Description
This 7633 Favorite is the only known example (1:1) of a factory produced Goodwin Granger prototype rod. This rod represents THE transition point in 1934 from the slide band reel seat (4th era) to the “Pat Pend” up-locking reel seat (5th era). The unique stamping on the prototype up-locking reel seat reads: GRANGER FAVORITE // Made By / Goodwin Granger Company / Denver. This is likely the only Granger rod with both a rubber stamp on the shaft AND a reel seat stamp with the grade name — Granger Favorite.
This unique Favorite underwent a complete restoration by Scott Whitman and is in spectacular, Mint Restored condition. All sections are original, full length and straight with fresh black & white jasper wraps tipped gold including full gold intermediates. The A-grade Tonkin cane is a deep, rich caramel color due to Granger’s ammonia aging process and covered in a fresh coat of varnish. Smooth operating Prototype up-locking nickel silver reel seat with Granger Favorite stamping. Very rare Perfection (PAT 8-3-15) tip tops. Hardened steel guides. Slim, original Reversed half-Wells “western” grip (slight ridging) has been cleaned and lightly sanded. Hard-drawn nickel silver ferrules are snug and pop when separated. Reproduction olive bag (by Finecane) and original aluminum tube and cap with replica label.
The 1934 Catalog (pictured below) shows the Goodwin Granger Favorite 7633 as one of nine models offered that year. Also available were models 8040, 8642, 9043, 9050, 9652, 9653, 9660 and 1062.
ABOUT THE GRANGER FAVORITE
The Goodwin Granger Favorite was introduced in several advertisements in 1930 and the 1931 Goodwin Granger Catalog describes the Favorite as follows:
“The Granger Favorite is a beautifully balanced rod, with quick action, sensitiveness, and power. This rod is one of our most popular models, and although moderately priced, is definitely in the ‘high grade’ class, and measures up to the exacting standards of performance. It will meet the approval of any fisherman who knows and appreciates a really good fly rod.”
The Favorite (formerly The Goodwin Rod) was one of Granger’s most popular grades given its classic appearance and moderate price point—at $25, it was half the cost of the top-of-the-line ($50) Premier.
Goodwin Granger Favorite rods of the 4th Era were available in 7 1/2′ to 10′ lengths (3 oz. to 6.5oz.) and priced at $25. Tournament models were available in 9 and 9.5′ lengths. Each was outfitted with a sliding band reel seat with “GRANGER FAVORITE” inscribed between two knurled bands. Grips were Coke Bottle shaped. Windings consisted of black & white jasper tipped in gold with full intermediate wraps.*
Changes to the Favorite grade in the 5th Era included the new uplocking reel seat and a Western (Reverse Half-wells) style grip.
Production of the Goodwin Granger Favorite grade lasted until the company closed its doors during WWII in 1941.
Wright & McGill Rod Co. purchased Granger Rods in 1946 and resumed production of the Favorite grade beginning with the 1947 Catalog. It was offered in 7.5′ to 9.5′ lengths (3.75 oz. to 6.0oz.) and priced at $50. Interestingly, the 1947 W&M Catalog also shows two 9′ Tournament models offered in the Favorite grade. The Favorite grade was offered for sale until the last W&M bamboo rods were listed in the 1953 Catalog.
The Favorite is listed as a “High Grade” rod constructed with A-Grade cane matched from different culms.
The Favorite is the only grade in the Wright & McGill lineup to offer full intermediate wraps.* This unique trait gives these rods a timeless, classic appearance… and many Granger collectors consider this grade their “Favorite”.
*Prior to the introduction of the Favorite grade, predecessors with full intermediate wraps included the 1st Era Deluxe grade and 2nd & 3rd Era Goodwin Rod.
GOODWIN GRANGER ADVERTISING IN THE 5TH ERA WITH PATENT PENDING REEL SEAT (1934 – 1937)
Goodwin Granger advertisements of the early 5th Era are all on the smaller side, produced in just one color (black), and have a similar layout. Most of the body copy describes the qualities of EVERY Granger Rod and the enjoyment one gets out of using such DEPENDABLE equipment.
The first ad in 1934 introduces the Granger Champion grade. The Champion grade is also featured in the 1934 Goodwin Granger Catalog.
The last ad in 1937 announces the production of the “NEW 1937 CATALOG“. This is the 1937 catalog with the GRANGER GREEN cover.
All ads list “GOODWIN GRANGER CO.” as the business entity and the address is consistent at Grant St, Denver, Colo.
You might notice that a different street number was assigned to each publication on all Granger ads. This was done to accurately track the responses for the same ad across different publications.