Here's a few rods for your viewing pleasure...
Dave Lewis (Performance Fly Rods) 7'0"-#4-2pc. This is a rod from 1999, epoxy finish. An early standard build with a Bob Venneri reel seat. I remember visiting Bob at his home and picking out a few reel seats and woods... in my early days of rodbuilding. The classic brown wraps with tan tipping.

Another Dave Lewis 7'6"-#3/4-3pc. Presentation Rod. This one from 2009 with spar varnish finish. The spalted maple insert with REC hardware. Struble agate, etc. Orange wraps with burgundy tipping.

Bill Franke 8'0"-#5-3pc.
Bill was a friend who helped me get into the rodbuilding rat race. He helped with supplies, etc. Bill was a true gentleman that I was proud to know. This rod has his own hardware and rod tube hardware... this rod, in my opinion, is pure class. A standard of classic fly rods... (would of took more pics, but a thunderstorm rolled in)

Bill was an acquaintance who I considered a friend from our business dealings in One-Pfoot stuff and a few hysterical conversations over the phone. I wanted one of his 7'0" 3wts more than anything and he was going to build me one but his health issues got in the way.

Sadly, he never got well enough to build me that rod and I miss him.

Those are some beautiful rods you have there!!

I have two of his graphite rods -- a 9' 3/4 wt and 10' 6-7wt -- that show the same quality workmanship and attention to detail. Alas none of his glass rods...

Heddonist

Wonderful post Fred, and Duff, thanks for the link. Great exploring.

Fred
Thanks for the viewing pleasure.
Bill Franke 8'0" #5-3pc...pure class...a standard of classic fly rods...absolutely!
I have a 6'6" #3-2pc little brother that fits the same standard. It has Bill's black cap & ring hardware and lovely tube. The blank and threads match yours. It is a sublime casting fly rod.
Carl

Beautiful rods Fred. Thank you for sharing. I don’t think I’ve seen a Bill Franke rod before but have heard the name. Looks perfect to me.

I met Bill in person once - at the Catskills ‘Summerfest’ back in 2010-2011-ish?

I recall our conversation: We were discussing your “Brown Series”, Fred. I told him that I had just purchased the 8’0” #5 blank. Bill just raved about it. I so clearly remember him saying “that rod is a fishing machine.”

A fine compliment from one of our “lost masters”...

Thank you Fred

Thanks for this - very ingenious indeed, and not wanting of good lighting!