Winging it's way to me shortly will be a B. James and Sons 'Avocet,' with a hand written and signed letter of provenance, on Golden Scale Club headed writing paper, confirming that "this splendid old stick belonged to me, Chris Yates, for many years and was successful in securing many fine specimens of Tench, Barbel, Carp, and Chub from my favourite ponds and streams."
I intend to match it with my "J. W. Young and Sons Ltd. 'The Purist 2030' " centrepin, once owned by another deeply respected artist and angler John Searl ... and catch many more fish (well ... tiddlers, anyway !) ... hopefully guided by their hands.
It may be late at night (or should that be early in the morning ???) ... but tinctures are being taken in celebration.
mike 