Alfred Ronalds' "Companion"
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Alfred Ronalds' "Companion"
After some negotiation with it's former owner, I was recently able to add this rarity to my collection:
“The Companion to Alfred Ronalds’ Fly Fisher’s Entomology"
While relatively common, most of the existing copies are in poor condition and the flies are either missing or badly moth eaten. In many years of collecting, I have never seen another "Companion" that contains examples of all the 47 patterns, each of which conforms to Ronalds’ patterns in the sixth edition (1862) of his book. In this example every pattern is in its proper pocket, and not only does this wallet have 3 each of all 47 patterns, the flies remain in remarkable condition for being close to 160 years old with only one or two having even the slightest evidence of deterioration. Even the gold ribbing on the patterns is still brilliant and the flies are dressed to a very high standard, nearly as fine as the specimens in Aldam. A wonderful glimpse into mid 19th century fly dressing and how the Ronalds’ flies should actually look.
Sorry for the low quality iPhone pics, It is my intent to eventually photograph the flies properly and I will share the images with Forum members when I do so.
“The Companion to Alfred Ronalds’ Fly Fisher’s Entomology"
While relatively common, most of the existing copies are in poor condition and the flies are either missing or badly moth eaten. In many years of collecting, I have never seen another "Companion" that contains examples of all the 47 patterns, each of which conforms to Ronalds’ patterns in the sixth edition (1862) of his book. In this example every pattern is in its proper pocket, and not only does this wallet have 3 each of all 47 patterns, the flies remain in remarkable condition for being close to 160 years old with only one or two having even the slightest evidence of deterioration. Even the gold ribbing on the patterns is still brilliant and the flies are dressed to a very high standard, nearly as fine as the specimens in Aldam. A wonderful glimpse into mid 19th century fly dressing and how the Ronalds’ flies should actually look.
Sorry for the low quality iPhone pics, It is my intent to eventually photograph the flies properly and I will share the images with Forum members when I do so.
Re: Alfred Ronalds' "Companion"
Magnificent!! ![Smile :)](./images/smilies/icon_e_smile.gif)
![Smile :)](./images/smilies/icon_e_smile.gif)
Re: Alfred Ronalds' "Companion"
OUTSTANDING!
Thank you, John
Thank you, John
In sport,method is everything.The more the skill the method calls for,the higher it’s yield of emotional stir and satisfaction,the higher it’s place must be in a sportsman’s scale of values. RODERICK HAIG-BROWN
Re: Alfred Ronalds' "Companion"
I can feel the history radiating from that book from here. Amazing is an understatement.
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Re: Alfred Ronalds' "Companion"
A priceless collection and historical time capsule. I’m glad this has made its way into your collection.
I look forward to seeing even more photos in the future.
Thank you for sharing these with us John. What a treat!
I look forward to seeing even more photos in the future.
Thank you for sharing these with us John. What a treat!
Ray (letumgo)----<°))))))><
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"The world is perfect. Appreciate the details." - Dean
Re: Alfred Ronalds' "Companion"
What Ray said John! So astonishing to look at! Thank you for sharing this treasure with all of us!
Doug
Doug
Fish when you can, not when you should! Anything short of this is just a disaster.
Re: Alfred Ronalds' "Companion"
Yet another stunning find - Well done!!
I couldn’t help but notice that the price was 14 shillings, a princely sum in the late 1800s.
I couldn’t help but notice that the price was 14 shillings, a princely sum in the late 1800s.
Soft and wet - the only way....
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Re: Alfred Ronalds' "Companion"
Thero, Howdy;
To convert to USD it was (back in the 70's), One penny to one penny or 240 pennies to a pound
1 pound = $2.40 so the price of 14 shillings would have been $1.68 in 1973 dollars or 1.19 pounds
sterling today.
hank
Before the UK went decimal it used to be 12 pence to the shilling and 20 shillings to the pound.
To convert to USD it was (back in the 70's), One penny to one penny or 240 pennies to a pound
1 pound = $2.40 so the price of 14 shillings would have been $1.68 in 1973 dollars or 1.19 pounds
sterling today.
hank
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