For sale here is a stunning and very scarce Orvis "Bakelite Salmon" -- 9' 7-8wt 3/2 bamboo rod. Serial no. 2853. Made in 1946. The rod is in excellent original condition, though it appears the wraps may have received a light varnish overcoat. There is a small amount of bag burn on a few of the wraps. All sections are full length and straight. The rod features beautifully tempered, chocolate colored cane with the usual chestnut colored wraps. All of the wraps are sound and free of cracking. Blued guides and ferrules, with the bluing being a bit thin in places. The script on the rod remains clean and bold. Bright u-shaped hook-keeper. Blued aluminum winding check. Cigar grip 7 1/8" in length. The cork is only mildly soiled and lightly ridged. Bright aluminum down-locking reel seat with a black aluminum spacer. The locking rig features fine knurling and is stamped:

Makers
CHARLES F. ORVIS, Co.
INC.
Manchester, Vt.

There is a bit of wear around the rim of the butt cap as well as a few light scratches to the locking ring. The blued step-down ferrules are size 19/64 and 13/64, the fit is excellent. The rod weighs 6.55 oz. The action is medium fast. The rod includes the original bag and a replacement tube with brass fittings. Orvis rods from this era are rarely seen in this condition, don't pass up this fine example.