I have purchased a B. James and Sons "Avocet," 11ft. 6in. 3 piece rod with a trumpet handle, whole cane butt section, and whipped in Dark Olive silk. It's in almost completely original condition, apart from the cherry agate butt guide having been replaced by Paul Cook who carefully matched silk. There is an early gold label reading 'Avocet' which scrolls diagonally across the whole cane. and beneath it is the B. James gold relief wrap around logo reading 'B James & Sons'.
What makes it so rare is that there is an additional original trumpet handle only, 16 inches in length with identical fittings, into which the middle and tip section fit (a la Chapman's 500/550) ... making a split cane rod of 9ft. 10in., and the vendor's opinion is that it's a 'special customer order.'
The rod comes in a typical B. James & Sons herringbone bag, which has four sections to accommodate the rod.
I'll post photos when they arrive with me ... and when my hands have stopped shaking.