Description
One if the very earliest Phillipson rods. The Premium represents the top of the Phillipson bamboo rod line. The catalogs describe it as: “Perfect action, perfect balance, extreme sensitivity and tremendous power for every ounce of weight.”
This is a very early 1947 Premium that’s in remarkable, Excellent, All Original condition. The markings on the shaft only state “Phillipson Premium” 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. Wrapped with pure black silk thread tipped with gold. Original olive cloth bag (excellent) and original black plastic tube with cap (no label). One of purest casting 5wt’s there is!
The 1947 Catalog (pictured below) shows the Phillipson Premium 8′ – 4.25oz as one of six models offered that year. Also available in 7′, 7.5′, 8.5′, 9′ and 9′-6.25oz lengths.
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.