Berkley Hat Auction

[Joe Valencic]

Thanks to all who have participated in the signing of the Berkley Hat project. What started out as a fluke has turned into a very fun project that has brought more than its fair share of laughs, not to mention a thread that has run 7 months and with 390 replies and more than 10,300 page views. We have reached the end of interest in signing the hat, so it's time that we follow through with our original intent to auction off the hat and its accompanying goodies.

The hat and its accompanying sun shade (made by Jean DeSavage, aka sewsdrapes) have approximately 55 names of FAOL members inscribed on them, and also possess memorial pins from the Michigan Fish-In (Northern Pirates), Wyoming, North Coast Fly Fishers from the Island Nation of Ohio, a Heinz ketchup bottle and pickle, and a great frog pattern tied by HRH Betty Hiner. There is also a box of assorted flies tied by Doug Lind and other FAOL Members, three furled leaders (probably from Jack & Brad), one tapered leader 9'-0" lg. x 6X, a laminated pocket fly fisherman's knot guide, and lastly, two beautiful custom made bodkins made by modocdan, one with a Honduras Mahogany handle and the other with a stacked Micarta disc handle. Excellent craftsmanship from a generous FAOL member. Pictures of all the items are shown below.

These items will all go as one lot to the high bidder in this auction, with 100% of the proceeds going to towards the operational cost of the FAOL website. All bids will be kept anonymous and must be e-mailed to flybinder (Paul Wilmoth) at flybinder@flybinder.com. Paul will post the high bid each day, as well as the number of bidders participating each day. If you are outbid, you can increase your bid by sending Paul another e-mail.

The auction will last for 30 days so everyone has a chance to bid. Bids will be accepted until midnight, August 17, 2008. The winning bidder will be notified by e-mail the following day, and will make payment directly to FAOL at their address. Once the payment has been received by FAOL, the hat and all listed items will be shipped via USPS Priority Mail to the winning bidder in the continental US, or by ordinary mail to international bidders. Payment is to be made by check or money order in US Dollars.

Here's some pics of the items:









If you have any questions feel free to PM me or leave it on the BB and one of us will answer it for you.

Happy Bidding!

Joe & Paul

We have enjoyed the journey the hat has made back and forth across this great country, and look forward to your participation in the auction. As the winning bidder, you will have the option of having your name listed as such, or to remain anonymous.

Thanks, again, for your support, and happy bidding.

Joe