Thomas, F.E. - 8' 0" 5wt. Special

For your consideration is an F.E. Thomas Special bamboo fly rod. This is an 8' 0" 3/2 5wt weighing 4.75 oz. All sections are full length and straight.

This rod consists of mildly tempered cane with deep chestnut brown wraps. At the male ferrules, there are three decorative wraps each with three turns. The cigar grip measures 5 1/2" in length. Down-locking aluminum hardware to the nickel silver butt cap. Butt cap is stamped O 44 indicating this was the 44th rod made in 1954(O). Ferrules are 11/16 with a perfect fit. In my hand, the action is on the fast side of medium-fast and for some might be suited for a 6wt. at the proper distance.

The rod is in original condition with the exception of noting the oxidation to the winding check which is an indication of why the varnish needed to be touched up over the wraps. The original intermediate wraps were saved but lost was the double center wrap of the 3-7-3 pattern. The remainder wraps were repositioned to a 3-6-3 pattern with a few losing one turn. Thomas Special signature wraps were in a 3-7-3 pattern, each with three turns of silk except for the center signature had six turns. The varnish on the overall rod appears original except at these signatures. The rod is in excellent condition. Includes the original bag and labeled tube.