Payne 204 Fly Rod 8'6" 3/2 #5

Payne 204 Fly Rod 8'6" 3/2 #5Here we have a magnificent Payne 204 8'6" 3 2 #5 fly rod with a smooth medium action. This is a gorgeous specimen: there is a tiny amount of brassing inside the guides and that is the only sign of use. All original from the tip tops down to the butt cap. Rare in this condition indeed. My estimation is that this rod dates to the mid to late 1930's. The tip tops are full length tapered tubes with perfect small hoops and a perfection die stamp (I wish

Black spool and sideplate with a silver rim and foot

Very fine tips (

Smooth action

Very lightly used

I simply couldn't resist)

Hard rubber side plates with "Leonard Mills" still visible

Brush coat varnish but a remarkably good job for that

and bottom

Anti-reverse drag mechanism

It comes in the original zipper pouch with Hardy logo

a faint mark on the reel seat varnish and a tiny amount of interior brassing to the inside of the guides are the only sign of use

This rod pre-dated my supplying ferrule plugs so I have supplied a set that I've recently made