How did I miss this 2004 book?

[Mike N]

In a recently-published exquisite “coffee table” book discussed on this site [Steve Woit’s, The World of Fly Fishers and Collecting], I first read about a man who calls himself The Gnome, Jeffrey Hatton. Possessor of one of the finest private collections in the world, Hatton’s rods are mesmerizing for their display of the fine early craftsmanship of these masters of bamboo, greenheart and lancewood.

I then noticed Hatton had begun publishing narrated videos of his collection and bought a DVD. This lead me to his 2004 book, Rod Crafting, A Full-Color Pictorial & Written History from 1843-1960, a 300-page delight. I purchased a used hard bound copy on eBay for only $15.




I honestly read the entire 300-page book, cover to cover, without stopping, which is easier than it sounds given the illustrations. The photography of these old rods is incredible. Over the years I have posted numerous times that I wished I knew more about the rods used with the classic reels from the 1800s which we study and collect. Now, for the first time in 35 years of collecting I feel I have a basic understanding of such reel and rod combinations.

I suggest in the strongest terms that if you are interested in vintage tackle you consider picking up a used copy of Hatton’s 2004 book.

Mike N.

[wrong99]

His narrated videos of his "Gnome's Travelling Rod Show" are without equal. An incredible presentation that is worth every penny if you really want to learn about the evolution of rods. My highest recommendation.
Mark

[gnome]

Mark,

Thanks for the praise, I do still have signed copies of Rod Crafting available for anyone interested, The DVD series is cooking right along and here is what I have filmed so far;
Disc 1
#1 Anonymous American circa 1750-1800
#2 Anonymous American Circa 1750-1825 donated by A.J Campbell
#3 William Phinn Edinburgh Circa 1811-1831
#4 and 5 George Eaton #6 Crooked Lane London Circa 1825-1836
#6 William Copeham Back of Cheep side Taunton circa 1830-1860
#7 John Cheek “The Golden Perch” Walking Stick rod circa 1830-1850
#8 Maria Ustonson Maker to the queen circa 1837-1845
Maria Ustonson Part 2
#9 Holroyd circa 1843-1873
#10 Widow Phinn Circa 1832-1850’s
widow Phinn pt 2
Disc 2
#11 Anonymous English Circa 1830-1860
#12 Armstrong circa 1830-1860
Armstrong pt2
#13 Anonymous English circa 1830-1860
Rod building talk about hollow building
#14 J Chorlton English circa 1830-1870
#15 Chevalier, Bowness&Son circa 1856-1884
#16 C Farlow circa 1862-1884
#17 G Little & Co circa 1874-1880
#18 G Little & Co pt2
Disc 3;
#19 and #20 (TJ Week's rod)John Conroy Porters General Rod circa 1846-1860’s
PGR pt2
PGR pt3
#21 Anonymous American circa 1850’s
Anonymous American circa 1850’s pt2
#22 Anonymous American Salmon rod circa 1850’s
Anonymous American Salmon rod pt2
#23 George Burgess Norristown Pa circa 1850-1860’s
#24 Anonymous American Composite rod circa 1850-1860’s
#25 Anonymous English Composite rod circa 1850-1885
Disc 4
#26 The Rod in the coffin case circa 1845-1865
#27 Victorian Folk Art Rod circa 1850-1870
#28 & 29 C.F.Murphy Newark NJ circa 1863-mid 1870s
#30 Hiram L Leonard circa 1871-1873 1st marking/gunsmith stamp
edit; 1/1/20
Disc #5
#31 A&I "Best" circa 1875 Leonard copy of a Murphy
#32 Edward Vom Hofe Prototype 7 strip 3/2 circa the 1870s
#33 & 34 Bangor era Leonards 11'6 3/2 trout rod and an 18' 3/2 Salmon rod
#35 Bartlett #6 Trout rod circa 1878-1890
Disc 6 Master disc burned 1/16/2020
#36 & 37 Dingee Scribner&Son 18' 3/2 salmon rod and an 11'6" 2/3 trout rod circa 1879-1890
#38 Charles Baillie 1/2/2 15' circa the 1880s
#39 Joeseph Dalzell 2/2 circa 1883-1900
#40 Samuel A Allcock 3/2 12' composite wood and bamboo circa 1882
#41 John Enright&Son 8' 3/2 greenheart trout rod circa 1881-1882 edit;
the first true Parabolic and the taper of this rod is an extreme example of how a taper affects the action of the rod. The taper map of this rod has a definite convex taper and you literally can see the drop above the grip followed with a swell. that information will be available in the tech manual which is phase two of this project.

Disc 7
#42 and #43 and #44 Mills and son sole agents Leonards
#45 Mills&Son "STANDARD" 3/2 circa 1880-1900
#46 and 47 A.G.Spaulding&Bros "KOSMIC" trout and salmon rod
#48 John Kenyon Silkien 10' 2/2 independent grip
#49 The most Unusual rod ever made English circa 1882-1900

Truly "Wading along the banks of time, Stick in hand.

Thanks again and thanks for allowing me to post here being the Iconoclast that I am;-)

humbly your gnome

Jeff Hatton
Mark I am delaying a bit on sending out set two to you while waiting on final packaging for the set.

[kyreels]

I would like to purchase the book, please send specifics or PM info. Thanks,

[gnome]

For those of you interested in purchasing a copy of my book I am asking $30.00 per copy (Signed) + $8.00 shipping and I do take either paypal or personal checks,

My address is
Jeff Hatton
620 6th street
Paonia CO 81428

Thanks for the interest and the welcome here!!!

[kyreels]

I have not been able to reach Jeff after ordering the book. Hope all is well with him. I know he posts on Fly Rod Forum, if anyone is in contact with him, let me know via PM.

[kyreels]

I received this book and the DVDs after a delay due to the coronavirus. It is everything Mike said it was. I have always felt that Rods were my weak spot in collecting, and this book exactly hits the sweet spot in providing a great history and practical reference. I have not yet enjoyed the DVDs, but looking forward to that in the next couple of weeks.

Thanks Jeff for pushing this out!