| Notes | R.L. Winston Bamboo San Francisco era Fly Rod. 2 piece, 1 tip, 4 3/8 oz rod only built for #5 or #6 line. Serial number #9437. Patent date and "Built For" with the owner's name written on the rod. Ferrules fit snug. Full wells type grip with downlock screw type reel seat. Rod is straight with the rod bag having the Winston logo. Rod tube has the Winston logo. Featuring medium tempered cane with guides wrapped in putty colored windings. The 6" full wells grip shows little-to-no soiling. Both sections are straight and full length, and the Duronz ferrules fit perfectly. Matching serial numbers and no signs of refinishing on either piece. Excellent varnish Winston has confirmed that both serial numbers were made on the same taper and were made in 1967. The action is on the faster side of medium fast, a fine rod for larger dry flies or light streamers and nymphing work. Sold in the original bag and cal-air tube. The red cloth bag has space for only one tip, so the rod was made that way originally. The rod tube is about as clean as could be with the San Francisco label in 95% original condition. |
| Since 1929 -- the year that Robert Winther and Lew Stoner opened up their rod shop in San Francisco -- the RL Winston name has been a favorite among discerning anglers. In the three decades that followed, Winston would be known for a number of innovations that would help set casting records, often at the Golden Gate Casting Club, not far from the shop. In 1976 Tom Morgan purchased Winston from then-owner Doug Merrick and moved the shop to Twin Bridges, Montana where it resides today. While graphite tends to be the focus at Winston today, many bamboo fly rods from its earlier periods are highly prized among collectors. |