A stunning Payne Model 202 bamboo fly rod, 8', 3-piece, 2-tip, and built for #5 line. 4.3 ounces. A mid-to-late 1950's model with the "Sold by Abercrombie and Fitch" designation. This rod is in uncast, mint original condition with the paper and gum strips still on the grip. I doubt there are more than a dozen Paynes out there in the world, with the paper on the grip like this, and how many of them would be 202's? Typical Payne node spacing and the lovely temper to the cane. Brown main wraps with yellow edges and purple at the keeper and male ferrules. Perfection stripper and finial ferrule plugs. The grip is 6" long and turned to a medium cigar. The paper covering it has the notation "8' 15-10 202" indicating the length, ferrule size and model. I suspect the slide band seat spacer is walnut, but I'm not 100% sure. The butt cap is stamped "Payne" in a cartouche and "Reg US Pat Off." and on the reverse "Sold by Abercrombie and Fitch, New York". The jet black oxidation on the hardware and ferrules is absolutely perfect. The rod packs into an olive color rod bag which is heavily suffused with the old Payne varnish aroma that any bamboo rod aficionado will appreciate (note to self: a future product should be a men's aftershave in this scent!). The hang tag is in original shape. The rod tube has a white felt insert in the brass top and a red Abercrombie and Fitch sticker with care instructions. An extremely rare find in one of Payne's best models.

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