Goodwin Granger The Goodwin Rod RF7630
Goodwin Granger The Goodwin Rod RF7630
Goodwin Granger The Goodwin Rod RF7630
Goodwin Granger The Goodwin Rod RF7630
Goodwin Granger The Goodwin Rod RF7630
Goodwin Granger The Goodwin Rod RF7630
Goodwin Granger The Goodwin Rod RF7630
Goodwin Granger The Goodwin Rod RF7630
Goodwin Granger The Goodwin Rod RF7630Goodwin Granger The Goodwin Rod RF7630Goodwin Granger The Goodwin Rod RF7630Goodwin Granger The Goodwin Rod RF7630Goodwin Granger The Goodwin Rod RF7630Goodwin Granger The Goodwin Rod RF7630Goodwin Granger The Goodwin Rod RF7630Goodwin Granger The Goodwin Rod RF7630Goodwin Granger The Goodwin Rod RF7630

Goodwin Granger – The Goodwin Rod – RF7630

Grade: The Goodwin Rod
Model: RF7630
Length: 7.5′
Weight: 3.0oz (3.4oz with Reel Seat)
Sections: 3/3 (3 Original Tips, One with Scarf)
Ferrule Size: 15/10
Grip: Coke Bottle
Reel Seat: Sliding Band
Tube: Original Aluminum with 85% Original Label
Bag: Original Olive Canvas 
Condition: Very Good
Location: Brooklyn, NY
Status: Private Collection, Not for Sale

SKU: RF7630-1 Categories: , , Tag:

Description

This RF7630 is an early 3rd Era rod and marks the last run of The Goodwin Rod.  The cap label is clearly labeled RF7630, yet the reel seat is marked Goodwin Granger & Co. suggesting it was made just prior to the name change to Goodwin Granger Company in the very early part of the 3rd era—most likely 1927.

This very scarce RF7630 underwent a sympathetic reconditioning by Scott Whitman in early 2017.  The goal from the outset was to keep as much of the rod in its original state, yet provide the angler with full confidence to fish it again.  The rod comes with 3 tips. Two are full length and the 3rd was scarfed behind the 2nd guide. Agate stripper guide. Perfection “PAT 8-3-15” Tip Tops on all 3 tips. Original Coke Bottle grip is in exceptional condition and was therefore left in its original state. Wraps are black & white jasper tipped gold with gold intermediates. The sliding band nickel silver reel seat states: “THE GOODWIN ROD” cleanly roll stamped between two incised lines at the top and “Made By / Goodwin Granger & Co. / Denver” below that.

The “A-grade Tonkin Cane” is a beautiful deep reddish-caramel color due to Granger’s ammonia aging process. The rod appears to have received a varnish overcoat in the past. As part of the reconditioning, a tinted varnish was mixed to match the original color. Varnish was applied to the butt section (from the ferrule to the first intermediate wrap), to the scarfed portion of the 3rd tip, and to fill in a few small chips throughout.

Each of the ferrules were reset and re-wrapped as were several guides. Those that didn’t need it, remain in original, untouched condition. This rod is ready for many more years of reliable fishing—yet maintains its vintage appearance. Original olive bag (in outstanding condition) and original aluminum tube with correct cap that retains 85% of the original cap label.

The 1927 Catalog (pictured below) shows the 7630 The Goodwin Rod as one of eight Regular Fly Rod models offered that year.  Also available were models 8642, 9043, 9050, 9652, 9653, 9660 and 1062.

1927 Goodwin Granger Catalog Goodwin Rods
1927 Goodwin Granger Catalog Goodwin Rods

ABOUT THE GOODWIN ROD

The Goodwin Granger – The Goodwin Rod was introduced in the 1923/1924 Catalog as the second-highest grade available.  It was one of Granger’s most popular grades given it’s classic appearance and affordable price point. Constructed with A-Grade cane matched up from different culms, The Goodwin Rod was introduced at a moderate $30 (later reduced to $25) and was available in 7 1/2′ to 10′ lengths (3 oz. to 6.5 oz.)

The Goodwin Rod has a distinctive wrap pattern that consists of black & white jasper windings tipped with full intermediate gold wraps.*  This unique trait gives these rods a timeless, classic appearance… and many Granger collectors appreciate the unique aesthetic of this grade.

Goodwin Rods of the 2nd era were labeled beginning with “R1” for Regular Fly Rods or “T1” for Tournament Rods followed by the model number (e.g., R17630 or T19043). Rods of the 3rd era were labeled beginning with “RF” for Regular Fly Rods or “TF” for Tournament Rods followed by the model number (e.g., RF7630 or TF9043).

Production of The Goodwin Rod grade lasted until 1930 when it was renamed the “Favorite”.

*Predecessors with full intermediate wraps included the 1st Era Deluxe grade.

GOODWIN GRANGER ADVERTISING IN THE 3RD ERA (1927 – 1929)

In a short 3-year period, Goodwin Granger created a prolific amount of advertisements for rods of the 3rd Era. The company re-incorporated from “Goodwin Granger & Co” to “Goodwin Granger Company” and may account for the increased ad volume. Several of the ads list the full product lineup that included the “Granger Rod”, “Goodwin Rod”, “Denver Special” and “Colorado Special”.

Ads from 1927 typically focused on what an “extraordinary value” these rods are to the fisherman. Especially with the announcement of “reduced prices” from the previous era. Fly rods were now priced between $12.50 – $40.  Granger was also extremely proud of their 1927 full color catalog as referenced in their call-to-action: “Our new 1927 catalog—the classiest little fishing rod catalog you ever saw—depicting our rods in actual colors of windings and finishes, and showing how and where these rods are made—is yours for the asking.”

Many of the ads from 1928 & 1929 depict various stages of the build process with photos from the Granger factory floor.  These photos appeared together in a Scientific American article (May 1929) highlighting the various stages of Granger rod production.

All ads list “GOODWIN GRANGER COMPANY” as the business entity and the addresses show a change in location from the “Corner of Broadway & Virginia, Denver, Colorado” to the “Grant St, Denver, Colorado” location.

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.
April 1927 Field & Stream Ad
April 1927 Field & Stream Ad
1929 Sporting Goods Journal Ad
1929 Sporting Goods Journal Ad
June 1927 Outdoor Life Ad
June 1927 Outdoor Life Ad
February 1928 Outdoor America Ad
February 1928 Outdoor America Ad
March 1928 Field & Stream Ad
March 1928 Field & Stream Ad
March 1929 Outdoor Life Ad
March 1929 Outdoor Life Ad
May 1929 Field & Stream Ad
May 1929 Field & Stream Ad
February 1928 Outdoor Life Ad
February 1928 Outdoor Life Ad
March 1928 Outdoor Life Ad
March 1928 Outdoor Life Ad
April 1928 Outdoor Life Ad
April 1928 Outdoor Life Ad
May 1928 Outdoor America Ad
May 1928 Outdoor America Ad
1927 Outdoor Recreation Granger Ad
1927 Outdoor Recreation Granger Ad
April 1929 Outdoor Life Ad
April 1929 Outdoor Life Ad
May 1929 Outdoor America Ad
May 1929 Outdoor America Ad