Home of the Antique Rod and Reel Library

7’6” 3/2 H.L. Leonard 36DF Bamboo Fly Rod – 3.05 oz. – c. 1920s
Manufacturer: H.L. Leonard®
SOLD
Product Sold
Offering a 7’6” H.L. Leonard bamboo fly rod in a 3/2 configuration from the mid- to late-1920s.  It is likely a model 36DF (or possibly a 36 or an early 49), but there is no hang tag, so this is an educated guess.  I would call this is a medium action 4 wt.  The rod is wrapped in red silks with full intermediates and a 3-1-10-1-3 signature pattern above the hook keeper.  It is equipped with Leonard’s patented ferrules (patent dates stamped on female butt ferrule), English twist snake guides, an agate stripping guide, and Perfection tip tops.  Node spacing is the correct 3 x 3 pattern on all four sections.  Complementing the cane is a lovely 3 3/8” wooden reel seat with a down-locking cap and ring.  The seat hardware was polished at some point, and there are some minor marks in the seat.  The 4 1/4” grip is composed of 3/8” and 1/4” solid cork rings in fine condition with the exception of a small rough patch and hook dig.  The varnish has aged to a warm darker tone, though the rod has also had some maintenance varnish overcoats over the years.  

All sections are straight and full length at 30 1/2” each.  All guides, wraps, and ferrules are tight.  The ferrule fit is very good.  The ferrules are sizes 13 and 8, and the rod weighs a mere 3.05 ounces.  The cane is structurally sound, but PLEASE NOTE, there is a repaired node lift on one of the tip sections (please see photos).  This is located just below the second snake guide closest to the ferrule.  It is stable, although I would consider adding an invisible wrap for security. 
 
Stamped into the front of the nickel silver butt cap in five lines is “THE / LEONARD / ROD / H.L. LEONARD ROD CO. / MAKERS.”  The word “TOURNAMENT” is stamped on the reverse.  The rod comes in its original green poplin bag and brass capped aluminum case.  A great opportunity for a relatively scarce rod from this period.

Please review the photos for further details.
To purchase this rod, please contact us at leonarddatabase@antiquerodandreels.com with your preferred payment method.
Thank you.