We have something special to share with you today. Just in from Germany a scarce and highly desirable early multi-section split cane valise rod by William Blacker of 54 Dean Street, Soho, London, dating to the early Victorian period, circa 1840–1845. William Blacker (1814 to 1888) was a notable London-based fishing tackle dealer and fly dresser in the 19th […]
Category Archives: Ephemera & Misc.
Collecting, Ephemera & Misc., The Thomas Turner Collector's guide, Thomas Turner blog
The Carp Catchers’ Club – When a 10lb Carp was a rarity
11
Feb
Feb
This week has been very ‘carpy’. I finally persuaded my wife to allow the Brian Mills carving of a 31.5ln carp into the house. Hidden in a corner but a breakthrough nonetheless. Having said that carp have never really been my thing especially when it comes down to modern methods with bolt rigs and […]
Collecting, Ephemera & Misc., General articles, Hardy, The Thomas Turner Collector's guide, Thomas Turner blog
ULF NORDSTROM – A MAN SERIOUS ABOUT SALMON
28
Jan
Jan
Given the scale of the collection of rods, reels and, in particular, fully dressed salmon flies assembled by Ulf, we felt it would be interesting to look more closely at the man behind it all. The following notes come from Freddy Johannsen, a great friend of Ulf’s, who was bequeathed the collection. “Ulf Nordström was […]
Collecting, Ephemera & Misc., News & Events, The Thomas Turner Collector's guide, Thomas Turner blog
Major Albert Smalley – inventor of the elder pith float?
19
Dec
Dec
Within the remarkable Peter Wheat collection—much of which has yet to be catalogued—are a number of fascinating elder pith floats made by Major Albert Smalley. Peter Wheat has written extensively about both these floats and Smalley himself, in Angling magazine and in The Pelham Manual of River Coarse Fishing. The assertion that Major Smalley was the inventor of […]
Ephemera & Misc., General articles, Thomas Turner blog
Richard Hewitt pays tribute to the fish-carving skills of the late Russian guide Nick Podolsky
06
Mar
Mar
In the summer of 2013, I heard the shocking news that my regular Russian guide Nick Podolsky had been murdered in a private dispute while running his summer camp for young people. Nick, who had become a friend rather than just a guide, was just 53. The purpose of his summer camps was to teach […]
15
Dec
Dec
With a little help from Keith Elliot’s Classic Angling, onto Jeff Dela Mura and other tackle friends we have managed to solve the riddle. Who is BJ the float maker? Bernard J Mason of Totnes, between Torbay and Dartmoor in South Devon, is the artisan float maker/painter responsible for these stunning handmade creations. Chatting to […]
Ephemera & Misc., Thomas Turner blog
Collection of 105 large gut eye salmon flies, formerly the property of William Humble Ward, 2nd Earl of Dudley
22
Sep
Sep
Thomas Turner is proud to offer for sale this unique collection of 105 large gut eye fully dressed salmon flies. The collection was formerly the property of William Humble Ward, 2nd Earl of Dudley, KP, GCB, GCMG, KSTJ, PC, TD, DL, 25th May 1867 to 29th June 1932. Humble-Ward was an aristocrat who held various roles […]
09
Sep
Sep
Originally published in 1934, this second edition 1941 softback handbook makes interesting reading. 70 pages plus a pull-out map describes the area, the people, accommodation, and facilities for the visiting angler. A holiday resort less well known than the Punjab and Kashmir regions, it’s a jewel in the crown. The populated parts of the Kulu […]
06
Jul
Jul
It’s not unusual for such a little piece of angling ephemera to hide a massive story. The Warner of Redditch little hook paper fold measures a diminutive 2.5” long. It was hiding in the base of a willow creel and is worthy of examination. The famous Warner fish and cross sword logo is displayed over […]
18
Jun
Jun
There is only one way to buy old floats and that’s in bulk! This amazing float collection is part of a huge vintage tackle collection we have recently bought. To be accurate, it’s only part of the float collection. Displayed on a custom-made three-tier setting, the floats span 100 years and are great fun to […]