Freestone Vintage Tackle

For sale here is a Special Grade “Hewitt Circular Bend” 8’ 3/2 4wt made by Walt Carpenter. Edward R. Hewitt’s design philosophy graced the pages of the Payne rod catalogs from the late 1950’s on, wherein he specified “I believe strongly that only one type of rod is best for fly fishing and that is the one which bends almost perfectly in the arc of a circle when a quarter ounce weight is attached to the tip and the rod is held at an angle of 30 degrees above the horizontal”. Walt Carpenter drew on this philosophy (no doubt picked up while he worked at the E.F. Payne Rod Co.) to create this one-of-one rod. 8’ long, featuring lightly tempered cane with golden tan windings and red/variegated accents. Lightly oxidized guides and flawless clear agate stripping guide. Hand drawn nickel silver ferrules fit perfectly (10/64 & 15/64). All sections are straight, full length & serialized. Tips are marked for ease of rotation. A series of signature wraps lead into the 5.5” grip (clean & smooth), and the rod is fitted with a bright cap & ring reel seat over mortised wood spacer. Butt cap retains the “W.E. Carpenter - Maker” stamp. Best with a DT4, the rod delivers a very smooth and even cast at short and medium lengths (actual fishing distances). A delicate, medium actioned rod. Walt Carpenter’s pedigree in the Catskill tradition of rodmakers may be unsurpassed, and this is as fine an example as you are likely to see. Sold in the original bag and brass capped tube with business card (with notation!), affixed.

For sale here is a rare Walton Powell “Ultimate” companion rod in mint condition. The set consists of 2 butts and 3 identical tips, creating a 7’4” or 8’4” 2pc rod. Both configurations are best with a 5wt, in my hand. Walton Powell made 100 of these “Ultimate” series rods, built from 100 select culms of perfect Tonkin cane purchased in 1947. Each segment is made from a single culm to assure a true “smooth unity of action”. The rods are medium tempered, semi-hollow and feature bright guides and ceramic stripping guides wrapped in transparent tan windings with hunter green tipping. Tan intermediates throughout. All sections are straight, full length and serialized (U #51). Bright ferrules fit perfectly and are witness marked for ease of alignment. The butt sections are scripted #51 of 100 and include the original owner’s name. Both grips are 6.25” long with bright, smooth cork. Up-locking reel seats over exotic wood spacers. The 7’4” configuration weighs 4.32oz and the 8’4” is 4.90oz. Both rods cast a DT5 beautifully, two excellent Walt Powell tapers in one deluxe package. These rods were Walt’s last big project, and they are the culmination of many decades of hands-on experience in the rod business. This is *the* Walton Powell set to own!

For sale here is a rare pre-WWII Hardy St. George Jr. 2 9/16” fly reel in very good original condition. The leaded finish shows normal signs of wear, and the ribbed alloy foot is full length and unaltered (with an old Oliver’s auction house sticker affixed). 3-screw latch cover, ebonite handle grasp and flawless smokey gray agate line guard. The tensioner works as intended and the reel is RHW only. Mechanically tight with signs of honest use. A rare example of the pre-war St. George Jr, ready to fish or collect. Sold in an aftermarket suede and shearling zipper case. Link in bio➡️➡️➡️

For sale here is an 8’ 3 3/4oz 3-piece / 2-tip 5wt Winston bamboo rod. Very good used condition, a Glenn Brackett-era rod from the early 1990’s. Light/medium toned cane with bright guides wrapped in transparent apricot windings & oxblood tipping. Duronz ferrules fit perfectly and are overwrapped on the females. All sections are straight, full length & serialized ( #2347), and the tips are numbered for ease of rotation. The original owner’s name is inked on the butt. Strap & ring hook keeper, 6” cork grip (slightly soiled with a hint of ridging) and NS cap & ring reel seat over zebrawood spacer. Judging by the patina on the reel seat hardware and the soiling on the grip this rod was used but very well cared for. The varnish is in nice shape and the rod is ready to hit the water. Scripted weight is 3 3/4oz but my scale reads just under 4oz. This is the lighter weight 8’ 5wt taper from Winston, they called it “medium slow”, but I find it to be more on the medium side. A very smooth caster with a DT4 but not wimpy. Sold in the original red bag and aftermarket leather clad tube with the original owner’s name stamped on it. Link in bio➡️➡️➡️

