Built by "The Man" himself--First Era Goodwin Granger Premiers

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Flyman615
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Built by "The Man" himself--First Era Goodwin Granger Premiers

#1

Post by Flyman615 »

As promised, I thought it might be interesting to compare the First Era (Circa 1918-1923) Goodwin Granger fly rods, built by The Man Himself 100 or more years ago.

I am fortunate to have found a few of the ultra-rare First Era Grangers in Special, DeLuxe and Premier grades. What still astounds me is that every First Era rod in my small collection is still fishable to this day. None have been restored...fixed over the years--yes, restored--no. They are straight as the proverbial string and the ferrules still "pop"! Of the eight First Era Grangers I currently own, only three are the top-of-the-line "Premier" model. All are, coincidentally, 9'6", 3/2 trout rods and exhibit two different tapers.

As you may know, the First Era rods exhibit several differences from later Grangers. For one thing, the rods were likely hand-planed by Goodwin Granger and exhibit a non-swelled butt. The node pattern is 3 and 3. The early nickel silver ferrules were machined rather than wholly drawn, but the source is up for debate. The First Era slide band reel seat features a separate, applied butt cap and wide double-knurled band. GRANGER PREMIER is roll stamped between two knurled bands at the top of the reel seat.

As you will note, these Premiers were wrapped like later Second Era The Granger Rod(s) and still later DeLuxes in black and white jasper silk with quadruple yellow tipping. The First Era rods also feature a lovely "red" varnish which is very hard to match even today. (Just ask Mr. Whitman!) These three century-old Granger fly rods are nearly all original.

ROD #1
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This first example was made circa 1920. It is the "light trout" taper with machined and 'waisted' 17/11 ferrules. Second version reel seat marked GRANGER PREMIER on the upper barrel with separate "bullseye" butt cap. Original heavy WWI surplus twill Granger bag. Casts 5 to 6 weight modern or silk lines.

ROD#2
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Rod number two is a 5 1/2 oz. 3/2 with 18/12 ferrules. The mahogany red varnish is original with no over coats. Short, half Wells grip. A well-used but incredibly rich-looking antique Granger.

ROD#3
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Another 5 1/2 oz. trout rod circa 1921-1922. 18/12 ferrules. Very good varnish, still protective after all these years. 1915 Patent Perfection tip tops; original, heavy OD twill bag and brass, spiral lock, capped tube with a very rare 80-90%
label on the cap. Overall, EX condition for its age!
Last edited by Flyman615 on 01/21/22 20:30, edited 4 times in total.
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Bill Charles
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Re: Built by "The Man" himself--First Era Goodwin Granger Premiers

#2

Post by Bill Charles »

Absolutely brilliant rods!

How are things down in the Black Hills? We used to come down from Winnipeg to Hill City and fish Rapid and Spring creeks. Once the world becomes normal we'd like to do so again.

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Re: Built by "The Man" himself--First Era Goodwin Granger Premiers

#3

Post by Flyman615 »

Thanks, Bill:

Drop me a line when and if you head our way. Perhaps we can wet a line together!

Scott Z.
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Re: Built by "The Man" himself--First Era Goodwin Granger Premiers

#4

Post by Woodlakejag »

Beautiful rods. The only Grangers I have are two first eras, I think they are called Denver Specials. Both 9 ft, 4.9 oz with 17/64 and 11/64 ferrules. Tips are 5/64.
I should probably have them fixed up a bit but I’m content to keep them original for now.
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Re: Built by "The Man" himself--First Era Goodwin Granger Premiers

#5

Post by Flyman615 »

The First Era Granger "Specials" are very special indeed! I think fewer than 10 are known to exist. I have one that is in VG-EX condition. It's shown as my old avatar.

Image

Scott Z.
Last edited by Flyman615 on 01/30/22 12:05, edited 2 times in total.
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tapermaker
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Re: Built by "The Man" himself--First Era Goodwin Granger Premiers

#6

Post by tapermaker »

these rods are better than viagra at giving me 4hr wood. thanks scott .

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Re: Built by "The Man" himself--First Era Goodwin Granger Premiers

#7

Post by Luggens »

tapermaker wrote:these rods are better than viagra at giving me 4hr wood. thanks scott .
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Bugtussel
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Re: Built by "The Man" himself--First Era Goodwin Granger Premiers

#8

Post by Bugtussel »

Absolutely beautiful Grangers. Gives me rod envy. Love my Goodwin Grangers but none of mine compare to those First Era rods. Thank you for sharing.

