Phillipson Paramount 8650
Phillipson Paramount 8650
Phillipson Paramount 8650
Phillipson Paramount 8650
Phillipson Paramount 8650
Phillipson Paramount 8650
Phillipson Paramount 8650
Phillipson Paramount 8650
Phillipson Paramount 8650
Phillipson Paramount 8650
Phillipson Paramount 8650
Phillipson Paramount 8650
Phillipson Paramount 8650
Phillipson Paramount 8650Phillipson Paramount 8650Phillipson Paramount 8650Phillipson Paramount 8650Phillipson Paramount 8650Phillipson Paramount 8650Phillipson Paramount 8650Phillipson Paramount 8650Phillipson Paramount 8650Phillipson Paramount 8650Phillipson Paramount 8650Phillipson Paramount 8650Phillipson Paramount 8650Phillipson Paramount 8650

Phillipson Paramount 8.5′ – 5oz

Grade: Paramount
Length: 8 1/2′
Weight: 5oz (5oz Actual)
Sections: 3/2
Ferrule Size: 17/11
Grip: Elliptical
Reel Seat: Brown Plastic Locking Reel Seat with Raw Aluminum Hardware
Tube: Original Phillipson Aluminum Tube with cap
Bag: Original Tan Cloth
Condition: Excellent, All Original
Location: Longmont, CO
Status: Private Collection, Not For Sale

SKU: PA-8650-2 Categories: , , Tag:

Description

The very first of the Phillipson Paramount rods from early 1947. This Paramount is in Excellent, all original condition. The markings on the shaft only state “Phillipson Paramount” suggesting a very early rod before lengths and weights were added. All sections are full length and straight. Phillipson patented elliptical cork grip is in excellent condition. Earliest brown plastic locking reel seat with raw aluminum threads (not yet anodized) in excellent condition (no cracks). Hard drawn 18% nickel silver ferrules. Original varnish is excellent. Wrapped with black & white jasper silk thread tipped with gold, black and gold. Original cloth bag and tube with cap (original owner’s name from Boulder, CO engraved on tube).

The 1947 -1948 Catalog (pictured below) shows the Phillipson Paramount 8.5′ as one of six models offered that year.  Also available in 7′, 7.5′, 8′, 9′-5.625 and 9′-6.25oz lengths.

1947 Phillipson Catalog pg3
1947 Phillipson Catalog pg3

ABOUT THE PHILLIPSON PARAMOUNT

The Paramount is the second-highest grade in the Phillipson line. It was introduced in 1947 and remained in the lineup until the early 1950’s when the the bamboo embargo had a dramatic effect on the availability of Tonkin Cane.

As introduced in the 1947 -1948 Catalog, “A very high grade angler’s model, perfectly matched for color and balance to the expert’s taste.” Each Paramount has the “exclusive Phillipson natural grip (patent pending)”—aka the Elliptical grip. Bait casting rods were also available in the Paramount grade.

Beginning in 1947, the first Paramounts were outfitted with “brown plastic and metal locking reel seats”. Ferrules were 18% nickel silver. Perfection chrome plated butt guide and tip tops. Tungsten steel snake guides. Wrapped in the finest silk “black and white jasper tipped with gold, black and gold”. Packed in cloth and aluminum case.

The Paramount was unchanged according to the 1949 Catalog, however, the 1950 Catalog announces a significant change from a brown plastic reel seat to “brown anodized aluminum locking reel seat”—a change that saved a tremendous amount of weight.

As noted in the 1951 Catalog, the wraps on all Paramounts were simplified to “black and white jasper thread tipped with gold and black”.  Also announced was the switch from tungsten steel line guides to stainless steel. This year marks the 5th year in business where rods were inked with a “51” after the grade name.

Paramounts from the 1952 Catalog remained the same as 1951. This was the final last year that varnished bamboo rods were listed in the catalogs, however, Phillipson continued to supply its dealers into 1954 until inventories were exhausted.

PHILLIPSON ADVERTISING IN THE LATE 1940’S

Phillipson Rod and Tackle Co. began to advertise beginning in April of 1947.  This first ad appeared in Field & Stream magazine and states that rods are “NOW AVAILABLE”. It listed three “Exclusive Features” that sets their rods apart: Natural Grip (often referred to now as the “Hammer Handle”), Neverbreak Glue Joints (considered “waterproof” from the Resorcenol Glue), and Personal Craftsmanship (built by expert casters).  The 1947 -1948 Catalog is pictured at the bottom and was offered for FREE upon request.

Gart Bros. Sporting Goods was an early distribution partner for Phillipson Rods and even advertised their availability in April 1947—the same time Phillipson began advertising.

1947 and 1948 ads show the Phillipson address as East 27th Ave, Denver Colorado, and then in 1949 the address changed to High Street, Denver, Colorado.

All ads shown here were scanned directly from their original publications.
April 1947 Field & Stream First Phillipson Ad
April 1947 Field & Stream First Phillipson Ad
June 1948 Sports Afield Ad
June 1948 Sports Afield Ad
April 1947 Outdoor Life Gart Bros Ad
April 1947 Outdoor Life Gart Bros Ad
May 1948 Sports Afield Gart-Bros Ad
May 1948 Sports Afield Gart-Bros Ad
April 1948 Outdoor Life Ad
April 1948 Outdoor Life Ad
May 1948 Sports Afield Ad
May 1948 Sports Afield Ad
April 1949 Field & Stream Ad
April 1949 Field & Stream Ad
April 1949 Outdoor Life Ad
April 1949 Outdoor Life Ad