Hey local gang, I love the early, rare bamboo rods and am particularly fond of Edwards made rods. EW Edwards was one of the four apprentices who worked for Leonard and who then went on to become some of the biggest bamboo rod pioneers in the history of the genre. EW also spent time trying his hand at professional photography which I find very cool. He tragically died young I believe in 1929 or 1930, but his two sons, Gene and Bill, went on to make thousands of great rods over the next few decades. Finding an "Edwards" rod actually made during EW's time at the helm is something I have never done...until yesterday. The Weber Henshall is considered the "best" Weber trade rod made by Edwards, and the Weber trade rods are considered the "best" of all the trade rods he made (which comprised about 1/3rd of his total rod making), so this model is both rare and considered highest quality. At 9-1/2' and 6.4 ounces it is a bit of a handful, but the tips are a dainty 4/64th so it feels relatively light in hand and perhaps a better rod for 30-60' than for hero length casting and large flies...at this point I'm thinking trout rod, not bulls or beach. But more testing needs to be done.
I have posted photos and details on the Classic Rod Forum to get feedback from the many experts who reside there, but I thought it would be fun to copy that post over here for anyone who's interested to view:
I'd like the group's thoughts on a fascinating rod I came across. This rod was purchased new by the seller's father who made his living for years as a guide in Montana. This rod has seen some time on beautiful waters, no doubt!
I have a copy of Patrick Garner's wonderful book "Playing With Fire" which has provided a handful of clues for me and I'll mention those. The photos are hopefully adequate, I haven't set up the good camera to give this rod a proper photo session but that's on my to-do list. Here's the description:
Weber Henshall
Serial number 1555
3/2. Length 38-5/8" each piece (one tip short by 2")
Weighs 6.4oz on my scale
Ferrules 18/12, appear to the the "bulb like fat-ring that is very similar---but not identical---to the ferrules found on the Edwards Perfection series from the brief Filbert Street period." -Playing with Fire, p. 131
Tip end is 4/64th
Grip is 7-3/4
Seat has no inscription, single slide band EDIT: The seat has a stamped inscription on the base cap:
"WEBER LIFELIKE FLY C"
"STEVENS POINT WIS"
Wraps are the Edwards style pongee tipped in purple
Condition: Appears to be original condition and mostly good. One tip is 2" short and appears to have been scarfed just beyond the last wrap near the tip end. The other three pieces are all full length. The full length tip has a modest set in the last 6". The varnish looks original and has a few small areas of light melt. The wraps are good with the exception of very slight tearing on the edge of the purple tipping at the base of the stripping guide. The original sock has a partial label. The original tube is in good shape but has no label or markings, I would guess it came that way.
So I'd love to hear any and all input on this rod, particularly its period of make, rarity and value.
Thanks.
I have posted photos and details on the Classic Rod Forum to get feedback from the many experts who reside there, but I thought it would be fun to copy that post over here for anyone who's interested to view:
I'd like the group's thoughts on a fascinating rod I came across. This rod was purchased new by the seller's father who made his living for years as a guide in Montana. This rod has seen some time on beautiful waters, no doubt!
I have a copy of Patrick Garner's wonderful book "Playing With Fire" which has provided a handful of clues for me and I'll mention those. The photos are hopefully adequate, I haven't set up the good camera to give this rod a proper photo session but that's on my to-do list. Here's the description:
Weber Henshall
Serial number 1555
3/2. Length 38-5/8" each piece (one tip short by 2")
Weighs 6.4oz on my scale
Ferrules 18/12, appear to the the "bulb like fat-ring that is very similar---but not identical---to the ferrules found on the Edwards Perfection series from the brief Filbert Street period." -Playing with Fire, p. 131
Tip end is 4/64th
Grip is 7-3/4
Seat has no inscription, single slide band EDIT: The seat has a stamped inscription on the base cap:
"WEBER LIFELIKE FLY C"
"STEVENS POINT WIS"
Wraps are the Edwards style pongee tipped in purple
Condition: Appears to be original condition and mostly good. One tip is 2" short and appears to have been scarfed just beyond the last wrap near the tip end. The other three pieces are all full length. The full length tip has a modest set in the last 6". The varnish looks original and has a few small areas of light melt. The wraps are good with the exception of very slight tearing on the edge of the purple tipping at the base of the stripping guide. The original sock has a partial label. The original tube is in good shape but has no label or markings, I would guess it came that way.
So I'd love to hear any and all input on this rod, particularly its period of make, rarity and value.
Thanks.
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