E.W. Edwards "Touradif" Bamboo Rod 9' 3/2 #5

For sale here is an E.W. Edwards made Abercrombie & Fitch "Touradif" -- 9' 3/2 5wt bamboo rod. Likely made in the mid-1920's during Edwards's Mt. Carmel period. The rod is in excellent condition though it does have a few issues as one would expect from a rod that is nearly a hundred years old. There are sets in the mid section and one of the tips. The tip with the set has a repair wrap 4" long at the very top of the section. The other tip is down 10 1/4" with a replacement, incorrect tip-top. The varnish remains in very good condition with a few chips and scratches and very slight evidence of heat/humidity damage. The rod may have received a light varnish overcoat at some point in its life. Lastly, the butt section ferrule and last guide have been rewrapped with incorrect brown silks. 

The rod features a rich pumpkin toned finish with gold wraps and bronze tipping. Full intermediates in gold. Blued, reverse-twist guides. The guides are rather petite to accommodate the silk line of the day. Aluminum winding check. Original petite cigar grip 4 1/2" in length. The grip has been cleaned and is slightly ridged. Bright nickel silver cap and ring reel seat with a walnut button butt cap. The upper rim of the ring is slightly bent out of place where it was originally soldered. The reel seat reads:

The pinned nickel silver ferrules are size 10/64 and 16/64, the fit is good. Indented witness marks. The rod weighs 4 1/2 oz. The action is on the faster side of medium, a bit quicker than one would expect and well suited for a 5wt line. The rod finds an excellent balance between a dry fly and wet fly rod. A reflection of the needs of the fly-fisherman during that time period. The "Touradif - Split Bamboo, Six-Strip" listing in the 1914 Abercrombie & Fitch catalog reads, 

"... They have won a reputation for their sterling qualities and among high-graderods, it is safe to say that there are as many, if not more, Touradifs in the hands ofexperienced fisherman than any other make...  All Touradif rods are hand-made. The ferrules are water-proof and are of specialgerman silver hand-drawn till they have a temper like steel"

The two tips are housed in the original bamboo tip tube with brass fittings and a replacement tip bag. The tube remains in excellent condition free of any cracks or other defects. The tip tube and other sections are housed in the original brown cotton bag. The bag remains in great shape save a slight tear at the bottom of the tube section. The numbers 8121 8121 are stamped on the backside of the bag The bag is held within the original tube with brass fittings.