[flytyerdave]

Hi. New to this site.

Anybody know the manufacturer of a Brownie bamboo fly rod?

Thanks! FTD

[Frank Whiton]

Hi FTD,

I can't answer your question but "Brownie" sounds like a model name rather than a manufacture. Is there any other information on the rod.

[flytyerdave]

Hi Frank,

I agree, the name Brownie is most likely the model name. The name is etched into the nickel silver seat along with "Patent Applied For".

It looks like an F.E. Thomas rod, but not sure. Also I have never heard of this model rod.

It is a high quality rod. Thanks for responding. FTD

[Frank Whiton]

FTD,

Edgar Sealey made a Brownie cane rod and he was in London. Most of his rods were quite long. Maybe you can find some information about his rods. Is there anything that indicates your rod came from England?

[flytyerdave]

Hi Frank,

Nothing on the rod indicates a British rod, as far as I can see. For instance, the snake guides are not English "left footed guides" as I like to call them. Thanks for your reply. FTD

[flytyerdave]

Hi Frank,

I just googled Edgar Sealey Brownie and sure enough, you are correct. It is that rod. My rod has been refinished, probably some time ago. Thanks for your help. FTD

[Frank Whiton]

flytyerdave,

Glad you got it sorted out.

[flytyerdave]

Back again, Frank re: Brownie rod.

One glitch that it's a Sealey rod...Beneath the name are the words, "Trademark, Reg. US Patent Off".

My question: How could it be a British rod with a registry in the US patent office?

Thanks. FTD

[Frank Whiton]

Hi flytyerdave,

A couple of things. The pat. is probably for the reel seat/handle not the fly rod. At one time America had some great bamboo rod builders and it is possible that the handle was made in America. Also, you said it had been refinished. The reel seat/handle could have been changed when the rod was redone. Nothing to stop some one in England from applying for the patent to protect their design in America. Especially if they were importing rods to America.

[Frank Whiton]

Hi Dave,

I just looked at your last post again and I missed the trademark comment. Little doubt that a company in England would trademark the name "Brownie" in the USA to keep other rod makers from using the name. I found 274 trademark filings at the patent office but nothing that fit a fly rod.