A Few of a Kind--Next Best Rods--Granger Premiers

[Flyman615]

Since there recently seems to be some interest in Granger Premier grade rods, I thought I'd post a few from my collection. These, however, are all post-1930 rods and do not include any First Era Premiers which may be the subject of a later thread.

As you may know, the Premier grade--like most of these--eventually became the second highest grade in the Granger lineup to the Registered which was introduced in 1939. In comparison to lower grades, however, not many Premiers were made. It is estimated that by the Wright & McGill era they still made up only 2% or less of production.

Premiers, like Registered Grangers were made from only the highest grade, cleanest cane and cork. But unlike the Registereds, the Premiers were very plainly wrapped without tipping or signature wraps in standard Granger yellow/gold. According to Michael Sinclair this was done in order to save weight as many Premiers were used in casting competitions.

My current collection from top down:

* 7'6" 7633 by Wright & McGill
* 8'0" 8040 by Goodwin Granger
* 8'6" 8642 by Goodwin Granger
* 9'0" 9050 by Wright & McGill (ink stamps are reversed)
* 9'0" 9052 Tournament by Goodwin Granger (note s/b reel seat and 'hammer handle' grip to save weight)
* 9'0' 9050 by Goodwin Granger (presentation rod)
* 9'6" 9660 by Goodwin Granger
* 6'0" 6050 by Wright & McGill (bait casting rod)

And yes, once upon a time I had a super scarce Goodwin Granger Premier 10-foot 1062, but another Forum member wanted it even more than I did.

Hope you enjoy these Granger Premiers!

Scott Z.

[Brian K. Shaffer]

Admired are both your determination and acquisition skills.

Simply breathtaking. I can only imagine the joy of selecting which one for the upcoming days casting...

[archer829]

Thanks for taking the time to post about these! Jeff

[Bugtussel]

Very handsome company of rods and thanks for sharing. Love that 9052.

Jim

[kevinhaney1]

Yes, very drool worthy…

[archer829]

I've got an 8040--not a Premier--that has a slimmer handle profile like yours in the photo. Do you feel that it was typical for the smaller sizes, ie 7633 and 8040, to be made with slimmer handles, or is it more likely that my 8040 and yours pictured above had their profiles changed later on in life? Thanks! Jeff

[Flyman615]

Thanks much, fellows.

Here's a photo of the aforementioned early 10 ft. Goodwin Granger Premier with the characteristic "fat" cigar grip found on some 10-footers.



Scott

[Flyman615]

I've got an 8040--not a Premier--that has a slimmer handle profile like yours in the photo. Do feel that it was typical for the smaller sizes, ie 7633 and 8040, to be made with slimmer handles, or is it more likely that my 8040 and yours pictured above had their profiles changed later on in life? Thanks! Jeff

Good question, Jeff! In the case of my 8040 Premier, I happen to know its history.

It was owned and fished by the wife of a Kansas banker on Colorado's Front Range streams. His rod was a 9050 Granger Registered. In the case of both rods, they were somewhat "customized" by the Granger shop in Denver and I'm glad to say I've had both for many years.


Both rods also exhibit additional bands of silk on the butt sections in order to easily measure fish landed, and are signed in ink rather than all stamped.



In the case of her 8040, I believe the "slim" grip was made for the lady's hand at her request.

Thanks for asking!

Scott

[headwaters]

A Granger collecting life well-spent, Scott! Thanks for sharing!

[scarlet>fire]

Beautiful rods Scott. Thank you for sharing them with us.

Best, Chris

[finecane]

ALWAYS nice to see such a pristine collection of Grangers like that. Thanks for sharing Scott.
Do any of your Premier's have chromed hardware (besides the line guides and tip tops), or are the reel seats and ferrules all nickel silver?

[Flyman615]

ALWAYS nice to see such a pristine collection of Grangers like that. Thanks for sharing Scott.
Do any of your Premier's have chromed hardware (besides the line guides and tip tops), or are the reel seats and ferrules all nickel silver?

Thanks much for your kind comment.

All of the Granger Premiers in my current collection have nickel silver hardware/fittings even though some are likely circa early WWII. For example, the 9052 Tournament has a labeled plastic tube.

Scott

[ARTHURK]

Amazing collection Scott! Reminds me of Mike Clark’s Granger Registered set that was just jaw dropping when admired in person. While not consistent with the OP, this makes me wonder if some of us collect sets of similar grades… thanks for sharing… love the BC Rod.

Cheers
Arthur

[Seabowisha Salmo T]

Amazing collection Scott! Reminds me of Mike Clark’s Granger Registered set that was just jaw dropping when admired in person. While not consistent with the OP, this makes me wonder if some of us collect sets of similar grades… thanks for sharing… love the BC Rod.

Cheers
Arthur

hi, that caster is fantastic. i wonder if the retaining mechanism was patented.
as always, jim

[Flyman615]

Amazing collection Scott! Reminds me of Mike Clark’s Granger Registered set that was just jaw dropping when admired in person. While not consistent with the OP, this makes me wonder if some of us collect sets of similar grades… thanks for sharing… love the BC Rod.

Cheers
Arthur

hi, that caster is fantastic. i wonder if the retaining mechanism was patented.
as always, jim

Thanks, fellas! But my little grouping probably doesn't hold a candle to Mike C.'s Registered assemblage!

Jim: The screw locking reel seat/handle on the Premier bait casting rod is marked "Patent Pending" and circa 1950, I believe. I don't know if Wright and McGill ever received said patent, however.

BTW, as with many casting rods, the bamboo sections are staggered--i.e. different lengths.

Scott

[sagegrouse715]

Granger Premier.pdf

My W&M Granger Premier 8642 was acquired at a garage sale in a small town in southwestern New Mexico. Scott Whitman did a beautiful job putting new varnish on the rod and some grip repair.

[sagegrouse715]

Well, my photo attempt didn't work. I'll have to do some site research.

[royalwulff]

I don't mean to hijack Scott's beautiful Premier presentation. I only add this as Scott mentions my bad habit of 32 years (Registered's) . Scott and I are kindred spirits when it comes to these Grades. Scott's Premiers are every bit as special and rare as the Registered's. So here's a little more eye candy ~ 14 Registered's (the 1 on the far right is not mine but was in here for straightening and I thought it would look good on the Rack!)
Mike

[Flyman615]

Hi Mike: No matter how many times I’m able to gaze upon your matchless collection of Registereds, I go away breathless!

Your Granger friend,
Scott Z.

[Brian K. Shaffer]

Nice rack Mike. Bet you have heard that.

Just stupendous. Can't break my stare.