Introduction:
Sharpe’s of Aberdeen Innovation Since 1920 - The underlying principles of innovation, product quality and service are the cornerstone of Sharpe’s of Aberdeen, who can trace a history dating back to 1920 when J.S. Sharpe set up his tackle manufacturing business in John Street Aberdeen. The company quickly established a reputation for quality and innovation in the design and manufacture of split cane rods for salmon and trout fishing, with the subsequent development of a comprehensive range of tackle, consumables and accessories.
In 1933 at the Milan exhibition Sharpe’s were awarded the Diploma and Gold medal for their impregnated split cane rods which had been developed in Aberdeen. Another development in the early days of Sharpe’s was the construction of the 7 section split cane rod which was thinner and lighter than the conventional 6 section rod.
During the Second World War Sharpe’s craftsmen made precision components for Spitfires but afterwards our highly skilled craftsmen were glad to returned to the production of high quality fishing tackle. Indeed, the post war period saw Sharpes products being promoted by the British Council of Industrial Design and exhibited round the world.
The 1950’s and 60’s saw continued growth and prosperity for the company. However the continued success with traditional materials meant that it was slower to adopt the new composite materials which were starting to be utilised in the manufacture of fishing rods. As a consequence, whilst Sharpes was always highly regarded manufacturer for quality of materials and workmanship, it lost its world leading position. This was a bitter blow but it had the effect of galvanising the company into both utilising the new materials like carbon etc and looking for the next significant advance in materials so as to ride the new wave rather than be left behind.
Sharpes Web Site >>
An early Sharpes of London three piece Avocet rod, whole cane butt section and split cane middle and top section. I believe that Sharpes bought the rights to the Scottie logo and set up in business making split cane rods in the early nineties. The company had a professional rod finisher at the time by the name of Phil Hawker and the early rods from that period were of very high quality. The rod is in near mint condition and carries the Scottie logo above the handle. The rod is dated 1998 and and the build is of very high quality. There has been no refurbishment as in ring replacements to the rod but it has been professionally varnish dipped to a smooth glass like finish. Rod is straight and ferrules pop when rod is dismantled. Rod length is 11ft with amberfin type butt and tip ring. Handle measures 23 inches from aluminium cone above handle to bottom of rubber button. Overall a nice lightweight rod for trotting and would suit the traditional angler that wishes to fish with a modern classic.
[Home>>] [top of page>>]
Chris Ball "Allrounder" 11´ Carp Rod, Scottie
A vintage J. S. Sharpe of Aberdeen, Scotland Cane Fly Rod Classic Scottie 9', 2/2, 6 Wt., Impregnated Bamboo Rod. This vintage split bamboo fly rod is a fine example of the classic Celtic fly rod.
The rod was made by J. S. Sharpe of Aberdeen, Scotland. Sharpe rods bear a very close resemblance to Orvis bamboo fly rods; Sharpe has been a supplier of bamboo rod blanks to the Orvis company for several years. This particular rod is a Scottie, and the Scottie rods have always been a high quality rod for a moderate price.
This rod is Impregnated, and it was made to be nine feet long in two sections with two tip pieces. The rod weighs five and one-half ounces, and it was made to throw a six weight line. The ferrule, line guide, hook keep, and decorative wraps have been done in translucent cane colored thread. All of the wraps are tightly wound with no loose threads or any evidence of repair.
There are eight German silver bridge type line guides. The tip tops and the stripping guide are also fashioned of German silver, as are the hook keep and the grip check. The stacked cork grip is cigar shaped and it is in excellent condition. The grip is six and one-half inches long and it is fifteen-sixteenth inches in diameter at the widest point. Below the grip is the machined full metal aluminum alloy reel seat and lock. The reel seat will accept a reel foot up to three and one-half inches long. The downward lock reel seat lock consists of machined in threads for a knurled and machined locking ring, machined in grooves to hold the reel foot in place, and a German silver stationary hood at the butt end. There is a simple aluminum alloy butt cap below the hood. The reel seat and lock are fully functional with no signs of use or age.
This rod is identified by an inscription engraved in the barrel of the reel seat. The inscription reads "J. S. Sharpe" with "Aberdeen" on a second line. The rod is further identified by spiraling black script on the wood above the hook keep. This inscription reads "The 'Scottie'". Below this inscription is an acetate decal with the outline of the Scottie dog with the word "'Scottie'" in black script below the dog. Finally, there is the word "Impregnated" in gold letters on a black background below the Scottie. Also, there is the J. S. Sharpe logo and information on the original rod bag. This excellent split bamboo fly rod is ready for the stream or for the collection of fine British or Celtic fly rods.
Once again very grateful to my friend Steve for this set of photos. A J S Sharpe Scottie Specialist 10 foot fly rod.
