For sale here is a Paul H. Young Martha Marie bamboo fly rod. This rod and other items noted below (including an amazing Art Flick collection) come from the Cardell family of Birmingham, Michigan. The Cardells were close friends with the Youngs and this rod was made in 1953 for Paul Cardell. Paul Cardell then gifted the rod to his daughter in-law, Lois, in 1962 because he fished his Perfectionist so much instead! Lois' husband, Jim Cardell, has also sent me a few very interesting photos of Paul Young with his father, Paul Cardell, as well as three correspondence letters from Martha Young, one written to Mr. and Mrs. Paul Cardell in 1975 and two written to Jim as late as 1993, when Martha was 94 years old!

According to Bob Golder, the Cardell family had a history of modifying rods and doing unique collaborations with Paul Young. See here for more discussion.

This particular version of the Martha Marie has random node spacing on all sections and the cane is not your typical "clean" variety cane used by PHY in his rod building career. One tip is 3/32" longer than the other. The longer tip appears to have an invisible wrap surrounding both silk windings on the last guide, with the guide being a smaller replacement. There is some black tape on the cork spacer to snug up reels it seems. Cork slightly ridged but otherwise fine. Thumb indentation in normal position on grip. Size 14 ferrules. Rod weighs 3.75 oz. Fish ruler black windings for 7 and 11 inches. Ferrule fit is good with both tips. I've learned that the blanks could have been sourced from the South Bend Rod Company and Paul then finished the rod. The rod remains in excellent+ original condition. Original bag and tube in excellent condition.

Other items from the Cardell family can be found for sale here:
1) Art Flick Flies and Streamside Guide Book
2) Art Flick Nymphs and Letters
3) Paul H. Young Midge rod
4) Paul H. Young Perfectionist rod (sold)
5) Paul H. Young Texas General rod
6) Bob Summers 856 rod (sold)
7) Bob Summer Midge rod (sold)
8) Ron McKinley rod (sold)
9) Ron McKinley rod (sold)