For sale here is a Payne Model 97 bamboo rod -- 7' with two sections and two tips for a 3wt line. The standout features of this rod are the locking reel seat which is almost never seen on a Model 97 and the script of the original owner's name on the butt section. The writing is likely that of Bessie Bailey, long-time rod wrapper for Jim Payne. The handwriting matches another known Payne rod in our inventory with the same style script. The rod is in excellent+ original condition with two small exceptions. One of the tip sections has a small varnish touch up and one of the tip-top is a Payne replacement. All sections are full length and straight. 

Mildly tempered cane with chestnut silks and gold tipping. Gold and purple at the winding check and tip-tops. Blued hardware throughout with the exception of the reel seat. Ring hook-keeper. The reverse half wells grip measures 6" in length with only the lightest of soiling. Up-locking reel seat over a Spanish cedar spacer. The locking ring bears the Payne trademark stamp as well as the "Made for Abercrombie & Fitch" stamp. The ferrule fit is excellent with ferrule plug included. The rod weighs 3.15 oz. The action of the rod is classic Catskill medium. Original bag and tube with the label 90% intact.