ORVIS “BATTENKILL SALT WATER”  FLY ROD, 9’6” FOR AN 8 OR 9 wt LINE

ORVIS “BATTENKILL SALT WATER”  FLY ROD, 9’6” FOR AN 8 OR 9 wt LINE

Grand old Orvis Battenkill salt water rod, two-piece, two-tip, serial number 9835.  The Orvis database shows this rod as the “Battenkill Salt Water” model, made in the correct 2/2 configuration, 12/21/50, by Orvis rodmaker Cal Skinner. I have not seen this model before.  Salt water fly fishing was just getting started in 1950, and I have no doubt that this old girl would have done the job pretty well.   Throws a 9wt silk line as far as you like with no effort (on the rod’s part, at least).

I believe that one tip is an Orvis replacement—obviously correct impregnated cane and proper length, but the snake guides do not index with the original tip.  The serial number appears on the original tip, but not on the second tip or the butt.  The correct maroon wraps look like they had a varnish overcoat at some time.

Rod features all metal down-locking reelseat with no provision for an extension butt, 7” cork, hook keeper, Mildrum style stripper, bright snakes, bright 17/64” ferrules, original tapered bag, and original tube.  The ferrules could be monel. The tube is a Cal Air tube with a somewhat tarnished brass collar. The script on the butt shaft simply says “Battenkill” with other writing lost.  Condition of the reel seat, cane, cork, guides and wraps, and ferrules is all fine.  Cork shows soiling consistent with 73 years’ use.  Amazing how well the impregnated finish has held up.