For sale here is an early impregnated Orvis Battenkill -- 8' 3/3 5-6wt bamboo rod. Serial no. 7111. Built in 1949 by Cal Skinner. The rod remains in excellent condition with a few issues. One of the tips is down 1 3/4", a third tip was made by Orvis as well as repairing the down tip. The script on the butt section has received an extra coat of varnish. A few of the guides have been re-wrapped, most likely by Orvis as they are done very well. Lastly, the two top guides on the mid section have had epoxy placed on them as some sort of repair. There are minor easily mendable sets in the two full length tips as well as the mid section. Despite these mostly aesthetic issues this is still a fine early Battenkill. Many of these issues are not apparent until closer inspection.

The rod features beautiful chocolate colored impregnated cane with transparent caramel wraps. Blued guides. The script remains clean and bold though the "P" in Pat. is missing. Cigar grip 5 1/2" in length with moderate soiling and a few small dents. Aluminum down-locking reel seat over a walnut spacer. The blued ferrules are size 10/64 and 16/64 with a perfect fit. Minor bluing wear. The rod weighs 4.40 oz. The rod has a fantastic medium-fast dry fly action. Includes original green bag and tube.