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Re: Built by "The Man" himself--First Era Goodwin Granger Premiers

#9

Post by Flyman615 »

Thanks, fellows!

I do agree...the First Era Grangers certainly have an allure all their own. What strikes me, is how "modern" they appear (and fish) for 100-year-old rods!

I guess I'll have to get my act together for one more thread on the First Era DeLuxes later on?!
Stay tuned...

Scott Z.
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Re: Built by "The Man" himself--First Era Goodwin Granger Premiers

#10

Post by headwaters »

Stunning, Scott! When I saw the first photo, I thought the finish reminds me of the early F. E. Thomas Mahogany rods, and then your comment on the second photo noted the same thing. Thanks for sharing!

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Re: Built by "The Man" himself--First Era Goodwin Granger Premiers

#11

Post by Flykuni3 »

Beauties...and from over my shoulder I just heard ol' Phil Snyder looking down from the great stream in the sky, "My, those are beautiful rods. Don't you think so?" If here Phil would gaze at the rods of his Utah boyhood with a smile, a chuckle too, never laughing too loudly because he was a gentle gentleman after all, and he'd chuckle, "These are my favorite Grangers."

He once laid out some of his First Era rods on his dining room table. I remember blond cane and sharp, red wraps. Beautiful things, and he showed them off with pride and some chuckles.

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Re: Built by "The Man" himself--First Era Goodwin Granger Premiers

#12

Post by Holland »

Beautiful, all three are stunning rods indeed; looking forward to the DeLuxes!

Gene

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Re: Built by "The Man" himself--First Era Goodwin Granger Premiers

#13

Post by adkfan »

Here’s my all original 1st era Premier

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Re: Built by "The Man" himself--First Era Goodwin Granger Premiers

#14

Post by Caneghost »

Beautiful rods gentlemen! As a (thankfully) retired working stiff, my Grangers are all Granger Specials. Gotta love that Granger green! Three are Goodwin Grangers: 7633, 8642 and 9050, though none so ancient and exalted as your First Era rods! I loved Michael Sinclair's telling of the Granger story, his commitment to quality, persevering and keeping his people working through the Great Depression, a remarkable man! I can only imagine the joy of casting one of the rare rods made by his own hands.
...a wink of gold like the glint of sunlight on polished cane...

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Re: Built by "The Man" himself--First Era Goodwin Granger Premiers

#15

Post by Flyman615 »

Flykuni3 wrote:
01/21/22 22:53
Beauties...and from over my shoulder I just heard ol' Phil Snyder looking down from the great stream in the sky, "My, those are beautiful rods. Don't you think so?" If here Phil would gaze at the rods of his Utah boyhood with a smile, a chuckle too, never laughing too loudly because he was a gentle gentleman after all, and he'd chuckle, "These are my favorite Grangers."

He once laid out some of his First Era rods on his dining room table. I remember blond cane and sharp, red wraps. Beautiful things, and he showed them off with pride and some chuckles.
Thanks so much Darrell!

For the timely reminder of our late mutual friend, Phil.
No doubt about it, he's still present when Grangers are discussed and/or shown!
Image

For Phil...

Scott Z.
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Re: Built by "The Man" himself--First Era Goodwin Granger Premiers

#16

Post by Flykuni3 »

May he Rest In Peace. Then go fishin’.

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Re: Built by "The Man" himself--First Era Goodwin Granger Premiers

#17

Post by jz2 »

Phil wrote a brief history of Granger rods. I have a copy, along with some of the sales lists he and Art Warner published. Unfortunately, I recently moved and who knows which box they are packed in. Phil knew his Grangers.

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Re: Built by "The Man" himself--First Era Goodwin Granger Premiers

#18

Post by Flyman615 »

Yes, Phil and I had a "long-distance" friendship.

In a pre-internet world, we exchanged many enjoyable phone calls and dozens of letters over the years. I still have his letters as well as the rod lists produced by him and Art. As far as I'm concerned, they are part of bamboo rod collecting history.

Thanks!

Scott
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Re: Built by "The Man" himself--First Era Goodwin Granger Premiers

#19

Post by adkfan »

I would love to read Phils Granger history essay if it’s something that can be shared!

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Re: Built by "The Man" himself--First Era Goodwin Granger Premiers

#20

Post by Bugtussel »

Love to read Phil's paper as well. Love of Grangers just makes me want to learn more.

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