Early Orvis Equinox

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para_adams
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Early Orvis Equinox

#1

Post by para_adams »

I stumbled into an Orvis Equinox yesterday. The serial number is 083 so I'm guessing it is a late 1940 or early 1941 rod built shortly after Wes Jordan started building there. This rod has a light dry fly taper with very light tips which works best with a 4DT but can also cast a 5 weight. I'm very excited as this is the only Orvis in my small collection and it is a fun rod to look at and cast. The particulars...

8' 3/2
16/10 ferrules
4.3oz on my scale
Wood insert seat with Orvis stamping on the butt cap and ring
10 guides including a very small stripping guide
Ferrules and cane are excellent

The rod has varnish melt issues which would be nice to remove...I may work on that myself but am interested in ideas for a restorationist who could do that with more skill than I.

I'm curious if anyone can tell me if the tube and sock are original to the rod.

Scott and Rich, sincere thanks for your advice...it was much appreciated. Greg Reynolds - please add this rod to your database!

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Flyman615
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Re: Early Orvis Equinox

#2

Post by Flyman615 »

Congratulations, Ron!

A really beautiful rod to cast and fish!
BTW, I believe the bag and tube to be original.

Scott
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"An undisturbed river is as perfect as we will ever know, every refractive slide of cold water a glimpse of eternity" - Thomas McGuane
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Brian K. Shaffer
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Re: Early Orvis Equinox

#3

Post by Brian K. Shaffer »

So few digits - what a stellar example!

Congratulations on your new treasure.
" 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

Step up to the plate with any lumber you want.
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Mike N
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Re: Early Orvis Equinox

#4

Post by Mike N »

Wow, what a classic rod. Just so cool.

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

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jhuskey
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Re: Early Orvis Equinox

#5

Post by jhuskey »

So classic - wonderful grip length and shape, gorgeous reel seat, beautiful varnished cane. Zero eight three AWESOME!
Thanks for showing it!
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NewUtahCaneAngler
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Re: Early Orvis Equinox

#6

Post by NewUtahCaneAngler »

Ron seems to keep finding stellar examples or early Orvis rods. Verry nice indeed.
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hopkintoncane
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Re: Early Orvis Equinox

#7

Post by hopkintoncane »

Peerless tube typical of the period, no reason to believe bag is not correct, PM me for restoration recommendations if interested, I have a very similar rod in good condition if anyone is interested, Todd
Last edited by hopkintoncane on 01/22/22 18:38, edited 1 time in total.
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Holland
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Re: Early Orvis Equinox

#8

Post by Holland »

Wow, extremely cool rod; well done!
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Flyman615
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Re: Early Orvis Equinox

#9

Post by Flyman615 »

Here's the 2/2 version. Manchester # 0250, 3 3/4 oz., 1942.
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Scott Z.
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Greg Reynolds
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Re: Early Orvis Equinox

#10

Post by Greg Reynolds »

It's a beautiful pre-war Equinox and is true to the catalog description:
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Notice the waisted-ferrules w/trim lines on both it and Scott's Manchester.
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eastprong
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Re: Early Orvis Equinox

#11

Post by eastprong »

I'm glad you got the rod and posted pictures, Ron. Everything looks right. I'm restoring #0303 right now. It has the red-brown synthane tube. Matching those wraps is tough. I know the catalog says "light brown" but they are more of a gold-bronze. Have you weighed the rod? (Ooops I see you have). Casts a 5wt maybe?

--Rich
Last edited by eastprong on 01/26/22 18:23, edited 1 time in total.
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ibookje
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Re: Early Orvis Equinox

#12

Post by ibookje »

Wonderful!
Love the grip
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G-ManBart
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Re: Early Orvis Equinox

#13

Post by G-ManBart »

Wow...that's one heck of a cool rod!
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