A nice and very scarce H.L. Leonard "Centennial" rod, built in 1981 to commemorate Leonard's 100 years in Central Valley, NY. 8'6" in length, 3-piece, 2-tips, and built for a #5 line. These rods were underway at the tail end of my time at Leonard and I remember the planning that went into them. Originally the company intended on producing 50 of these rods, but ended up only producing 38. This rod is #8 of the series and the original owner's name is inked on the shaft. The rod pays tribute to their most popular model offered in 1881 and is in mint, unfished condition. Straw colored cane done in a three up node pattern with full candy apple red intermediate wraps. The stripper is a large snake guide. The grip is rattan with red silks woven into the gaps. The reel seat is a nickel silver slide band with nickel silver pocketed butt cap over a butternut wood spacer. The original top-hat style ferrule plugs are included. The rod comes in a wooden presentation box as well as the original aluminum tube and rod bag (the presentation box has some scuffs and nicks on the outside from normal transport, etc.). Also included in this sale is the original Leonard pamphlet that was produced with the marketing of this historic rod as well as a second certificate of authenticity which includes the signatures of the craftsman who brought the rod to completion (including Bob Taylor, Tom Bailey, and others). A very rare find here for the Leonard aficionado.

Please note that due to the larger presentation box this item may require an additional surcharge for shipping.

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