Great story Harry, there is never anything quite like that first one is there? Still have my first one, a gift from an old man that I met in the river and fished with for a few years, it was a gift to him from his wife right after WWII. He was approaching 90 when he gave it to me and told me that I should take good care of her, that he wouldnt be need it anymore.

by the way, you make some beautiful rods!!! Hiram would be proud of your work!
Leo