sold VINTAGE R.L. WINSTON 9’ BAMBOO FLY ROD

VINTAGE R.L. WINSTON 9’ BAMBOO FLY ROD This is a classic Winston steelhead rod from the “rivers of the lost coast” period.  Made by Lew Stoner, one of the founders of the Winston Rod Co., in 1946.  Condition of this  rod is exceptional, showing only modest fishing use and no damage.  Rod weight as marked is 5 ¼ ounces, serial number is 6188, and ferrules are 17/64”—best with an 8wt line.  It was made as a 2-piece, 1-tip rod, as was common in the Winston shop at the time. The reel seat is Winston’s San Francisco style with the composite and aluminum construction.  The cork is 6” half Wells, it has a hook keeper, a Bakelite winding check, and the silk wraps are variegated black and gold.  The stripper is an agate on a Mildrum style frame, snakes are bronzed steel, and the ferrules are Winston’s proprietary duronze machined set.  The wraps reverse for a few turns at the guides, and the ferrules are over-wrapped for their full exposed length.  This distinctive silk work is a Winston hallmark. The condition for a Stoner rod is exceptional with all wraps and finish excellent, and original marked bag and tube.  The Winston rods at this time were sold with a 1 5/8” ID tube fitted with a bayonet closure and a brown Bakelite cap marked Winston.  The caps usually get lost, but this one remains in service.