Picked up my first Bamboo rod at an auction. I think I did good!

bigslackwater

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I found a Wright and Mcgill Bamboo rod. Model Granger Premier 7633. It's the 7'6" Model. The second tip makes it 7'. I'm not sure if the spare tip was broken and repaired or if they offered it in two lengths. If it was broken, someone took the time to respace the guides and wrap them identical to the factory wraps. The condition is excellent. Wraps look perfect. Ferrules and reel seat have no tarnishing. From what I've found it's most likely considered a 4wt and casts great with a 4wt line. If anyone has more info on these rods, I'd love to hear. I won the online auction for $132 at a local auction house. There were several other bamboo rods that went for more but I think this was the best of the lot.
 
Pics of the rod and my first trout on it at Falling Spring
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Top quality rod. Only the very rare "Registered" was higher grade. Ferrules 15/10. Yours was wrapped very simply in comparison with lower grade models. However, the cane used was very carefully selected and only cut from one culm.

I believe yours is a re wrap. I don't think any Granger except the "Registered" had a hook keeper.

The tips were made as a mirrored pair.

Given that this was a $75 rod in the late 1940s and early 1950s, there probably aren't many around. That means a collector could have a tough time finding one, driving the price up more.
 
Very nice rod and fish. I’ve been contemplating a bamboo rod for a while now - cost has been a limiting factor.
 
Great find, even with the short tip.
The broken tip section is pretty much useless unless you want to cast it with a 7wt line or have it scarfed back to normal.
Just make sure the ferrules are tight on the boo and the fit is good. You should hear a nice pop when disassembling.
 
Add a proper vintage reel (late 1940's - 1950's), something that weighs around 5 oz empty and you'll be set. 😉

BTW - Is the line you are using true-to-weight (TTW) or slightly heavier? I ask because some folks like the 7633 with a TTW 5wt line.

Nice rod, great buy!!

Enjoy!!!
 
That was a good deal for a 7633. The short tip was definitely broken at one time but should be fine may need to go up one line for that the tip section. Most of the ones I have cast depending on the fly line were 4wts but have cast some with a 5 wt. nice rod enjoy it and treat it right and it will take care of you.
 
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