Dave, I have a better idea. SEND ME THE BLANK!

Kidding aside, that is a nice blank. Search the forum pages and you'll find lots of info and pictures. The vintage ones I've seen have dark wine colored wraps and light gray tipping. The older ones had full wells grips, some with cork seat and cap and band hardware, others with downlocking screw lock with wood spacer, some with all metal downlockers.

Thanks Guys,

When I bought it on ebay I paid WAY too much ($120.00) after a bidding war. Now I wish I'd bought a dozen of them. It came in the clear plastic sleeve and Fisher Glass tag stapled to the top marked $35.00.

Wondering about the grip and reel seat. Seems it should be a simple style build and not all pimped-up but tastefully cool...

Just to be sure--we'd love to see pics anyhow--is it a Fisher-made blank for Winston, or is it a stock Fisher blank. Not sure how the old Ebay listing might have described it, because either could be called "Fisher." Not to accurately describe the colors, but to distinguish between them, the Winston proprietary blanks by Fisher were distinctly reddish. The standard Fisher brown blanks were just a touch "rusty." Side by side, the Winston would be distinctly reddish brown and the Fisher just brown. Either looks great in standard Winston dress, but as folks suggest color combos it might be helpful to know which or to see a pic. Some of the later Fisher Glass factory rods appear more reddish and used black thread and white tipping.

By searching here, you can turn up Winstons and various Fisher custom builds. On the Fisher brown color, search up some SA System rods and Cortland Leon Chandler.

These are all in hallmark classic style that Winston did as well or better than anybody. Rust is a good color for the thread--burgundy, mahogany, whatever depending on the blank tone. I've used a fairly reddish thread on a couple recent ones, but on the classic Fisher brown, I like to keep the colors quiet:

If you like the redness of the Winston blanks, you can bring that out on the more brown Fisher blank by component choice and thread color:

Not Winston-style, but thought I'd join the Fisher-fest. I finished out this 7' Fisher with a Varmac two-toned downlocking metal reel seat, cigar grip, gudebrod nylon A #541 thread, white accent wraps.

I really think this build of a Morgan blank by Fine Tackle exemplifies "tastefully cool". A modern build that gives a nod to the great Fisher/Winston tradition.

viewtopic.php?f=8&t=47929&hilit=morgan

I'm sure the builder would take no offense at your comments Andy, after all you're trying to sell a reel seat. I can tell you the rod fishes quite well, no issues at all. The OP said he wanted simple and tasteful. I tried to provide a link to your "forget-me-not" build with the lilac colored wraps for a different perspective on simple and tasteful but the photos are so old they no longer exist.

Andy,

I got your PM and will reply privately but am in no way put-off by your kind offer. It's actually what I'd hoped someone would post in regards to help/info/etc.

As far as the blank itself, it is a Fisher labeled item. I'll get a picture later but the tag is yellow and brown with Fisher's Carson City address. Looking at it in the light I see no hint of red but have been called colorblind in the past. The only difference I've noticed between this and the old Winstons is that this has a light brown spigot whereas the Winstons I've seen are white.

Dave

You are a bad influence in a good way Andy.

Hello DuncanO
Just got back from the post office the package is on it's way.
Keep you fingers crossed the Reel Seat & Silk Dogs Don't get a whiff.
Tossed in 5 Spools of J&P coats silk you can't find anymore,it's the really good stuff.
I know you said you were set on thread you may change your mind.
Look on the bright side at least there's paroled trouts under the bridge to keep you company.
Tight Lines And Sale Of The Century Loops
Andy M

Good choice for the seat, it looks slick with that cool butt cap.

Great pick on that seat choice Duncan! I think it will look sweet on that blank. Can't wait to see the outcome.