HARDY BROTHERS. Facsimile of 1892 catalogue of MILITARY EQUIPMENT STORES AND TORTOISE TENT COMPANY LTD., Sole Agents in London for Hardy Brothers World Renowned Angling Specialities.

(1892) ND (2019) facsimile edition. 8vo paperback (140 x 215mm). Pp174. Illustrated with engravings throughout. Pictorial card covers, spine plain.

A very attractive high quality facsimile of a very rare and important catalogue, faithful to the original paper and board weight, ink tones, finish and scale. The Military Equipment Stores and Tortoise Tent Company Ltd were the sole agents for Hardy Brothers at 49 Pall Mall, London S.W. before Hardy eventually purchased their business and/or shop. Pages 82 to 124 inc. deal exclusively with the subject of rods, mostly cane. The extensive discussion is printed in dense text accompanied by illustrations of rods and parts of rods. Subjects covered by the rod section include, in order: Selection of rods in general; Cane salmon rods; Hardy's various designs of cane rod, including cane rods with steel cores; Rod fittings; "Fishing Rods and Their Relative Values," by which they mean measurements of flexibility and strength, with graphs and discussion; Adverts for various types of rod, cane and greenheart.