This is my rod 3 piece, 11ft, whole cane butt, split cane middle & tip.
Cork handle, nickel silver ferrules & hardware
Serial No G18127, dates it to 1937.
These rods started production in 1932, that appears to be correct as I have a 1931 Hardy anglers guide, and this range does not appear, I then have the 1st bottom fishing catalogue from 1932, where the rods are detailed.
When I bought it about 5yrs ago, it was in original condition, unfortunately the rings were corroded, so I stripped it down, I was able to clean the rings as they are nickel silver too, the rings were exclusive to Hardy, not a low bell or a high bell, but a bit in between.
I retained the script, as that is important, I think it would be very difficult to fake the hand written script well?
The early rods were named in full " the No1 fwk Wallis avon",
Later 1950's rod, dropped the fwk name.
The early rods appear to be whipped in red, layer in green.
A good give away, that the rod has the original whippings, Hardy double over the thread by about 3 turns at the top of the ring leg, this double layer is obvious.
My personal opinion, which I know is shared by many others, that this is one of the finest Pre-WWII coarse fishing rods Hardy ever made, and must have been something to be indorsed by the great FWK Wallis.
I also have a No3 from 1940, which has whole cane butt & middle, split cane tip, and plain brass fitting, this rod needs a full refurb
My friend Allrounder also has 2 very good examples of the pre WWII Avon rods
Here are some photo's, I have tried to show the whole script.
