This will be the first of a several. They are from my personal collection and this is meant to be used for reference.
It is a small random sample of probably over a million rods made under the Fenwick label. And with the exception of one, they are all fly rods.
Edit: By random sampling, I mean all rods were procured primarily based on their Model Numbers as I wanted as many examples of freshwater rods as were available. Each from a unique individual from unique addresses across the continental USA. With a couple of exceptions. Some were chosen based solely on my personal esthetic of what I like and a couple based on my perceived opinion of their rarity or uniqueness.
In all instances, the rods are grouped from left to right by Alpha Numerical Serial Numbers.
This is done for the sake of consistency as I post similar series showing other identifiers that may have legal markings that might help to categorize by their dates.
As far as I know, there is no way to determine manufacturing dates by reels seats.
First two photos are the rods laid out in order.
Version: S.1
Range: Pre-Series - B 2803
Examples:3
Notes: My personal favorite color combination.
Version: S.2
Range: B 10648 - B 13753
Examples:2
Notes: My 2nd choice. Hints of copper colored anodizing.
Version: S.3
Range: C 9592
Examples:1
Notes: This might be a heavy duty version of S.5. It is on an FF90.
Only one I have so including as a separate version at the moment.
Has engraved logo.
Version: S.4
Range: D 18671 - E 4033
Examples:3
Notes: Similar to S.2 but more silver than copper tone in anodizing.
Version: S.5
Range: E 42326- K 26851
Examples:7
Notes: This is similar in color to the Heavy duty S.3. Has engraved logo.
By far the widest range I have.
2 of the 8-1/2' rods have the extended reel hood.
See bottom left in photo.
Version: S.6
Range: K 150422 - L 289562
Examples:4
Notes: While unique in its own sense, the FF 535 seems to belong in this group.
Also brown or black end caps.
Double lock nut on the 8-1/2' rod.
Version: S.7
Range: N 169597 -N 274089
Examples:3
Notes: All cork reel seats. Molded logo on end caps
Version: S.8
Range; R 144856S -S 409534
Examples; 3
Notes; Double locknut
Version; Later versions. No serial numbers.
Range; Not Applicable.
Notes; While the rods are similar to the WoodStreams, i am assuming they are later.
They have modern stripping guides.
The hook keepers are the same but different colors.
The logos and labeling are also different between the two.
I included for reference and because it has a Voyaguer logo with registered trademark.