A particularly fine H.L. Leonard The Duracane, measuring 7'6" and built for a #5 line. This is an impregnated bamboo rod from the Tom Maxwell period at Leonard, preserved in very good used condition.
Serial #136, the rod is recorded in the H.L. Leonard database and was most likely made around 1978–79. The medium-tempered cane has lightly oxidized guides with transparent honey windings, complemented by brown and black accents at the ferrules and winding check.
All sections are full length and correctly serialized. The two tips are dead straight, with original 13/64" ferrules that fit perfectly, showing only some external oxidation. The original Leonard inscriptions remain exceptionally clear and crisp, written in Tom Maxwell's distinctive hand.
The approximately 5" cork grip shows some characteristic ridging from use and is fitted with nickel-silver checks. Very clean. The blued cap-and-ring reel seat is mounted over a beautifully figured mortised mahogany spacer, with some signs of use. The rod has a medium action, particularly well suited to a DT5.
It is worth noting that this is a Leonard in-house Duracane blank, rather than one of the Duracanes produced on blanks supplied by Sharpe's. Leonard's own Duracane was developed as a distinct rod series, with its own tapers and impregnated bamboo construction. The 1978 Leonard catalogue describes the Duracane as a rod combining special Leonard tapers with the company's traditional craftsmanship and fittings.
During Tom Maxwell's tenure at Leonard, the designation evolved into “The Duracane.” The Maxwell-era rods bearing this inscription are now readily identifiable by the distinctive wording and Maxwell's characteristic script. Specialist collectors consequently use The Duracane as a useful marker for this particular Maxwell period of production.
In other words, the Maxwell Duracanes are properly referred to as “The Duracane”, rather than simply Duracane. This example, with The Duracane inscription still exceptionally crisp in Maxwell's hand, is a particularly fine representation of the series.
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 Catskill Special 48-4.
Maker
H.L. Leonard Rod Company
Model
The Duracane
Length
7'6"
Configuration
2-piece / 2-tip
Line
#5 (DT5)
Action
Medium
Construction
Impregnated bamboo
Ferrules
13/64"
Serial Number
136
Year
c. 1978–79
Era
Tom Maxwell
Condition
Very Good
Includes
Original bag and tube
Questions about this piece, international shipping, or price are always welcome.
A particularly fine H.L. Leonard The Duracane, measuring 7'6" and built for a #5 line. This is an impregnated bamboo rod from the Tom Maxwell period at Leonard, preserved in very good used condition.
Serial #136, the rod is recorded in the H.L. Leonard database and was most likely made around 1978–79. The medium-tempered cane has lightly oxidized guides with transparent honey windings, complemented by brown and black accents at the ferrules and winding check.
All sections are full length and correctly serialized. The two tips are dead straight, with original 13/64" ferrules that fit perfectly, showing only some external oxidation. The original Leonard inscriptions remain exceptionally clear and crisp, written in Tom Maxwell's distinctive hand.
The approximately 5" cork grip shows some characteristic ridging from use and is fitted with nickel-silver checks. Very clean. The blued cap-and-ring reel seat is mounted over a beautifully figured mortised mahogany spacer, with some signs of use. The rod has a medium action, particularly well suited to a DT5.
It is worth noting that this is a Leonard in-house Duracane blank, rather than one of the Duracanes produced on blanks supplied by Sharpe's. Leonard's own Duracane was developed as a distinct rod series, with its own tapers and impregnated bamboo construction. The 1978 Leonard catalogue describes the Duracane as a rod combining special Leonard tapers with the company's traditional craftsmanship and fittings.
During Tom Maxwell's tenure at Leonard, the designation evolved into “The Duracane.” The Maxwell-era rods bearing this inscription are now readily identifiable by the distinctive wording and Maxwell's characteristic script. Specialist collectors consequently use The Duracane as a useful marker for this particular Maxwell period of production.
In other words, the Maxwell Duracanes are properly referred to as “The Duracane”, rather than simply Duracane. This example, with The Duracane inscription still exceptionally crisp in Maxwell's hand, is a particularly fine representation of the series.
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 Catskill Special 48-4.
Maker
H.L. Leonard Rod Company
Model
The Duracane
Length
7'6"
Configuration
2-piece / 2-tip
Line
#5 (DT5)
Action
Medium
Construction
Impregnated bamboo
Ferrules
13/64"
Serial Number
136
Year
c. 1978–79
Era
Tom Maxwell
Condition
Very Good
Includes
Original bag and tube
Questions about this piece, international shipping, or price are always welcome.