For sale here is a 7’9” 2-piece / 2-tip 3wt hollow built bamboo rod from the bench of Leon Hanson. Excellent used condition, the rod features medium tempered cane, light wire guides and high-bridge carbide stripper. Wraps are transparent with brown tipping. All sections are straight, full length and serialized ( #1110). Micro-Swiss ferrules fit perfectly, and the female ferrule was recently reset by Mr. Hanson. 5.5” cork grip is smooth with just a hint of soiling. Up-locking slide band reel seat over dark wood spacer. Scripted and actual weight is 2.55oz. The rod has seen little use and remains well cared for. Action on the faster side of medium fast with fine tips. A fabulous dry fly rod, ready for action. Sold in the original bag and tube with engraved cap. Tap the photos for more info.

For sale here is a pre-fire Leonard 8’ 4-piece / 2-tip bamboo rod in excellent condition. No hang tag, but it’s almost certainly a model 76 “Western Saddle Rod”. All original except one tip is a replacement (and a very good one). Straw colored cane with 3-up nodes, dark snake guides and chrome stripping guide. Wraps are dark red. The tone of the cane and the shade of the wraps are slightly brighter on the replacement tip (the varnish is also a bit more glassy). Sections are straight and full length, and the ferrules fit perfectly. Skeleton cork grip and reel seat shows a hint of soiling and a hint of ridging. NS cap & ring reel seat, and the H.L. Leonard roll stamp is clear and crisp. Weight is 4.25oz. Action on the medium side of medium fast, it’s a very smooth casting 4-piece rod. Best with a DT or WF5, although some may prefer it with a 4wt line. This is a rather rare Leonard taper and a great option to throw in a pack when headed into the backcountry. Sold in the original bag and brass capped tube. Tap the photos for more info.

For sale here is a Paul Hermann ‘Salmon’ reel in mint condition. LHW, #147. 3 1/4” diameter with an interior spool width of 1 1/4”, weight is 11.4oz. Double brake shoe drag with 6-position drag adjustment and tremendous range. 1.9:1 multiplying action for fast retrieval. A true benchmade salmon reel, Dr. Hermann made a little over 200 total ‘Salmon’ reels, and they don’t pop up very often. A fine example to collect or fish. Sold in the original red drawstring pouch. Tap the photos for more info.

For sale here is a David L. Reid ‘Fall Run’, 12’ 3-piece / 2-tip, 8-9wt bamboo two-handed rod in excellent used condition. Only fished a few times, the rod shows little sign of use. Medium flamed cane with “3-up” nodes. Bright snake guides and 2 agate stripping guides, all wrapped in golden brown windings with dark brown tipping. All sections are straight and full length, and each section comes with the original wooden splice protectors (not pictured). The model information and original owner’s name is scripted on the butt, along with the serial ( #138-0222). Flor grade cork grips with composite accent rings fore & aft. Dark silver anodized reel seat over wood spacer. The threads on the reel seat show a small amount of pitting, but this appears to be purely cosmetic. The reel is fitted with David’s extended reel seat for accommodating much longer reel feet on vintage reels (my 3.25” Dingley reel foot fits nicely with at least 1/2” to spare). The Fall Run rods are semi-parabolic and designed for diversity. Sold in the original bag and tube with maker’s data label. Tap the photos for more info.

