It's my pleasure to offer at sale a rather nice and seldom offered 1936-1939 HEDDON "BAUER'S FLY CASTER" 9 FT., 3/2 SPLIT BAMBOO *TRADE* FLY ROD WITH BAG & ALUMINUM TUBE. The "Bauer's Fly Caster" model was a *trade* rod produced by James Heddon's Sons for and sold exclusively by Bauer Sport Shop of Seattle, Wash., which was owned and operated by Eddie Bauer (yes, THAT Eddie Bauer) from 1920 to 1939. Because this example is equipped with the down-locking reel seat, we know it wassupplied to Bauer no earlier than 1936and maybe as late as 1939. This model is included in the April 6, 1937 "HEDDON PRIVATE BRAND RODS" list, seen on page 176 of Michael Sinclair'sclassic reference "HEDDON - The Rod With The Fighting Heart", so we know Bauer was still selling them at least through 1937. This is a very powerful model, built on Heddon's No.3 ferrule, easily able to handle just about all freshwater game fish. Heddon's Cleo Hanley has handwritten "Bauer's Fly Caster" along one flat, just above the hook keeper. The reel seat locking nut is stamped "PAT. NO. 1624052", the 1927 patent assigned to Heddon for the screw-locking seat. A very high-grade example, although I don't really see a direct equivalent to any one of Heddon's regular models. Built with quality browntone Tonkin cane and comes equipped with gun metal finish hardware, extra tip section, agate stripping guide, (11) snake guides, Perfection tip tops, hand-welted & serrated ferrules, flip-ring hook keeper, black pyralin winding & grip checks, screw-locking "Hold-Tite" reel seat of unusual grey-colored tenite, black plastic butt cap, solid cork Heddon Half-Wells grip and wound in gold or light brown silk tipped in black. Rod is in about Fine condition for these, showing moderate overall wear. Looks as though one guide has beenrewrapped on the mid at some point, but the rod appears completely original otherwise. Bamboo is perfect, with no splits, cracks or delamination whatsoever. All four sections are the correct equal length and are virtually straight. Original varnish is thinning in spots, but remains in good condition overall. It would benefit from a nice overcoat if it was to be fished. Rod shaft markings are pristine. All wraps are solid and complete. All guides, tip tops, ferrules, hook keeper, winding check, grip check and butt cap are very nice. Reel seat works perfectly with bold stamping. Solid cork grip is excellent. Put up in a new cloth bag. All that goes into the Heddon aluminum tube, in Very Good condition. Shows numerous small dings and surface wear, but remains straight and solid. The cap screws on tightly and securely. A very tough Heddon trade package to find, in any condition. 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. Payment must be received within 7 days of sale closure. Thanks for your time and good luck.