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H.S. 'Pinky" Gillum - Spey
$0.00

H.S. 'Pinky" Gillum - Spey

$0.00
Sale Pending
H.S. 'Pinky" Gillum - Spey
type: Bamboo
condition: E - Excellent
rod length: 12'6"
rod sections : 3/2
rod weight: 8
includes: Original tube & sock, Note label is gone.
description: Stunning Gillum Spey rod again custom built and Big brother to the others sold. The two handed 12'6" Spey is one of maybe 8 made. This rod was built in the early 60's before he passed away in 5/12/1966. H.S. “Pinky” Gillum rods continue to bring the highest price of any rod at market. Often considered by many to be the number one collectible in bamboo rods! Having only built around 1000 rods in his whole career makes every rod a treasure. Along with this rod come a bit of fly fishing history and a family that shared a friendship with the Gillum's. Tom Lewis Sr. (listed in the Who's Who of American Anglers) along with Wife Natalie Lewis knew the Gillum’s well and some of the first rods Tom Sr. received from Pinky were Salmon rods. His love for these rods were above all others. I was sent a few photo’s of the family enjoying their days fishing on one of many trips. Whether fishing the Alta River in Norway or the George River in Canada for Salmon, fish were always landed using a Gillum rod. Now back to the rod at hand. Natalie a gifted artist, sculpturist and fly fisher-woman expressed a great interest in how Pinky did such fine work on each rod. With this Pinky took her for a tour of his shop showing her the various aspects of rod building. As the two artist talked, Mrs. Lewis revealed her appreciation to Pinky for his artistic ability to work so well with the materials at hand. When the Lewis’s went back to pick up another this 12'6" I-900 and 7’6” Trout Rod. Pinky had the nice little 6’6” Trout rod ready for Mrs. Lewis as a surprise. Tom Lewis Jr. who now owns these rods remembers this was the sixth rod of the group and came as a gift to his Mother from Pinky himself! This Spey Rod is an amazing accomplishment in rod building. The rod is in “E” condition with both tips and butt section showing light, very nice patina to the cork grip with everything else in perfect order. The label is about 88% with all marking correct, listing the Model as “Trout” in 7’6” length, weight and serial number I-900 which is also found on both tips, butt section and mid of the rod. Logo stamp aluminum down-locking reel seat with mahogany spacer. This rod would be the highlight of any collection! For myself I have always been intrigued by Gillum rods, from the stories of Pinky on the stream too each individual rods produced. They all have a their own unique characteristics. It truly shows he was a master of the craft and one of a kind in spirit.


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