For sale here is a 3” Farlow’s ‘Grenaby’ fly reel with D-block case in good used condition. Leaded finish is mostly intact with some wear to the rims from honest use. The back of the reel retains the “Holdfast” logo. 2.75” smooth brass foot is full length and unmolested. The bottom pillar has been neatly filed to flat, likely smoothing out some line burn (small grooves can still be seen at the corners). Mechanically tight with just a hint of RHW bias to the fixed check. Sold in a handsome leather D-block case with the Farlow’s Strand Street address stamped in the rim. Tap the photos for more info.

For sale here is a 6’6” 2-piece / 4-tip 4wt quad bamboo rod made by C.W. “Sam” Carlson. Medium flamed cane with dark snake guides and red agate stripping guidFor sale here is a 6’6” 2-piece / 4-tip 4wt quad bamboo rod made by C.W. “Sam” Carlson. Medium flamed cane with dark snake guides and red agate stripping guide. Wraps are light brown with gold & black tipping. All sections are straight and full length, and the 11/64 ferrules fit perfectly. The butt section is scripted with the original owner’s name, “Thomas Four”, and the serial number ( #61212-4652, made in 1962). U-shaped hook keeper and 6” modified wells grip with cork reel seat spacer. All the cork shows a high degree of soiling but remains quite smooth. Squared walnut winding check and walnut inset at the butt cap, along with a Pakkawood insert on the back of the reel seat spacer to protect the cork, unusual and deluxe additions to this special rod. Sold in the original bag with provisions for all 4 tips and the standard Carlson brass capped tube. Tap the photos for more info.

Two very sweet bamboo tournament plug casting rods on the site right now. A Winston and a rare Powell. Both from the collection of Per G Brandin. Tap the photos for more info.

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For sale here is an 834-2df, 8'3" 2/2 4wt hollow built bamboo rod from the bench of Per Brandin. 6-strip construction, the rod is in excellent+ used condition. Medium flamed cane with oxidized guides and red agate stripping guide. Wraps are transparent cinnamon with dark accents. All sections are straight, full length and serialized (1/11). Micro-Swiss ferrules fit perfectly, and the female is fitted with a Micarta & cork ferrule plug. 6.5" modified wells grip with blued cap & ring reel seat over mortised Spanish cedar spacer. Scripted and actual weight is 3 1/8oz. Designed for those desiring a longer rod for spring creeks and smaller flies. A strong 4wt with rather positive dry-fly action. Sold in the original bag and brass capped tube with canvas outer tube protector. This rod comes from the personal collection of celebrated author Tom McGuane, and a letter of provenance will be included in the sale. Tap the photos for more info.

For sale here is a 3 1/8" Hardy Perfect fly reel with 1912 check in excellent original condition. Fine red agate line guard is unblemished and crack-free with a hint of line burn on the outer bezel. Full length smooth brass foot (2.9"), dark gray leaded finish and crazed ivoroid handle grasp that has faded to a pale yellow. Nickel silver retaining screw and strap-over tensioner. The highly prized 1912 checkwork is mechanically without fault, and the tensioner works as intended with lovely range. The leaded finish is maintaining beautifully for a 100+ year old reel. 4-cusp spool fits perfectly with no end-play, the reel is tight and ready for service. A worthy example to fish or collect. From the collection of Per G. Brandin. Tap the photos for more info.

For sale here is a7'6" 3/2 4wt bamboo rod made by Scott Whitman of Colorado Classics. An exact replica of Goodwin Granger's original model 7630 from the 1920s, the rod has seen little use and remains in excellent+ condition. Built on a hand planed, ammoniated blank, wrapped in black & white jasper silks with gold accents as the original Granger grade rods. Red agate stripping guide by Joe Arguello and nickel silver slide band reel seat made by Alan Kube. 5" slim cigar grip is clean and smooth, and the ferrules fit perfectly. All sections are straight and full length. Weight is just shy of 3.75oz. Medium fast dry fly action with just a hint of swell going into the grip. A beautiful and faithful rendition of the original Granger rod. Sold in the original bag and brass capped textured tube with makers data label. Tap the photos for more info.

