This very famous London maker is best known for their magnificent brass-capped roach-poles; however they also made many excellent running line rods for sale from their own premises in East London. Sowerbutts rods were all made up to a quality, rather than down to a price.
A very rare rod indeed. The rod is a whole cane bottom section and the next two are split cane, the rod is an Avocet made by T. H. Sowerbutts of London E.1, the rod is 11 foot 3 inches long, the rod has been fully refurbished, and is now ready for the next 50 years of fishing, the rod has been done to a very high standard.
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'The Colne' - Whole/Split cane Roach Rod - is a three piece 13.5 ft cane rod with a separate short butt taking the length down to 11-11.5 ft. The butt and middle sections are of whole spliced cane, the top is whole cane with a spliced in built cane tip. The condition is original and used and exceptional for a rod of this age. The rod is very straight with only a hint of a natural downward sag. The cork is clean and fresh and the whippings rings are all complete and in good condition. The blank has some small marks and chippings to the varnish and a small bruise to the whole cane part of the top section. The ferrules are clean, and when pushed home firmly do not click. the top eye has been nicely rewhipped with no length loss.3 piece rod bags supplied. The rod is almost certainly pre war as the design matches those produced by the likes of hardy and Allcock at around that time. This rod has been hung correctly in a wardrobe, unused for almost 40 years and before that obviously well looked after.
A superb Sowerbutts and Sons of London 18 foot bamboo roach pole. Six sections with brass ferrules. Two brass stoppers. Fully close whipped in black. Twin tips (last two feet approx spirally whipped). Comes with original Sowerbutts rod bag with Sowerbutts label (faded in places)
This is a 12 foot split cane bottom rod called the "Sprite" made by the old London firm Sowerbutts. In 1994 the rod was refurbished with a couple of new rings, reel bands, inscription and a coat of varnish applied by Peter Aspindale and his wife of Aspindale and Sons Company.. The rod is beautiful and in as new condition having only light use since. The rod has a mellow medium action and handles tench and bream over 5lb. I never used the rod for carp fishing but it could be used for smaller carp on commercial waters. Its a perfect float rod. The handle is 28in long and and the butt and tip rings are agate lined with no cracks. The rod comes in a three section bag which does not have the makers name on.
This is one of the finest examples of a vintage whole cane rod you will come across. Approx. 12'6" in length (4 sections) - remarkably light and crisp action. It has a wonderful old patina and is very finely close whipped in black. The butt section bears the following inscription "The Thames Deluxe Match Rod" by T H Sowerbutts & Son Ltd of London. Also on the back is the following number: 2301-23. It is in fantastic original condition with spliced built cane tip ,slightly moulded cork handle, brass fittings and turned hardwood butt cap. The ferrules are brass, all tight and original, and there are 3 matching dark wood turned ferrule protectors. It comes in a cloth bag (not original). This really is a beautiful and rare old rod which could be used or would certainly enhance any collection of vintage tackle.
