In the very early '60s my father made several framed displays with flies he tied... He sold them to help make ends meet. I sure would like to find them. One I remember was huge and had a gray matt background. I especially remember the jungle cock eyes on several flies in the large frame.

That is my oldest memory of fly gear. I am sure I have older stuff around, but the memory is probably the best.

The frames may still be kicking around the UP of Michigan I suppose...
art