Vintage Southbend 290 Bamboo Fly Rod Rare Early Model Two Tips 7.5' 5 Wt

Description

Vintage Southbend 290 Bamboo Fly Rod Rare early slender grip and darker bamboo model by Wes Jordan, likely made before or shortly after Jordan left Wright Mcgill to work for Orvis. Rod has two tips, 7.5' 5 Wt. In good condition, all the guides and wraps and ferrules are sound. Manufacture markings are clear and distinct
Very nice two tip example of the early 290 model with darker bamboo, similar appearing  to that found on Orvis bamboo rods. Very difficult to find one of these early SB 290 rods in pretty much original condition and in good fishable condition. The early slender cork grip has been shellacked at some point in time to protect the cork, old application, not tacky, nice hand feel. Has the early up locking reel seat. The upper aluminum reel seat has a crack (see photo) that has been repaired with liquid metal, solid fix holds the reel well, not very noticeable. Because of its age and use the tips have a typical small amount of set, see photos. This small amount of set could be easily removed by a good bamboo smith if it bothers you, otherwise fish them as they are, not very noticeable. The rod casts a 5 wt line nicely. The rod has a better casting feel to me than later models of the SB 290  perhaps due to the bamboo source or the degree of hand taper planing used in the 1930's. With the exception of the shellacking of the cork grip,  the rest of the rod appears to me to be original and unaltered. Comes in a well used black period fiberboard tube,  no markings on the tube