For sale here is an 8'6" 2-piece / 3-tip 6wt bamboo rod from the bench of Alan Kube. Serial #25618, excellent+ original condition. Based on the Dickerson 8615 taper with a heavier 3rd tip for streamers. Medium tempered cane with 2x2 nodes, lightly oxidized snake guides and red agate stripper wrapped in tan & black windings. The sections are straight, full length & serialized, and the tips are marked for ease of rotation. Ferrule fit is perfect, and the female is fitted with a bone ferrule plug. 6" cork grip (clean & smooth), and downlocking screw lock reel seat over light burl spacer. Medium fast, progressive action. Matched tips 1 & 2 cast a WF or DT6 with authority and 3rd tip handles a DT7 quite nicely. This would be a fine option to cover your bases on big water with big flies. Sold in the original bag and brass capped tube with maker's data decal. Tap the photos for more info.

For sale here is a Farlex platewind 3 3/4" reel in excellent used condition. LHW. This is a direct drive reel with 1:1 retrieve, designed to fit switch/spey rods. Silver anodized frame with ported black spool and black winding plate. 3 3/4" between pillars with a spool width of 1 3/8". Smooth aluminum foot is stamped "L12" and the rim mounted tensioner offers a great range of resistance. Weight is 9.81oz loaded with backing. The reel appears unused, although there is a small ding to the corner of one of the pillars. Designed and made by Tim Gelinas in the Pacific Northwest, the Farlex reels enjoy a well deserved reputation for elegant aesthetics and workhorse mechanics. This one is ready for service. Sold in the original Farlex neoprene case. Tap the photos for more info.

*SOLD* For sale here is a scarce LAW bench vise in very good used condition. The LAW standard bench vise is regarded by many to be the finest tying vise ever designed. The jaws on this one show evidence of some use, mostly relegated to light finish loss at the edges. LAW's signature star-shaped dial makes adjusting for hook sizes simple and very secure, whether tying size 28 midges or 4/0 big game flies. This vise features 360-degree rotation and intuitive adjustment k***s that require no extra tools. The original pedestal base has some scratches/nicks to the white finish, and the leather patch has a few areas of dried head cement. The vise is also sold with the hook/bead tray, stem extension and the receiver for a bobbin cradle, though none is present. The durability of LAW vises cannot be overstated; this one has seen years of honest use and is ready for many years more. Lawrence Waldron is a precision machinist who made tying vises as well as some rod-making tools and reels. Items were made to order and were never produced in high numbers. His designs are widely recognized for their engineering elegance and beautiful simplicity. His vises rarely come to market these days and they never last long. Tap the photos for more info.

For sale here is a model 703-2DF, 7' 2-piece / 2-tip 3wt quad from Per Brandin. Excellent++/lawn cast only. One hollow tip and one solid. Medium flamed cane with lightly oxidized snake guides and red agate stripping guide. Pale olive windings with chestnut accents. All sections are straight, full length and serialized. Ferrules fit perfectly. The grip is crafted from high grade French cork, cut & processed from the raw bark by the maker; a time-consuming process but the results are without compare. 4.75” overall length, including the squared walnut winding check. Diminutive "wedding band" reel seat over dark burl spacer and micarta butt cap. The reel seat components are knurled and darkly oxidized. Fantastic condition throughout, each tip has its own character and casts a DT3 effortlessly. A gorgeous rod with handsome aesthetics and perfect proportions. Sold in the original bag and tube with maker's data decal & canvas tube protector. From the collection of Per G. Brandin. Tap the photos for more info.

For sale here is a 7'6" 3/2 4wt Hunt Pattern bamboo rod from the bench of Marc Aroner. Excellent+ used condition, featuring medium flamed cane with 3-up nodes. Antique steel guides and red agate stripper, wrapped in transparent olive silks with red tipping. Bench made ferrules fit perfect, and the females are fitted with knurled brass ferrule plugs. All sections are straight and full length, and the varnish is superb. Signature wraps on the butt, 5.5" cigar grip is smooth with just a hint of soiling, and the rod is fitted with a cap and ring reel seat over mortised Koa wood insert. Butt cap retains the maker's roll stamp in cartouche. A handsome rod with darker cane and oxidized fixtures, characteristic of the Aroner Hunt Pattern rods. Medium fast action, smooth and accurate with a DT4. Weight is 3.75oz. Sold in the original partitioned bag and brass capped tube. Tap the photos for more info.

