Gary
LaFontaine Unique Memorabilia
Framed Original Illustrations Produced Explicitly for
“The Dry Fly, New Angles”
Includes 1990 First Edition of “The Dry Fly, New Angles”
Signed & Inscribed by Gary with Additional Signed Letter
And Dry Fly from Book Tyed by Gary
Book also Signed by Artist Gretchen Grayum
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Gary LaFontaine was truly an angler’s angler. As
a young, seriously committed fly fisherman, choosing a college was a no-brainer
for Gary. He chose the University of Montana with the Clark’s Fork flowing
near the campus. He never took a class between 1 and 4 o’clock, opting
instead to fish and study the reliable Baetis hatch on the nearby river. Gary’s
degree was in behavioral psychology and his thesis work was studying selectively
feeding trout. Much of his thesis work was done in scuba gear at the bottom
of the river watching trout actually feed. His books became successful because
knowledgeable anglers, upon reading his books, quickly recognized his research
as both extremely thorough and impeccably accurate.
As history attests, Gary did not just author angling
books, he wrote true classics. He authored a total of five books, along with
countless articles he wrote for national and regional magazines plus the numerous
books he coauthored with other fly fishing luminaries. Gary untimely death
in 2002 from ALS at the young age of 56 shocked and saddened the angling world.
Perhaps a bit of solace may be derived with the knowledge that the substantial
contributions he made to the world of angling comprise a legacy that will,
without a doubt, endure the passing years.
“The Dry Fly, New Angles”
After years of preparation and research, when Gary
was finally ready to begin the process of publishing his book “The
Dry Fly, New Angles”, he began to seek a professional artist talented
enough to produce the quality illustrations necessary to meet his strict requirements
.He found that individual in Gretchen Grayum. Gretchen worked hand in hand
with Gary over the long Montana winter creating the illustrations that grace
the pages of “The Dry Fly, New Angles”. Offered here is a framed
compilation of five original illustrations produced for the book. This sale
includes the framed art work pictured above. It is important to understand
the five illustrations pictured are the actual illustrations which were produced
solely for “The Dry Fly, New Angles.” It is also important
to know, that there has never been any reproductions of these illustrations
making them truly one-of-a-kind.. The illustrations were produced with archival
ink on professional illustration paper and later professionally framed with
archival mat material designed to stand the test of time in preparation for
a book signing event in Helena soon after the book was released.. The overall
measurements of the frame are 10 3/4” X 38 1/4” which is an ideal
size to adorn the wall of a fly tying room, a cabin wall or perhaps the main
room of a fishing lodge.
Following is a direct quote from artist Gretchen
Grayum commenting on the time she spent working with Gary on this book. –
“It was such an honor to be accepted as the illustrator of Gary La Fontaine's
The Dry Fly, New Angles. What a pleasure and fantastic learning experience
it was to meet every few days with Gary, in the winter of 1989. Gary was not
only a highly intelligent author, fly fisherman and entomologist, he was a
gentle person with a delightful sense of humor. Gary was magically tuned into
and inspired by nature, especially trout habitat, the insect world and rivers.
It was serendipitous that I myself was enthralled with Montana rivers and
fly fishing as I illustrated his book. Gary's partners in Greycliff Publishing,
the Bradshaws, worked diligently that winter as well, instructing me ~~~ while
working with Gary on the production of the book. Illustrating The Dry Fly,
New Angles was an exciting and memorable experience and I continue to feel
fortunate after all of these years for the opportunity to know Gary La Fontaine,
a true master of many so many works.” ~~~ Gretchen Grayum
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An Invitation
to Book signing and Illustration Reception – Buyer will receive
a copy of this invitation. |
In addition to the original illustrations, also
included is a pristine copy of the book which contains all the illustrations
being offered in this sale which were created for Gary by Gretchen. This is
a pristine first edition, first printing copy of Gary’s “The Dry
Fly, New Angles”. This book in addition to being in excellent condition
has been signed and warmly inscribed by Gary. Included and adding to the appeal,
is a typed letter with one of Gary’s hand tyed dry-flies (an actual
pattern from the book) attached, the letter is also signed by Gary. The text
of the letter simply exudes with the obvious enthusiasm Gary had both for
angling and the people who shared his interest and enjoyed his books. The
book is also signed by artist Gretchen Grayum making this a wonderful companion
piece for the original framed illustrations.
The pairing of the original framed illustrations with the
signed book, letter and personally tyed fly being offered here presents an
unique and wonderful opportunity to own a piece of angling history that can
never be duplicated and can do nothing but appreciate in value with the passing
years.
