The Traditional Fisherman's Forum

Though I've been away from the net on family duties for a while (and with extremely limited internet access) ... my 'radar' hasn't been turned off altogether.

I'm delighted to report that I have been able to find and acquire a Precision Rods "R. Sealey's Festival" ... the first of the three of this model which I hope to be able to say (one day) that I look after.

Though I am unable to share photographs at this moment in time, I can report that winging it's way to me is this 11ft., 3 piece, all split cane rod ... which I have been able to confirm from the man himself has been restored to his usual immaculate standard by the TFF's very own James (aka Andrew Davis !!!).

This example is part of the evolution of the 'Festival' rods ... being a simple taper tip section, a compound taper centre section, and a simple taper butt section. (I understand that the original design had simple tapers throughout ... and the last version had compound tapers to the tip and centre sections.)

I have heard this described as 'a sublime tench rod.'

It's not been confirmed by anything in writing yet, but I believe that the 'Festival' rod was originally designed to be shown at or to celebrate the "Festival of Britain" in 1951.

Photos will be forthcoming once the rod is in my sticky little mitts !!!!!

Sounds sublime Mal, eagerly await some photos

Well done the Brigadier who ever told you it's a sublime Tench is so correct as I can personally vouch for that as I have one. The compound taper is a joy to be hold and if it's been given some TLC by our very own James what more could you ask for.
This could be be your best find ever as you digress into into the dark side of the force once again cannot wait for the pictures.
Bumble

Great news Mal!

1st it's restored by Andrew, then the Brigadier becomes it's custodian, that's one very lucky rod



Good to have you back with us Mal, You have been missed!

glad you found one mel, the next quest, can i find a festival avon.

The rod arrived this morning from Timothy Payne of http://www.reelantiqueangling.co.uk ... and to say that I'm delighted is something of an understatement !

Of course, having been restored by Andrew (Davis), the standard is impeccable ... and the 'feel' of it in the hand confirms that it will fish as well as it looks. The 'look' is enhanced by the lovely polished alloy ferrule stoppers.

For those who don't know, the rod is a whole cane butt section, a compound taper split cane centre section (with the taper occurring between the first and second guides at the tip end), and a plain taper split cane tip.

By the way ... finding two delightful complimentary tench floats included by the vendor was a lovely surprise !

This is the fourth 11ft Precision Rod that I now own ... and it's fascinating to see just how little the weights vary between rods of quite different actions and tapers ...

Precision Rods “R Sealey’s Supreme” 11ft. 12.60 oz. (357 gr.)
Precision Rods “Severn Perfection” 11ft. 12.70 oz. (360 gr.)
Precision Rods “The Express” 11ft. 13.00 oz. (368 gr.)
Precision Rods “R. Sealey’s Festival” 11ft. 13.10 oz. (372 gr.)

Sadly, circumstances mean I won't be able to try it out for a couple of weeks ... but it's arrival has done much to cheer me up during a difficult time.

Wow. Very impressive and a nice touch with th floats.

its good to have you back mal as its been a bit quiet on the r sealey front but what a way to return,with a stunning looking rod, i just hope you can get out and use it soon

Nice one Mal, glad you got a festival, and cracking looking rod too.

That's an absolute beauty Mal.