Let's take a look at some unusual/scarce Orvis fly rods

[ibookje]

I always thought the Manchester was a separate series for a period but the picture of the leaflet finally showed the real difference. Thanks again for clearing it up Greg!

[NewUtahCaneAngler]

Jay, Manchester, then 99, then Madison as well documented by Greg.

Here is a 7 1/2' 3/2 from 1949. I believe that it has been back to Orvis for new tips as the tip colors are very close to the cane on my 1964 rod, which I'm showing to highlight the difference in grip shape. The grip is smaller and fatter than other Orvis rods that I('ve) own(ed). It came with a later tube and sock.





Cheers,
Joe

[Greg Reynolds]

Impregnated Manchesters are a Battenkill with red wraps, and sometimes blemished bamboo. Consumers of the period must have been concerned-enough about watermarks to pay an extra 20% for a Battenkill.

[ibookje]

Smart marketing (upselling) already back then?

[Kenneth]

Greg, thanks for that page from the 1941(?) catalog, a real eye-opener.

2 ounces for a 7 footer, 2-1/2 ounces for a 7-1/2 footer, dry fly action to boot, sounds like my dream rod, light and crisp.

Kenneth

[Flyman615]

Hi Kenneth:

IMHO, you are certainly correct, especially as it pertains to the early 1940s varnished Orvis rods.
They are indeed just delightful 75+ years later!

Scott

[mlarocco]

Only thing I know about this rod was that it came in a non original tube with a label

Orvis 5oz 9'6"
A. M. Norton
Wiscosset Maine
1928

[Lockfast]

A Battenkill "Midge" from 1968 with a Superfine grip & reel seat.

[Kenneth]

Only thing I know about this rod was that it came in a non original tube with a label

Orvis 5oz 9'6"
A. M. Norton
Wiscosset Maine
1928

Orvis continues to amaze me. 5 ounces for such a long rod? How's the action?

Thanks,
Kenneth

[mlarocco]

Orvis continues to amaze me. 5 ounces for such a long rod? How's the action?

To be honest with you, it's the 1st time I have had it out of the tube in years. The reel seat is stamped "Patented June 6th 1882" so I figured a non-fishing rod.

[Webfly]

Orvis continues to amaze me. 5 ounces for such a long rod? How's the action?

To be honest with you, it's the 1st time I have had it out of the tube in years. The reel seat is stamped "Patented June 6th 1882" so I figured a non-fishing rod.

What a beauty!

[adkfan]

Another from 1941....
#0389 8’ 3/1 Manchester

[VanfromMaine]

Mlarocco
That's probably Wiscasset Maine
That's where I live about 5 miles from the Reversing Falls Salmon pool

[mlarocco]

That's probably Wiscasset Maine

The label is hard to read. My guess based on the reel seat patent date is the rod is older than 1928. Maybe the name is the original owner, purchased earlier and later sold (estate), or an intermediate owner on it's journey to me. Along the way somebody scribbled down what they 'knew' about the rod. Possibly an Orvis expert could date the rod based on wraps, ferrules, guides, etc...

[Flyman615]

Another from 1941....
#0389 8’ 3/1 Manchester

Yes, another "early modern" Orvis gem. Thanks!

Scott

[wab]

Caenis...Has anyone ever fished one? I haven’t, but enjoy pulling it out occasionally!

Appreciate this thread, thanks!

[Greg Reynolds]

Welcome to the forum.

You're probably aware that the "Caenis" is a very rare Orvis rod, and wasn't a cataloged model. I've never seen one, and doubt that I ever will. I believe they were sold through the Orvis News. They also sold a few in Japan as the "Yamame Special".

Please post the serial number so I can add it to my database.

Thank you...

[NEKexpat]

I'm not sure where Orvis School Rods fit on the rarity/collectability spectrum, but thought this recent acquisition might be of interest. The serial number is S-0433, which is not yet in the database. As a 6'-1/2' 2-3/4 oz. rod rated at HFG (4), it would appear to be a Madison grade Flea equivalent. I'm not sure how to date it more precisely. My guess is that it was an attempt to promote the short rod/light line fad. Given the condition of the reel seat and cork, it doesn't seem to have generated much interest. The guy I bought it from purchased it in the 1980s and barely used it. As a side note, in looking through old catalogs to figure out the standard model equivalent, I saw that there were a couple years where Orvis priced the one-tip "real" Flea lower than the Madison equivalent. Made sense from a practical standpoint, as the walnut locking seat must have cost more to produce than cork and rings, but not from a marketing perspective. Pecking pricing order restored in 1974.

[brucetc]

Hi there,
Does anyone have a lead on a reel seat from 1955 for Rocky Mountain 3/1, 6 1/2', three piece (George Reid & Cal Skinner). Down-locking. Also looking for stripping guide, extra tip guide and 11/64 ferrule (extra tip).
First post,
Bruce

[barnesspecial6]

Bruce I think you’ll have more success if you request possible component purchases in the Classified section of this forum, just my thought