Barder Rod Co 7′ #3/4-weight 2-piece fly rod & its leather case.

This rod is close to 100% mint. It has some barely detectable silvering to the edge of its butt cap. This can occur on unused rods so it’s fair to say that it’s had very little if any use.

I’ve spent some time with it on the stream behind our workshop and it’s quite capable of handling a DT #4 line, as well as the #3 it’s designated for. It would be perfectly paired with a #3 line such as the excellent Rio Gold, which is very slightly heavier than a standard #3. This would  give you the finesse of a #3 with a little extra energy that one so often needs.

The split cane was made from vintage Tonkin bamboo that took on a lovely rich tone when it was flame tempered. You can detect this in the rod, which feels tremendously taut and vibrant.

Apart from the guides, every part of this rod was designed and built by the Barder Rod Co.

As well as its remarkable condition, it has several particularly pleasing features – a Mildrum nickel sliver and carbide butt ring, superb snake guides made by the late Tom Moran, a tailor made raw silk bag and a hand stitched bridle leather case made by the late Don Smith.

The nickel silver ferrules have a smooth, snug fit and retain their olive wood and cork stopper.

The Flor grade cork handle is a very comfortable cigar shape.

The reel seat has blued nickel sliver fittings and an olive wood spacer. Transparent varnish impregnated whippings are Pearsall’s Gossamer silk with incredibly fine tan silk tippings. The hand applied yacht varnish finish is flawless.

The perfectly straight tips are mirrored and numbered.

It’s a stunning example of our most popular small stream instrument. Very handsome and refined in appearance, it would be difficult improve upon. It’s crying out to be fished and enjoyed.