Variegated silk thread Black and Gold or Yellow

[SKIPFOTO]

Is there anyone reading this that has an idea where I can locate a spool of Variegated Silk thread in Black and Gold or Black and yellow to re-band a Union Hardware 8 1/2 /2 rod that was probably made in the 20's or 30's and seems to be in good to better condition for the age of the Rod. I want to restore it to fishing condition and I am having trouble locating Variegated Black and Gold or Black and Yellow silk thread. I have found several older rods that have guide wraps in that color pattern, Black and yellow or Black and gold. I can use any input anyone has to offer. I believe it was maybe a top end rod as the tip guides are Agate but that is just a guess on my part. Very little information about the Name Brand or how they were viewed by fishermen of the time. Any insight as to what I have stumbled across is very welcome

[crowebeetle]

It is likely B/W thread that looks gold due to the color of the varnish.

[NewUtahCaneAngler]

It is likely B/W thread that looks gold due to the color of the varnish.

+1 and can be somewhat duplicated playing with varnish coloring

[Kave]

I think I have some b/w jasper if you need some.

Can you post a clear close up photo of the wraps to be sure?

[SKIPFOTO]

[SKIPFOTO]

I found that the metal in these photo's had turned to an off yellow color and I have worked to restore the finish on t he reel seat. I suppose that the discoloration of the metal is some form of oxidation. Of all the rods I have purchased this is the very first time I have encountered this issue.

[SKIPFOTO]

The following is a picture of the wraps I have had trouble trying to find to replace. I did take some Black and Gold and using a drill spun the thread into what I thought I could use as a replacement wrap. It is not easy but it did come close to the orginal

[Adamsdry]

SKIPFOTO,
I purchased a spool of black and white variegated thread with the intent of replacing a few green and black wraps, (scarce and expensive). It's my understanding that you can effectively tint or color the thread with Pantone markers. The markers are alcohol based and come in a myriad of colors. At about $9 apiece there are cheaper alternatives. I've read that some have tinted the white with an amber hue to match existing aged wraps. I haven't done this yet myself but it seems pretty straight forward. I would color after winding. One thing I would do is seal the blank where the old wrap was removed with Tru-oil to protect from bleed through.

Best, D

[MF Flyfisher]

Hi Skipfoto,
I have to hand it to you for spinning threads on a drill to create the jasper thread. I have a good friend who used to do that as a matter of course!
As far as readymade gold & black jasper, I have found various spools at flea markets, and occasionally for sale on line. Pictured are several spools of gold & black jasper that I have used where needed needed in my bamboo rod restoration work. Several spools are vintage Champion silk.

While I have found, like some of the other posters, you can use b&w jasper and tint it, or use black & white jasper and let clear lacquer turn it somewhat green (to match some aged wraps), the old spools of gold & black appears to me to match the wraps on vintage rods rather well.

If you still need a small amount to match your wraps, PM me and I can send it to you.

Best, Mark