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Handmade Split Bamboo 1965 Japanese Fly Casting Rod Outstanding Quality

$ 1053.35

Availability: 100 in stock
  • Fish Species: All Freshwater
  • Type: Fly Fishing
  • Fishing Type: Freshwater Fishing
  • Vintage: Yes
  • Condition: Recently discovered Japanese hand-made bamboo fly rod in almost as-new condition from 1965. This rod is in virtually the same condition as it was when bought in Yokohama, Japan in 1965. The original covering is marked in blue ink, hand written, purchased in 1965 Yokohama by C F Benninghoff III. That is me! I bought this from a sporting goods store on my first visit to Japan after joining the US NAVY during the Vietnam War. Then I stuck it with other treasures I accumulated over the last 50+ years and recently "re-discovered" it along with other precious keepsakes such as gifts and treasures from friends I made in Japan. It is missing one small end-cap which I'm sure can be easily found in a tackle shop. Otherwise, it is as-news. This is "so new" in fact, I Never took off the plastic wrap that was used to cover the cork handle. Please examine the images provided closely and make your very best bid on this precious piece of yesterday's handmade Japanese craftsmanship.
  • California Prop 65 Warning: NONE
  • Country/Region of Manufacture: United States
  • Shaft/Blank Material: Bamboo
  • Brand: KIRAKU & Co. No. 101
  • All returns accepted: ReturnsNotAccepted

    Description

    A joy that I purchased as a young man in 1965 while on my first US NAVY cruise to Japan and that has sat idle for decades is in remarkable condition.  Excellent Holiday Gift for that aspiring outdoors man (or woman) or great for man-cave decorations.  This rod harks back to the golden age of post-war Japanese hand craftsmanship when made in Japan meant high-quality handmade products.  Review provided images for condition. If more images are desired please send a message.
    This rod is in the original cloth bag in which I bought it.  It sat unopened for decades among other treasures I have accumulated in the past 50+ years.  I bought it in Yokohama, Japan from a sporting goods store at a time no one there spoke English and the extent of my Japanese was "Sapporo Beer, Please".  So, it took hours of haggling to first find fly rods and then settle on the best I could afford.  Remembering that then the Japanese Yen went 380 to the dollar (now about 90 to the dollar), in real terms it was a tremendous cost given my NAVY wages but I thought it would be a great keepsake and, possibly, investment.
    This fly rod is in such good shape that the plastic wrapper on the cork handle has never even been removed.  It is in beautiful overall condition.
    If you want to give a great gift to the aspiring to-be billionaire in your life, this is a really good start.