Description
This 5th Era Goodwin Granger Favorite Tournament – TF9052 is a “Tournament Action” fly rod that was crafted between 1934 and 1937.
The 5.5oz rod with 19/13 ferrules was specifically made for Tournament “Distance” competitive casting for certain weight and length classes.
A unique feature of this Tournament rod comes with a “Pat Pend” locking screw reel seat. Most Tournament Action rods were equipped with slide band reel seats as stated in the catalogs of the era: “The weights given on TOURNAMENT models are, of course, EXACT, and conform the N.A.S.A.C. tournament requirements. Tournament models do not have locking screw real seat.” Immediately following that the catalogs also state: “If you want a tournament model for FISHING purposes, a locking screw real seat will be fitted, if requested, at no extra cost.” – (Granger 1937 catalog, p2).
Another unique trait of this rod is the short (5.25”) cigar-shaped grip that’s typically seen on Tournament rods for distance casting as opposed to the more common Western grip on standard trout rods. The short grip clearly shows off the distinct swell in the cane just above it.
Additionally, ALL of the snake guides are size 1/0 and the stripper guide is unusually large for this era to allow for the maximum amount of line to shoot through the guides while casting.
This Goodwin Granger Favorite Tournament – TF9052 is in Mint, Restored condition thanks to a complete restoration in 2015 by Michael Sinclair (author of Goodwin Granger: The Rod Man From Denver). All sections are full length and straight. It comes with the original olive bag, aluminum tube (95% label) and cap.
The 1934 Catalog (pictured below) shows the Goodwin Granger Favorite Tournament 9052 as one of three Tournament models offered that year. Also available were models 9652 for Dry Fly Accuracy and 9653 for Distance & Wet Fly Accuracy.
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.
All ads shown here were scanned directly from their original publications.
