Leonard, H.L. – Catskill, Four-Piece, 4 Wt.

For your consideration is a very rare, H.L. Leonard Catskill four-piece Tournament bamboo fly rod in original condition. This pre-fire rod is in exceptional shape. This is an 8' 0" four-piece for a 4-weight line weighing 3.75 oz. All sections are full-length and straight.

The four-piece Model 76 or "Western Saddle Rod" was introduced in the catalog in the 1950s, this rod was built before 1926. Prior to the 1950s, rods in this configuration were labeled as a model 76 or 76L. The writing below the red Catskill stamp on the tag of this listing, where the model is usually written, reads W. Mills or W.M.O. (William Mills Order). These were rods ordered from the Mills store and not directly from Leonard. I have consulted with multiple Leonard enthusiasts and this is the earliest of the 4-piece Leonards they have seen.

This rod has amber wraps and Leonard olive green wraps at the ferrules tipped deep red. A subtle swelled butt proceeds the 4 1/2" grip. The cork displays only minor ridging in select areas. The stamp on the butt cap reads "H.L. Leonard Rod, Leonard & Mills Co. Makers, Tournament," which indicates this rod was made between 1890 and 1925. The ferrules are sizes 16, 12, and 9. The male ferrule on one tip currently has paraffin wax to aid the otherwise loose fit. In my hand, the action is a pleasant medium flexing into the lower ferrule. A rare rod to be found in any condition, let alone in its original condition and ready to fish. A must for a Leonard enthusiast's collection.