- General Enquiries:
- +44 (0)1480 494142
- +44 (0)7968 820468
- magazine@classicangling.net
Strong prices for Theodore Gordon’s tackle
Early fishing book sells for £160,000
31st October 2012Gilbey’s take on the world’s best places to fish
31st October 2012
Tackle owned by Theodore Gordon, known as “the father of American dry-fly fishing”, went for high prices at Crossroads Angling Auctions inaugural sale in New Jersey. The top price of $6250 (ex 15% commission) was paid for his fly-tying vice, while two framed sets of his flies went for $3500 and $3250. His personal fly rod made $3500, which might seem unspectacular but it was an unmarked 9ft Montague rod that would have struggled to command $200 otherwise. His wooden tackle box by William Mills sold for $1600 but its contents were sparse and unremarkable (unless you count his TB atomiser). Anything owned by Gordon is very rare because he suffered from tuberculosis, and when he died, all his possessions were burnt over fears that the disease could be spread. Top seller at the sale was a 1900 salmon reel by Ernest Holzman that went for $7000.
