It\'s my pleasure to offer at sale a Very Nice and Quite Scarce 1947-1951 HEDDON No.17 \"BLACK BEAUTY\" 7 FT., 2/2 *FEATHERWEIGHT* 01/2 FERRULE SPLIT BAMBOO FLY ROD WITH CLOTH BAG & NEW ALUMINUM TUBE. One of the most desirable tapers produced by James Heddon\'s Sons, in one of their most popular models. The two-piece Featherwieghts were introduced by Heddon in 1939 and would sell through 1952 for some models. Because this example carries the Post Classic era rod shaft markings and is equipped with the standard reel seat for the No.17, we know it\'s a post-war version built from 1947-1951 (the 7 ft. model was not available on the No.17 in 1952). Heddon\'s Cleo Hanley has handwritten \"Heddon\", \"Featherweight\" and \"Black Beauty\" along three adjacent flats and \"#17 - 7\' - 01/2F - HEH or F\" on the opposite flat. The \"01/2F\" is the ferrule size for \"Featherweight\" action in a 7 ft. model and \"HEH or F\" is the old line weight designation equivalent to today\'s modern 4 or 5 wt. lines. The reel seat locking nut is stamped \"PAT. NO.1807078\", the 1931 patent assigned to Heddon for the screw-locking seat. Built with very high-grade browntone Tonkin cane, a nicely swelled butt, blackened hardwareand comes equipped with extra tip section, Perfection guides & tip tops, hand-welted nickel silver serrated ferrules, flip-ring hook keeper, black pyralin winding check & butt cap, solid cork grip, screw-locking \"Hold-Tite\" reel seat of black tenite and wound in black silk tipped in red. I\'ve added a photo of the original listing from Heddon\'s 1949 catalog. Rod is in about Fine to Very Fine condition, showing light wear consistent with normal use. It has been well taken care of. Bamboo is perfect, with no splits, cracks or delamination whatsoever. All sections are the correct equal length, with just light sets to the very delicate tips. Original varnishremains in very nice condition. Rod shaft markings are pristine. All wraps are solid and complete. All guides, tip tops, ferrules, hook keeper, winding check & butt cap are in very good condition. Solid cork grip shows some old wear from use, but is solid and complete, The reel seat works perfectly and is boldly stamped. Put up in a period bag that could be sewn in a few areas, but remains very solid and serviceable. All this goes into a new black aluminum tube with brass cap and collar. A very nice post-war example of a Heddon model and taper that are fast-disappearing. This rod is ready to enhance one\'s collection, or be put back to work. To be sold with a very low starting offer and . Buyer to pay $20.00 shipping via U.S. Priority Mail, with full insurance and tracking. *NOTE* - Due to its length, this rod may be too long to ship Internationally to certain countries. Please contact me BEFORE offerDING if you are unsure, at which time I can also give you an exact shipping quote. Payment must be received within 7 days of sale closure. Thanks for your time and good luck on this one.