One is a fascinating example of late nineteenth century American bamboo, A J. G. Landman 8 strip rod, retailed by Abbey and Imbrie, refinished at some point in its history, but with its formfit and both tips, though one is short. It has one or two other issues, but is still a remarkable survivor and must have been a personal import into the UK as these rods were never retailed here.
The second rod is very exciting in that it is something of a "missing link" - a UK made mortised rod, again with a few issues. These two, and some of the other items acquired this year are important landmarks in a story that I am only just beginning to get a sense of...