. The shipping for both art work and book are included
in the price. The shipping will be by professional packers and shippers of
fine art at their estimated cost of $170.00. For additional information or
payment procedures, please contact Bob at
caddis@tds.net. Price - $2150.00
Fin-Nor
“Wedding Cake” Reels
Models #1 - #2 & #3
Collector’s Dream
Un-fished Excellent Condition
Whenever and wherever classic saltwater fly reels
are the topic, Fin Nor reels automatically become an integral part of the
conversation. There is good reason for this when you consider that Fin Nor
was producing historically classic fly reels back in the 1950s when fly fishing
saltwater was a relatively new phenomenon. This was back when innovators such
as Joe Brooks, Ernest Hemingway, Alfred Glassell and Tommy Gifford were busy
introducing this exciting new pursuit to the angling public. Those early years
are now fondly recalled as the glory days of saltwater angling.
Serious attention originally began to be paid to
Fin Nor reels, when a reel designed in 1933 was used to catch a 527-pound
tuna. Their reputation for quality only increased with the record catch, again
on a Fin Nor reel, of a 1560-pound black marlin near Peru.
Gar Wood Jr. a boat builder who obviously possessed
inherent engineering talents, designed a direct-drive reel in a cage frame
construction which was so advanced that Fin-Nor picked up the patent. The
production of Gar’s prototype led to the now legendary “Wedding
Cake” reels being offered in this sale. These Fin-Nor “Wedding
Cake” reels were the first saltwater fly reels capable of withstanding
the brutal punishment dished out by large tarpon. And if the truth be known,
the story of Fin-Nor reels is pretty much the story of the popularization
of saltwater big game fishing in America. Many anglers old enough to have
been around when these reels were introduced, still consider them to be the
finest quality saltwater reels ever to come to market. Simply put, the Wedding
Cake reels were the absolute top-of-the-line saltwater fly reels.
Fin-Nor produced the Wedding Cake in four different
models, aptly named #1 - #2 - #3 & #4. The #1 was usually fished with
a 6 wgt. line with plenty of room for backing, the #2 took an 8 wgt. line
with backing and the #3 a 10 wgt. line with backing. The other reel in this
series, not present in this sale was the model #4, which was identical in
size to the #3 except for the fact that it had a wider spool and thus could
store more line.
The integral role these reels have played, along
with the important contribution the Wedding Cake reels have made to saltwater
angling history, have combined to make them one of the most sought-after historic
fly reels of all-time. The three reels being offered in this sale apparently
occupied a special place in the heart of the gentleman who originally purchased
them, because they were lovingly cared for and never fished, I repeat, never
fished, none of these reels have ever even seen a line. Put simply, the pristine
vintage Wedding Cake reels being offered here are nothing short of a collector’s
dream.
Please see photos below and
while viewing, please keep in mind that I am a fair angler, but unfortunately
a lousy photographer.
.Model
#1
Model #2
Model #3
These pristine vintage reels are being offered as a set
at a reduced price. There are also prices for each individual reel. The cost
of Priority Mail postage and insurance will be added to the purchase price.
All 3 reels - $3500.00
Reel Model # 1 - $1450.00
Reel Model # 2 - $1150.00
Reel Model # 3 - $1150.00 Sale Pending #3 Only
Postage & Insurance at actual cost to be added.
Please contact me (Bob)
at caddis@tds.net for payment methods
and shipping charges.
Hardy
“Husky” Vintage Fly Reel
3 3/8” X 1 1/2” – Wide Drum
Early Silent Check Model
For Salt & Fresh Water
Complete with Original Case
Near New Condition
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Here is a really nice, made-in-England Hardy “Husky” early silent
check, wide drum model fly reel that truly offers the best of two worlds.
This Husky model 3 3/8” X 1 1/2” classic early reel has honestly
been fished only once or twice and this becomes very apparent when you view
the accompanying photos. You will also note when viewing the photos that the
original reel case is also in new spotless condition which is another indication
of this reel having very little use. Further indication of barely being used
is when you consider the line you see in the photos is the only line this
reel has ever seen and the line still retains its glossy finish. Included
with the reel and case is the care instructions paper that accompanied the
reel when originally purchased.
The Hardy Husky model handling up to an 8 or 9 wgt. line with ample room for
backing, is not only a super large trout, steelhead, sea trout, light salmon
and Tarpon fishing tool, but in this excellent condition, it is also a highly-sought
after, collectible example of vintage Hardy workmanship in a rare near fine
condition which will delight even the most discriminating collector of Hardy
reels. It would obviously be totally redundant to attempt to say anything
about the quality of any Hardy reel, as it has been a long-established given
that Hardy produces some of the most reliably dependable reels ever to come
to market. In many families Hardy fly reels are an important part of their
personal angling history having have been lovingly passed from one generation
to another, often several times, while they continue to offer quality service.
