For sale here is a very scarce 8 foot F.E. Thomas Browntone Special bamboo rod with three sections and two tips. Serial no. 99 with a square. Made in 1939 for legendary fly tyer and taxidermist from Maine, Herb Welch. The rod is in excellent original condition with a few exceptions. The stripping guide wraps have become brittle and torn so a re-wrap is needed. Also, one of the tip sections is shorter by 3/8" (not sure if it was made that way or not). Otherwise all sections are full length and straight.

The rod features a rich dark-toned cane finish with chestnut wraps. Ruby colored agate stripping guide. Oxidized reverse-twist guides and ferrules. Handsome swelled butt. Oxidized nickel silver winding check with ring hook keeper attached. The cigar grip is 6" in length with only light soiling. Bright aluminum down-locking reel seat over a walnut spacer with a blued nickel silver butt cap. The stamp on the butt cap reads:

F.E. THOMAS
SPECIAL
BANGOR, ME. 

The ferrules are size 15/64 and 10/64 with a good fit. The rod weighs 4.50 oz. The action is medium-fast and dry fly action with a generously swelled butt. Includes original bag with hang tag attached and original tube with fine brass fittings. Also included is a copy of the F.E. Thomas ledger page and a letter from Marty Keane regarding its provenance.