A fine Orvis Battenkill from 1968, dating to the Wes Jordan era and featuring Orvis' distinctive impregnated bamboo construction.
At 7'6" and 3⅞ oz., this is an exceptionally versatile and much-loved Orvis taper—light, refined and ideally suited to smaller rivers and streams. The action is medium to medium-fast, offering a pleasing balance of delicacy and reserve.
The Battenkill occupies an important place in the history of Orvis bamboo. Named for the celebrated trout stream flowing through Manchester, Vermont, the model became one of Orvis' enduring rod families and was produced in a wide variety of lengths, weights and configurations. The taper was offered for everything from delicate trout fishing to considerably heavier salmon, steelhead and bass applications.
Its history is closely connected with Wes Jordan, who became head of rod production at Orvis and was responsible for much of the company's post-war development. Jordan's work on impregnated bamboo produced a rod construction that was highly resistant to moisture and changes in temperature, while also giving the finished cane its distinctive darker appearance. By 1954, impregnated construction had become standard across Orvis' rod production.
The Battenkill consequently became one of the characteristic Orvis rods of the mid-century period: practical, durable and beautifully refined, while retaining the feel and responsiveness of a traditional bamboo rod. Examples from the 1960s remain particularly appealing to anglers because they combine Jordan's mature impregnated construction with the light, progressive actions that made the smaller Battenkill tapers so versatile.
The characteristic impregnated finish gives this rod its understated appearance and the durability for which these Orvis rods are renowned. The tip shows a slight set, which can be corrected upon request
The cork grip shows honest signs of use and has developed a pleasing patina over the years, while remaining sound and supple with some ridging.
The rod is accompanied by its original Orvis aluminium tube and a non-original rod sock.
A beautifully understated example of a classic Orvis bamboo rod from the Wes Jordan era—a rod made to be fished, rather than merely admired.
Explore our other vintage Orvis bamboo fly rods, including the Midge and Midge Nymph models.
Maker
Orvis
Model
Battenkill
Length
7'6"
Configuration
2-piece / 2-tip
Line
#5
Weight
3 7/8 oz
Serial Number
50791
Year
1968
Era
Wes Jordan
Action
Medium to medium-fast
Construction
Impregnated bamboo
Grip
Original cork, showing use
Condition
Used; slight set reported
Includes
Original Orvis tube and non-original rod bag
Questions about this piece, international shipping, or price are always welcome.
A fine Orvis Battenkill from 1968, dating to the Wes Jordan era and featuring Orvis' distinctive impregnated bamboo construction.
At 7'6" and 3⅞ oz., this is an exceptionally versatile and much-loved Orvis taper—light, refined and ideally suited to smaller rivers and streams. The action is medium to medium-fast, offering a pleasing balance of delicacy and reserve.
The Battenkill occupies an important place in the history of Orvis bamboo. Named for the celebrated trout stream flowing through Manchester, Vermont, the model became one of Orvis' enduring rod families and was produced in a wide variety of lengths, weights and configurations. The taper was offered for everything from delicate trout fishing to considerably heavier salmon, steelhead and bass applications.
Its history is closely connected with Wes Jordan, who became head of rod production at Orvis and was responsible for much of the company's post-war development. Jordan's work on impregnated bamboo produced a rod construction that was highly resistant to moisture and changes in temperature, while also giving the finished cane its distinctive darker appearance. By 1954, impregnated construction had become standard across Orvis' rod production.
The Battenkill consequently became one of the characteristic Orvis rods of the mid-century period: practical, durable and beautifully refined, while retaining the feel and responsiveness of a traditional bamboo rod. Examples from the 1960s remain particularly appealing to anglers because they combine Jordan's mature impregnated construction with the light, progressive actions that made the smaller Battenkill tapers so versatile.
The characteristic impregnated finish gives this rod its understated appearance and the durability for which these Orvis rods are renowned. The tip shows a slight set, which can be corrected upon request
The cork grip shows honest signs of use and has developed a pleasing patina over the years, while remaining sound and supple with some ridging.
The rod is accompanied by its original Orvis aluminium tube and a non-original rod sock.
A beautifully understated example of a classic Orvis bamboo rod from the Wes Jordan era—a rod made to be fished, rather than merely admired.
Explore our other vintage Orvis bamboo fly rods, including the Midge and Midge Nymph models.
Maker
Orvis
Model
Battenkill
Length
7'6"
Configuration
2-piece / 2-tip
Line
#5
Weight
3 7/8 oz
Serial Number
50791
Year
1968
Era
Wes Jordan
Action
Medium to medium-fast
Construction
Impregnated bamboo
Grip
Original cork, showing use
Condition
Used; slight set reported
Includes
Original Orvis tube and non-original rod bag
Questions about this piece, international shipping, or price are always welcome.
