One of the true classics of American bamboo rodmaking: a pre-fire H. L. Leonard 50DF Tournament, an 8' 3/2 rod designed for a #5 line.
This is an exceptionally well-preserved example, and it appears to have received a sympathetic restoration at some point in its life, including a thin, crisp coat of varnish. The underlying cane is exceptionally sound, with no repair wraps and no apparent issues to the bamboo. Most of the silk appears original.
The cane is a beautiful golden straw colour, finished with original-looking gold silk wraps and lighter gold tipping at the winding check, ferrules and tip tops. The rod features English-style reverse-twist guides, an agate stripping guide and agate tip tops, a slightly swelled butt and a traditional ring hook keeper.
The diminutive cigar-style Leonard grip, measuring 4⅞", remains in wonderful condition. There is some light ridging from use, but no significant soiling. The reel seat is the classic Leonard nickel-silver cap-and-ring style, bottom engraved with A.W (original owner), fitted with a warm butternut spacer. The rod weighs just 3⅝ oz.
On the water, the 50DF offers the wonderfully refined medium-fast dry-fly action for which this model has long been admired: light in hand, precise in presentation and possessing considerably more character than its modest dimensions might suggest.
The rod comes with its original bag and original aluminium tube with brass fittings. The bag is missing its hang tag and has some fraying at the bottom, which was sympathetically repaired by a previous owner. Alder Creek would be happy to undertake further restoration of the bag if desired.
A beautiful example of one of Leonard's most celebrated tapers, combining rarity, elegance and genuine fishability.
Explore our collection of H.L. Leonard bamboo fly rods, spanning several generations of American rodmaking, from the pre-fire era to the workshops of Tom Maxwell and Marc Aroner. Discover the 4099½, Hunt 50-5, The Duracane, and the Catskill Special 48-4.
Maker
H.L. Leonard
Model
50DF Tournament
Period
Pre-fire (before 1964)
Length
8'
Configuration
3-piece / 2-tip
Line
#5
Weight
3 5/8 oz
Action
Medium-fast, dry-fly
Cane
Golden straw
Wraps
Gold silk with lighter gold tipping
Guides
Reverse-twist snakes, agate stripper and tip-tops
Reel Seat
Nickel-silver cap and ring, butternut spacer
Condition
Very good; sympathetically refinished
Includes
Original bag and aluminium tube
Questions about this piece, international shipping, or price are always welcome.
One of the true classics of American bamboo rodmaking: a pre-fire H. L. Leonard 50DF Tournament, an 8' 3/2 rod designed for a #5 line.
This is an exceptionally well-preserved example, and it appears to have received a sympathetic restoration at some point in its life, including a thin, crisp coat of varnish. The underlying cane is exceptionally sound, with no repair wraps and no apparent issues to the bamboo. Most of the silk appears original.
The cane is a beautiful golden straw colour, finished with original-looking gold silk wraps and lighter gold tipping at the winding check, ferrules and tip tops. The rod features English-style reverse-twist guides, an agate stripping guide and agate tip tops, a slightly swelled butt and a traditional ring hook keeper.
The diminutive cigar-style Leonard grip, measuring 4⅞", remains in wonderful condition. There is some light ridging from use, but no significant soiling. The reel seat is the classic Leonard nickel-silver cap-and-ring style, bottom engraved with A.W (original owner), fitted with a warm butternut spacer. The rod weighs just 3⅝ oz.
On the water, the 50DF offers the wonderfully refined medium-fast dry-fly action for which this model has long been admired: light in hand, precise in presentation and possessing considerably more character than its modest dimensions might suggest.
The rod comes with its original bag and original aluminium tube with brass fittings. The bag is missing its hang tag and has some fraying at the bottom, which was sympathetically repaired by a previous owner. Alder Creek would be happy to undertake further restoration of the bag if desired.
A beautiful example of one of Leonard's most celebrated tapers, combining rarity, elegance and genuine fishability.
Explore our collection of H.L. Leonard bamboo fly rods, spanning several generations of American rodmaking, from the pre-fire era to the workshops of Tom Maxwell and Marc Aroner. Discover the 4099½, Hunt 50-5, The Duracane, and the Catskill Special 48-4.
Maker
H.L. Leonard
Model
50DF Tournament
Period
Pre-fire (before 1964)
Length
8'
Configuration
3-piece / 2-tip
Line
#5
Weight
3 5/8 oz
Action
Medium-fast, dry-fly
Cane
Golden straw
Wraps
Gold silk with lighter gold tipping
Guides
Reverse-twist snakes, agate stripper and tip-tops
Reel Seat
Nickel-silver cap and ring, butternut spacer
Condition
Very good; sympathetically refinished
Includes
Original bag and aluminium tube
Questions about this piece, international shipping, or price are always welcome.
