Allcocks 'SAPPER ROACH', 10ft 6" 3-piece, SUPERB & SUPER SCARCE

Allcocks 'SAPPER ROACH', *SUPERB* and SUPER SCARCE.

10Ft 6'' 3 piece split cane. The 'Sapper Roach' is a high quality pre-war pattern that is rarely seen and almost never sighted in this condition. Additionally, this lovely example bears the super rare red 'Stag' transfer that was applied only to rods for export – in this case to France - making it an exceptionally rare find indeed. It also bears an export type 'red stag' badge on the blue rod bag - again a colour variant it is believed was reserved solely for export rods. Between the wars Allcocks were really right on the top of their game producing high quality and practical split cane rods to pair with their peerless 'Aerial' reels. The 'Sapper Roach' featured right at the top of their range and was priced only a few shillings less than the famed and keenly sought green stained 'Wallis Wizard'. The end of WW2 left tackle companies missing key skilled craftsmen and bereft of materials. Very high purchase tax imposed by a government desperate to recover financially was a further handicap leading to cost saving and there can be no doubt that, realistically, in terms of quality, the pre-war output was superior. This rod was fairly described in the maker's 1938 catalogue thus; 

 'A beautifully balanced and quick striking rod for float fishing which will stand up to heavy fish and can be thoroughly recommended' .

It is believed the Sapper Roach design formed the basis for the post-war, top of the range 'Eclipse', which is similarly 10'6'' and 3 piece split cane. This fine example has been beautifully restored in green silk ring whippings with contrasting crimson silk intermediates – a colour combination used later on the 'Eclipse'. The original fittings are all retained including red agate lined butt and delightfully elegant red agate lined tip ring (not agatine as used on post war rods), bronzed-brass collar, reel bands ferrules and butt cap, the latter bearing the famous Allcock 'roundel'. For practicality the intermediate 'low bells' rings have been replaced with identical new ones. Sporting a high gloss deep varnish finish this is a charming and delightful, light and very usuable piece of collectable angling history.

Pictured with the rod is a Allcocks 4 SPOKE COXON 4104-T2 (1905) Unbelievable Condition, Near Mint