~Payne model 223; 11½ ft 3pc/2 tips salmon rod
~Payne model 223; 11½ ft 3pc/2 tips salmon rod. This model turns up less often than the 224 and 226, the larger 12 and 13 foot versions of Jim Payne's two hand salmon rods. At this shorter length it should be quite happy in the right hands with some of today's shorter head spey lines. Action is typical Payne, full working and with a progressive action into the tips. All is original and the rod is straight as a pin, and it appears to have been fished, though not heavily judging by guide wear. Tipping is green as is proper on these two hand salmon rods, and the stamping reads "Sold By Abercrombie & Fitch Co. / New York" so it is proper that it does not have ferrule plugs as they had not yet been introduced. Varnish is good throughout with a very few spots where it has been touched up over the years, and the rod is ready to fish without attention or worry. The locking reel-seat on my longer two hand rods very much draws inspiration from this lovely design created by George Halstead while working for Payne. In original bag with tag, tube for mid and tips, and outer canvas sack housing the whole package including the butt. From the Thomas H. Clark collection. SOLD
