as Walt did a terrific job with it. 3.7 ounces. Flamed cane in a three up node pattern. Excellent varnish. Brown wraps with black edges and extra bands of yellow and maroon at the keeper and male ferrules. 6 1/8" long slim cigar grip. The step ferrules are oxidized. The cap and ring seat is delicately tapered with a varnished mahogany spacer. Walt's Payne style cap and ring are always a favorite with me. The butt cap is stamped "W.E. Carpenter" in a cartouche. The rod has a manufacture date of 1981. It packs into a maroon cloth bag and aluminum tube with brass fittings.