ANTIQUE FISHING TACKLE

Celebrated "Alnwick Greenheart" Trout Fly Rod

Approximate dimensions: 8ft 6" assembled Probably originally 9ft

Description: Three sections + spare (broken) tip Connected by Hardy's "Lock-fast" Joints (* ref) Complete with original Hardy Bros.cloth case. Manufacturer: Hardy Bros, Alnwick. Gold Medal Brand Butt Section: 42.25" long, with cork handle and spear base. 2 snake rings.   Wedge reel fastening (** ref) impressed with: Hardy's   W Fitting   Reg 16.8.73

Spear Attachment engraved: Hardy Bros.   Makers Alnwick   36007 Mid-section: Length 39", Brass ferrules + 3 snake rings (English) Ferrule stops made of hardwood and cork. Top Section: Repaired, 34.5" long, Brass male counter, 4 snake rings top double wire ring: this would originally have been agate.

According to David Bullock, the Countrystore/Museum Manager at the House of Hardy, the rod serial number dates it as made in 1897, The "Alnwick Greenheart" series was manufactured between 1886 and 1952. David was very helpful and provided a photocopy from one of the original catalogues, which shows such rods would have originally retailed at £2-17 shillings The rods were made in a variety of sizes up to 17ft (which retailed at £6 4s 6d) .. A fair bit of cash in those days. They were considered "suitable for MAHSEER, SALMON, TROUT, GRAYLING etc"

REFERENCES
*     Fishing Salmon and Trout, H Cholmondeley-Pennell, Longmans, Green & Co 1886, p77
**    Fishing Salmon and Trout, H Cholmondeley-Pennell, Longmans, Green & Co 1886, p63
        House of Hardy, Willowburn, Alnwick, Northumberland,   NE66 2PF.   England

Return To Antique Tackle List

[  HT's Home Page ]

 

Glyndwr Fishery  Crediton Fly Fishing Club    Fly Patterns