Whrlpool,
I made three errors with this rod, first was instead of spending time looking the rod over closely I went to browsing the web.
Second, the length is 8', I "measured" the rod by standing it next to another rod :0. After reading your post I grabbed a tape measure and it is 8' 3/4" in length.
Third, in the rods greasy, dust covered condition with a Martin reel attached I assumed the reel seat was Bakelite, in fact, after a good cleaning, it is painted aluminum! It has an odd paint that also gives it an odd texture or feel.
And your also right in that this rod isn't special in any one sense, but it has an interesting mojo, the more I handle it, clean, measure and look at it in the sunlight the more I like it. But the reality is that it was a truck rod that spent many years behind the seat and is scratched, rubbed and heavily used (loose ferrule).
I do think it's an anniversary model though with the 1948 to 1978 logo on it, I still can't read what it says even after cleaning my bi-focals twice, but can make out a 30.
So, in conclusion, I think this is a model 782 8' 2 pc 30th anniversary rod. Kinda cool!
Thanks to those who helped!