Payne Fly Rod 9'6" 3/2 #5

A nice EF Payne Rod Co, 9'6", 3-piece, 2-tips, built for what feels to me like a #5. Full flexing action. 5.5 ounces. Refinished. Although the ferrules and check are made of drawn tube, the all-metal reel seat and ring are rolled and soldered sheet. That, and the front cork check which bears a strong resemblance to the large and early Leonard checks. That should date this rod to about 1910-1914 during the very last years of Ed Payne's leadership before he passed away and left the rodmaking operation to Jim. I suspect it may have been originally wrapped in Chinese red though it is currently wrapped brown with darker brown edges and an extra band of yellow and brown at the keeper and male ferrules. Small agate stripper and modern snake guides of black stainless steel. The ferrules are polished bright and in the pot belly style. The varnish is in fair condition but has some patches of bag adhesion. Agate tip tops. The grip is 6" long and tapered to a slim cigar at the front. There is considerable cork erosion from cleaning. The reel seat is all nickel silver with the slide band and soldered pocket cap that has a few dings and a brad has been used to secure it in place. The ring is also somewhat misshapen. The seat is stamped "EF Payne, Maker, Highland Mills, NY" in a cartouche. The rod is full length and in very fishable condition, a wonderful chance to fish a piece of history. Non original bag and tube. The tube should be shortened to better accommodate the rod as it is about 6" too long.