A superb H. L. Leonard Model 48-4 Catskill Special, measuring 7'0" in three sections and originally built with two tips for a #4 line. This example is in very good condition, although one of the original tips is now missing. Serial number 89105.
A particularly interesting rod historically, this Leonard was made by master rodmaker Marc Aroner, approximately between 1990 and 1993, for Larry Foster as part of the effort to preserve the Leonard tradition and trademarks.
There are several distinctive details that identify Aroner's hand. His mortising tool leaves a characteristic circular lip at the top of the cut, whereas the standard Leonard reel-seat mortise has a straight edge. The nodes have also been pressed to an unusually small size, another detail associated with Aroner's work.
The cane is a beautifully even oven-tempered wheat-straw colour, finished with light brown wraps edged in green and a distinctive green double wrap at the ferrules. A carbide stripping guide and keeper on the wrap flats complete the fittings. The serial number is present, with the “A” reportedly added by Marc Aroner, who believed it was Larry Foster's indication of the rodmaker.
The slender 4¼" cigar grip is exceptionally well preserved. The reel seat is fitted with a beautifully figured, lightly stained curly maple spacer, complemented by an oxidized nickel-silver cap and ring. The cap bears the traditional Leonard stamp:
“H.L. Leonard Rod Co, The Rodmaker, Since 1869”
The opposing side is marked “Catskill Special.”
The varnish remains perfect, the step ferrules have developed an attractive oxidized finish, and all three sections are straight and sound.
The rod comes in a cream-coloured poplin bag, configured to accommodate two tips and a non- original aluminium tube.
A remarkable modern Leonard with an important connection to the continuation of the Leonard tradition—beautifully made, exceptionally preserved and, with its Aroner provenance, a fascinating piece of American bamboo rodmaking history.
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 50DF Tournament, 4099½, Hunt 50-5, and The Duracane.
Specifications
Maker
H.L. Leonard
Rodmaker
Marc Aroner
Model
48-4 Catskill Special
Period
c. 1990–1993
Length
7'
Configuration
3-piece / 1 remaining tip (originally 2 tips)
Line
#4
Serial Number
89105
Cane
Oven-tempered wheat-straw bamboo
Wraps
Light brown with green tipping
Ferrules
Oxidized step ferrules
Grip
4 1/4" cigar cork
Reel Seat
Nickel-silver cap and ring, curly maple spacer
Condition
Very good condition; one original tip missing
Includes
Cream poplin bag and non-original aluminium tube
Enquiries
Questions about this piece, international shipping, or price are always welcome.
A superb H. L. Leonard Model 48-4 Catskill Special, measuring 7'0" in three sections and originally built with two tips for a #4 line. This example is in very good condition, although one of the original tips is now missing. Serial number 89105.
A particularly interesting rod historically, this Leonard was made by master rodmaker Marc Aroner, approximately between 1990 and 1993, for Larry Foster as part of the effort to preserve the Leonard tradition and trademarks.
There are several distinctive details that identify Aroner's hand. His mortising tool leaves a characteristic circular lip at the top of the cut, whereas the standard Leonard reel-seat mortise has a straight edge. The nodes have also been pressed to an unusually small size, another detail associated with Aroner's work.
The cane is a beautifully even oven-tempered wheat-straw colour, finished with light brown wraps edged in green and a distinctive green double wrap at the ferrules. A carbide stripping guide and keeper on the wrap flats complete the fittings. The serial number is present, with the “A” reportedly added by Marc Aroner, who believed it was Larry Foster's indication of the rodmaker.
The slender 4¼" cigar grip is exceptionally well preserved. The reel seat is fitted with a beautifully figured, lightly stained curly maple spacer, complemented by an oxidized nickel-silver cap and ring. The cap bears the traditional Leonard stamp:
“H.L. Leonard Rod Co, The Rodmaker, Since 1869”
The opposing side is marked “Catskill Special.”
The varnish remains perfect, the step ferrules have developed an attractive oxidized finish, and all three sections are straight and sound.
The rod comes in a cream-coloured poplin bag, configured to accommodate two tips and a non- original aluminium tube.
A remarkable modern Leonard with an important connection to the continuation of the Leonard tradition—beautifully made, exceptionally preserved and, with its Aroner provenance, a fascinating piece of American bamboo rodmaking history.
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 50DF Tournament, 4099½, Hunt 50-5, and The Duracane.
Specifications
Maker
H.L. Leonard
Rodmaker
Marc Aroner
Model
48-4 Catskill Special
Period
c. 1990–1993
Length
7'
Configuration
3-piece / 1 remaining tip (originally 2 tips)
Line
#4
Serial Number
89105
Cane
Oven-tempered wheat-straw bamboo
Wraps
Light brown with green tipping
Ferrules
Oxidized step ferrules
Grip
4 1/4" cigar cork
Reel Seat
Nickel-silver cap and ring, curly maple spacer
Condition
Very good condition; one original tip missing
Includes
Cream poplin bag and non-original aluminium tube
Enquiries
Questions about this piece, international shipping, or price are always welcome.
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