Aroner Hunt Pattern 7’6″ 2/2 #3 DF

An Aroner Hunt Pattern 7’6″ 2/2 #3 DF in very excellent condition. “Aroner 7 1/2′ #3 DF – Hunt Pattern” is labeled on the rod shaft. This is a rare early model in this length and configuration. It predates the use of a roller die stamp which places its manufacture in the late 1980’s to early 1990’s. This is also the first screw lock seat I hand-made on my small 7″ swing Pratt & Whitney lathe. I had the anodizing done at the same place that famed reelmaker Stan Bogdan used. Looking back on it now, I still think these are the best engineered screw locks I have come across (on that small lathe it was extremely time-consuming to make all 4 parts and was thus very, very expensive). The choice of an uplocking seat for a lighter rod was somewhat rare and was made by the original customer. The wood spacer is varnished and mortised walnut and the grip is a Payne-style or western design, with a hidden pocket cap. The grip shows only very slight hand soiling. Wrappings are “May Rose” silk wit