The 1950 Orvis Catalog

or however that dang word is written! : ) Use this forum to discuss those things that are related to, directly, or indirectly, fly fishing, i.e., tackle, catalogs, single malt scotch, cigar preferences, pipes, camera gear, etc. This is sort of an off topic area but one related to bamboo and fly fishing.

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Greg Reynolds
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The 1950 Orvis Catalog

#1

Post by Greg Reynolds »

These are the rod-related pages from the 1950 Orvis catalog for reference or download:
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ibookje
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Re: The 1950 Orvis Catalog

#2

Post by ibookje »

Wonderful.
Thanks Greg

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wctc1
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Re: The 1950 Orvis Catalog

#3

Post by wctc1 »

Interesting, good info. Second thanks Greg.

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Brian K. Shaffer
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Re: The 1950 Orvis Catalog

#4

Post by Brian K. Shaffer »

Fine fly fishing items for the distinguished angler.

I love seeing any information on the Equinox.
" There's no such thing as a fly fisherman wholly satisfied with his casting performance. " ~ Jim Green (1971)
" Just once I wish a trout would wink at me. " ~ Brian Shaffer

Use the SEARCH for justification and reasoning.

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flyrod
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Re: The 1950 Orvis Catalog

#5

Post by flyrod »

Thanks once again Greg for posting some great Orvis info!

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gt05254
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Re: The 1950 Orvis Catalog

#6

Post by gt05254 »

Very cool! Thanks for posting, Greg!
Gary

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Greg Reynolds
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Re: The 1950 Orvis Catalog

#7

Post by Greg Reynolds »

Thank you guys. I intend to continue posting catalogs on a regular basis.

jim royston
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Re: The 1950 Orvis Catalog

#8

Post by jim royston »

This image leaves me speechless. The massiveness of their final milling machine is impressive. I suspect that it was repurposed to it’s new role. From the Spring 1974 Catalog
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billems
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Re: The 1950 Orvis Catalog

#9

Post by billems »

I've never owned an Orvis bamboo. Always heard the impregnated rods were heavy and sluggish. But the ones I've cast were almost all fine casting rods. I once had a remarkable casting rod made by Mark Ruhe, a 7/12 ft 4/5 weight. I called him up to ask where he got the taper. He got it from an Orvis Midge.

Mike N
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Re: The 1950 Orvis Catalog

#10

Post by Mike N »

Greg- it appears to me that the 1950 catalog contains an error and an exaggeration.

Patent No.150883 for the famous perforated fly reel was issued in 1874, not 1872 as noted on the opening page.

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Further, CF Orvis did not produce the first locking reel seat in 1882 as the catalog indicates. That was done by Hiram Eggleston, who then assigned his patent to CFO. Alas, I suppose “inventing” is not “producing.” No bigger Orvis fan than me, but I did want to point out these two clarifications.


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Mike N.
Founder, Old Reel Collectors Association (ORCA)
Member, NFLCC & FATC
Vintage Orvis collector


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Greg Reynolds
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Re: The 1950 Orvis Catalog

#11

Post by Greg Reynolds »

Mike N wrote:
10/26/21 00:03
Greg- it appears to me that the 1950 catalog contains an error and an exaggeration...

...Further, CF Orvis did not produce the first locking reel seat in 1882 as the catalog indicates. That was done by Hiram Eggleston, who then assigned his patent to CFO. Alas, I suppose “inventing” is not “producing.” No bigger Orvis fan than me, but I did want to point out these two clarifications.
Hi Mike,

The company's history of acomplishments are being referred-to, not those of owner Charles F. Orvis.

As far as I'm aware, Hiram Eggleston developed the reel seat as an employee of the Charles F. Orvis Company. An employee's patent would typically be assigned to the employer. It's the same situation as Wes Jordan and the devopement of the impregnation method. Both are Orvis patents.

Regards,
Greg

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roycestearns
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Re: The 1950 Orvis Catalog

#12

Post by roycestearns »

Thanks for the posting this Greg ... always nice to see the actual catalog.
Charles Orvis bought and reassigned the Eggleston reel seat patent to C.F. Orvis Company for $10.
I suspect that Hiram had a lot to do with the reel as well, but there's not much to prove it.
By 1950, I'm surprised that Orvis wasn't more focused on what Wes was doing instead of the "marketing claims" from 1890.

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