For sale here is an Ari 't Hart Rainbow fly reel in very good used condition. LHW, #120. Rare Philipsbraun/silver colorway. 3.5" diameter with a spool width of 7/8" and a weight of 10.65oz. Strong adjustable drag, offset reel foot and line tender on the top of the frame. These reels were produced in limited numbers in the early 1990's and they remain highly coveted, particularly in the rarer colors. Sold in the original ATH leather case. Tap the photos for more info.

For sale here is a 7'9" 2/2 5wt "Special Dry Fly" bamboo rod from Mark Canfield (Red Willow & Co.). Excellent used condition, #439. Medium tempered cane with bronzed left hand twist snake guides and Mildrum stripping guide. Red & green variegated silk windings with black & white variegated tipping. All sections are straight, full length & serialized, and the Swiss-style ferrules fit perfectly. Strap & ring hook keeper and nickel silver winding check over 5.5" cork grip (clean & smooth). Downlocking reel seat over dark wood spacer and pocketed nickel silver butt cap. A powerful, positive action 5wt. I like it with a DT5 but it feels like it would handle a 6wt line as well. A beautifully finished rod from the master craftsman. The rod has seen little use and is ready for service. Sold in the original bag and tube with makers decal and custom brass capped tube. Tap the photos for more info.

For sale here is an 8'/9' Walton Powell companion rod set in very good used condition. 2 butts and 2 tips, the 8' configuration is best with a 4/5wt and the 9' is best with a 6/7wt line. Medium tempered cane with 2-opposed node work. Bright snake guides wrapped in dark green windings. The butts are signed "Walton E. Powell - Maker", and all sections are serialized "GS-79-23" (presumably "Golden Signature", made in 1979). Cork grips are lightly soiled but smooth, and both are fitted with uplocking champagne anodized reel seats over wood spacers. Oil rubbed finish is in good shape and the rods have been used but well cared for. Both configurations are on the medium side of medium fast, and they are smooth casters. I suspect they were built on Powell B-tapers, which is common on Walton Powell cane rods. This is a great set to cover your bases on a trip, or fish with a friend. Sold in the original bag and tube with Chico, CA label. Tap the photos for more info.

For sale here is a 1906 check Hardy Perfect 3 3/8" fly reel in excellent used condition. A well-preserved reel, all original and unaltered. Featuring a 3" long smooth brass foot with central lightening hole, rim mounted tensioner, 4-cusp spool and nickel silver retaining screw. The leading is largely intact with an even, medium gray color throughout. The handle grasp spindle has a small amount of play, although the rivet looks quite secure. 1906 checkwork with vertically oriented spring, the tensioner works as intended and the reel has a wonderful range of resistance. A nice early Hardy to fish or collect. From the collection of Per G Brandin. Tap the photos for more info.

For sale here is a Gary Howells 8' 4oz 5wt, 2-piece / 2-tip bamboo rod. Serial #4404, made in 1977. Very good used condition. Bright guides and carboloy stripping guide wrapped in mahogany windings with gold tipping. All sections are straight & full length, and the 14/64 ferrules fit perfectly. Strap & ring hook keeper, nickel silver winding check and 6" cork grip (slightly soiled and slightly ridged). Slide band reel seat over cork spacer, seldom seen on Howells rods 8' and longer. Gary's signature varnish work remains in excellent condition. Scripted weight is 3 7/8oz, but the rod weighs slightly less on my scale. Deep flexing, medium action, best with a DT5. This rod is just begging to be taken out on a spring creek. Sold in the original bag and tube with intact data label. Tap the photos for more info.