For sale here is a FE Thomas "Special" bamboo rod -- 8' 3/2 for a four or five weight line. Serial No. 1 within a circle. Made in 1921. The rod is in very good + condition with some issues. The varnish is beginning to alligator throughout the butt and mid sections. One of the tip sections is not original and was made at a later date, it is a much lighter color. The original tip was likely re-wrapped at the same time.  The un-original tip is 1/2 oz. lighter than the original. The guides on the tip ends of the rod are bronzed while the guides on the butt/mid end are blued. All guides are reverse twist. It appears that the butt and mid sections were revarnished at some point earlier in its life to hinder the progress of the heat/humidity damage. A half-restoration attempting to retain all salvageable original features.

Rich golden bronze silks and chinese red tipping. The rod also features full intermediates in the gold color. Triple banding at the winding check in a 3-3-3 pattern. Sculpted nickel silver winding check. The cigar-style grip is quite petite, as was the style of the day. The grip shows dark discoloration on one side and appears to have been damaged by heat. Otherwise, it is in better condition than one would expect a 95 year old grip to be. There are some light hook marks but it is free of ridging and major soiling. Nickel silver cap and ring reel seat. Fine knurling on the ring.

The rod weighs 3.90 oz. with the original tip. The ferrules are size 10/64 and 15/64, the fit is nice and tight as it should be. The action is medium. Replacement bag and tube.