There are moments in the life of a tackle dealer when something truly special arrives—pieces that stop you in your tracks, not just for their rarity, but for what they represent.
This is one of those moments.
We are delighted to present a newly listed collection of over 120 Hardy salmon flies, all dating to the 1960s and, most remarkably, preserved unused and in their original sealed Hardy packets.These are not simply fishing flies. They are artefacts from what many consider to be the golden age of British fly dressing.
During the mid-20th century, Hardy of Alnwick stood at the pinnacle of fly dressing craftsmanship.
Each fly was tied by hand in Alnwick by highly skilled artisans, working to standards that today feel almost impossible to replicate. These were not mass-produced items in the modern sense, but carefully constructed works of precision and balance.
What elevates this particular collection further is its authentication.
In consultation with Ken Middlemist—the last surviving Hardy fly dresser—we understand that flies from this period were most likely tied by either Middlemist himself or his colleague Tom Weatherill. Between them, they represent the final link to a tradition that defined an era.
Why Hardy Salmon Flies Are So Sought After
Collectors and anglers alike are drawn to Hardy salmon flies for several reasons:
1. Craftsmanship
Each fly is a miniature work of art. The layering of exotic feathers, the symmetry, and the precision tying are all hallmarks of a level of skill rarely seen today.
2. Materials
Tied on high-quality hooks from makers such as Partridge of Redditch and Mustad, these flies were built not just to look beautiful, but to perform.
3. Provenance
Hardy’s reputation is unmatched. To own a Hardy fly is to own a piece of angling history.
4. Rarity in Condition
While many vintage flies survive, very few remain unused—and fewer still in their original sealed packets. This is what sets this collection apart.
The Importance of Original Packets
Condition is everything in the world of collectable tackle.
Over time, flies are fished, handled, or rehoused. Original packaging is often discarded. As a result, examples that remain sealed—untouched since they left Alnwick over half a century ago—are becoming more and more scarce.
For collectors, the packet is more than packaging.
It is provenance, preservation, and presentation all in one.
For this reason, we would always recommend preserving these flies in their original packets wherever possible.
A Collection with Provenance
Beyond their condition and craftsmanship, these flies carry another layer of significance.
They form part of the distinguished collection curated by Ulf Nordstrom of Gothenburg—a name well known to those familiar with serious angling collections.
To acquire flies from such a collection is to inherit not just the object, but the care, knowledge, and passion behind its curation.
To Fish or To Collect?
For many, the question naturally arises—should these flies ever be fished?
Our view is simple:
Pieces of this rarity and condition are best preserved.
However, for those looking to experience traditional craftsmanship on the water, we do offer a wide selection of loose flies of similar origin and quality, available in various patterns and sizes. Keep your eyes peeled, as more to be listed in the next few weeks
Explore the Collection
This is a rare opportunity to acquire examples from one of the most respected names in angling history, in a condition that is increasingly difficult to find.
With over 120 flies now listed, the range of patterns and sizes offers something for both the seasoned collector and the discerning enthusiast.
