Thomas, F.E.– 8'0" 4wt

For your consideration is an early F.E. Thomas bamboo fly rod. This is an 8' 0" three-piece (with three tips) for a 3 or 4-weight line weighing 3.45 ounces. Two previous owners, prior to the current owner, purchased this rod in its original condition, which required restoration. He turned to Tom Maxwell to do the work.

This rod has caramel intermediates and wraps tipped crimson at the guides and ferrules. Grip measures 5" in length with a full cork reel seat. The butt cap is stamped F.E. Thomas / Special / Bangor, ME. The bottom of the cap is stamped with a 1 which is believed to represent the year 1911. Ferrules are size 10 and 15 which could use a mild cleaning to help completely set. In my hand, the action is on the medium side of medium-fast. This rod has been rebuilt by Tom Maxwell which included replacing the cork. There are three tips and each has the period appropriate bayonet tip top. One has an epoxy bead applied to the base of the loop of the tip top. This rod is featured in the F.E. Thomas book as a "Light" model. However, in the F.E. Thomas ledger there is no such rod designation. I believe what was read as an L is actually a number 1.