H l Leonard "grafiete"

[gunner45]

I have a two piece graphite fly rod from a client who wants it restored to " fish able" condition. The owner claims that this rod was rescued from a inglorious fate in a landfill, by a relative in Conn. Some years ago!
This rod is labeled as:"H.L. Leonard grafiete tm" "7-1/2'-2-1/4 oz-5 wt.line" this rod has been damaged at the ferrule on the tip section and is 5" shorter than labeled ( now 7'1") it should be noted that the male ferrule is mounted in the butt section and it appears that the female ferrule had been replaced with a cheap ferrule which failed.
I am inquiring if anyone has knowledge of this rod? Is it legit or a counterfeit?

[SpringCreek]

The rod is most likely legitimate, however, pictures would be needed to evaluate its origin.

[fisherman911]

Most likely this is a Leonard "Graftek" rod from the early/mid 70's. Light gray blank and they came with a very nice brass capped Leonard tube and Leonard quality hardware. From the early years of Graphite rod development. If I remember correctly the blanks were sourced from an outside vender and were known to fail at the ferrules. I had one that I bought on close out in around 1979 and the third time I used it broke at the base of the female ferrule.

[Tommasini]

I believe that outside source was Exxon Corp. The ferrules lacked hoop strength and virtually all failed. Just simply wrapping the entire ferrule with nylon would have cured the problem.