This long, reliable service only serves to further attests to the high quality
of Hardy reels.
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This model was first introduced in 1958 and has
constantly been improved and refined ever since to become the benchmark reel
within its class for both quality and value. Built by gravity die-casting
from aluminum alloy, then diamond machined to a fine finish and fitted with
the desirable stamped, two screw nickel silver line-guard. Anodized and stove
enameled reel it has a gun metal cage and silver spool with a quick-change
latch along with the ribbed brass foot. The reel obviously functions as would
be expected of a new Hardy reel. This rugged but attractive reel would make
a fine addition to the gear of the serious angler who enjoys fishing both
inland and blue waters, while it will also be sure to please the discriminating
collector of quality vintage Hardy fly reels.
Price - $250.00
plus Priority Mail Postage & Insurance at actual cost. SOLD
Please contact me, Bob at caddis@tds.net
or (607) 235-7184 for payment methods and shipping details.
J.
W. Young
Landex & Pridex Fly Reels
Great Fishing Reels – Prized Collectibles
J. W. Young produced
fly reels from the early 1900s until the late 1960s. They became the favorite
of many serious anglers because they were not only excellent fishing tools,
they also proved to be almost indestructible. These factors combine to make
J. W. Young the latest reel maker to have achieved the distinctive honor of
“collector” status. It simply does not get much better than to
be able to purchase a fine reel and enjoy fishing with it, while it appreciates
in value. Below you will find three J. W. Young reels, two of them are identical
Landex Models and the other a Pridex. The three reels are pictured and described
below along with the individual price for each reel.
Landex Models
The two reels pictured below are identical
Landex Models that measure 3 1/2” X 1 1/2” with the only difference
being one (reel # 2) has perhaps seen a tad more use than the other (reel
# 1) which may not have been used at all. Presently both are lined with almost
new 6 wgt. floating lines, they will also handle a 7 wgt.. These two reels
in addition to being wonderful collectibles, are perfect for large trout,
light steelhead and salmon fishing. The reels have an enameled paint finish,
twin patent indented ebonite handles providing perfect grip, release lever
latch for quick removal of handle unit and line drum and rear mounted check
lever. Both reels have the clip-on line guide to reduce friction. Another
feature of this reel is that the spool turns when line is going out while
the handles remain still. An added plus is the fact that parts and repairs
are available today for J.W. Young reels, which is a advantage no longer available
for many other fine reels of the past. Both of these Landex models function
mechanically as new reels.
Landex Model
(Reel # 1)
The first Landex Model reel, pictured immediately
below, appears to either never have been fished or perhaps fished lightly
once or twice, as there is no apparent wear other than a bit of paint disturbance
visible on the reel foot. The floating line presently on the reel appears
new also and still retains most of the gloss you associate with a new line
or one that has seen very little use. A very nice example of the outstanding
reel production of the J.W. Young reel makers which will not only offers years
of dependable service, but in this fine condition is also a very desirable
collectible certain to increase in value with the passing years.
J.W. Young “Landex” (reel # 1)
- $200.00 plus postage and insurance.
Please contact Bob (caddis@tds.net)
for payment and shipping details.
Landex Model
(Reel # 2)
This is the second Landex model reel which
is identical in size to the reel pictured and described above. This reel exhibits
light use with a very small amount of paint loss visible mostly at the rims
where this type wear usually first appears. As on the reel above, the floating
line presently on this reel also looks to be in very good, lightly fished
condition. This fine reel is also an attractive collectible which will also
afford years of angling service.
J. W. Young “Landex” (reel # 2) - $175.00
plus shipping and insurance.
Please contact Bob (caddis@tds.net)
for payment and shipping details.
J.W. Young
“Pridex”
This is the Pridex model fly reel which was
made in a comprehensive range of seven sizes and was one of J. W. Young’s
most popular reels. This particular reel measures 3 3/4” X 1 1/2”
and will easily handle a 6 or 7 wgt. and perhaps an 8 wgt. line with ample
backing. The reel has features such as check-work in dual sets making the
reel easy to change from right to left-hand wind, bearings, safe grip handle
and easy dismantling for cleaning. The Pridex is also equipped with the clip-on
line guard to reduce friction. This reel as you can see by viewing the accompanying
photos has seen very little, if indeed any, use with no visible paint loss
and operates mechanically as new. A very nice example of a J.W. Young fly
reel that is both collectible and ready to fish.
J. W. Young “Pridex” -
$125.00 plus postage and insurance.
Please contact Bob (caddis@tds.net)
for payment and shipping details.
