Ernest Schwiebert Original Art for Trout Fishing

Illustrations titled "Hand Strip Retrieve Stroke" (14 1/2"x12", page 1357) and "Side Arm Cast" (12"x5 3/4", page 1194).

This lot is one of 98 which are the original pencil drawings, executed on Mylar, by Ernest Schwiebert for his 1978 book Trout. These outstanding detailed illustrations include rod sections, reels, flies, personalities, and studies. Each individual piece is marked by Schwiebert for the page in which they appear, all are in fine condition unless otherwise noted. Each description contains the number of drawings, the measurement of the artwork and the name of the individual piece(s). Every illustration drawn by this respected author, artist and fisherman is an important part of angling history.

This lot is one of 303 which encompass the collection of late angling author and acclaimed sportsman Dr.Ernest Schwiebert Jr. Schwiebert's love affair with fishing began at the tender age of five when he landed a 12" brook trout on his very first cast. His initial hook would span a lifelong dedication to the sport, enticing readers with his many articles and acclaimed books. Schwiebert's first published recognition came with his 1955 book Matching the Hatch. Penning the comprehensive work at the age of only 25, this volume would place him as the authority in fly pattern recognition. The title of the book has become common terminology within fly tying circles, and still remains a foundation for insect comparability. The then Ohio State University student had set the groundwork and the bar for all writers to follow. Earning his bachelor's degree (Cum Laude) from the University of Ohio, Schwiebert then received his masters in fine arts (1960) and a Doctoral degree from Princeton University in 1966. While his education provided him with employment as a successful architect, those who read his titles know his passions lie in fishing the open streams the world over. With the debut of Matching the Hatch, Schwiebert gained instant notoriety and quickly became recognized as an authority in the field. Further drawing from these experiences led him to another stunning contribution to angling society, Salmon of the World. The 1970 book featured documentation on various species as well as 30 colored plates executed in vibrant rendition. In 1973 Schwiebert again felt the need to concentrate his endeavors on entomology to produce Nymphs. The complexity of the writing and in depth study made the work an instant classic and must have guide for any modern tier. Five years later Schwiebert would unveil his most coveted masterpiece, a two volume 1,834 page book simply titled Trout. The writings contained within the set served as an epic account of the sport, spanning from ancient times to the present. Trout was perceived not only as immense but passionately overwhelming. In addition to concise information on biology, habits, techniques and tackle manufacturing, Schwiebert's detailed skills in the art of drafting brought true to life illustrations to his crowning achievement. In addition to his merits as an author, Schwiebert was a founder of Trout Unlimited, as well as other conservation groups. He was quoted as saying "The angler does not need a dead fish in his basket to feel satisfaction". To those who knew him, he was a passionate man who prided himself on perfection. To those who fished with him he was a gentleman of the sport and a noted conservationist. To those who read him he is an immortalized icon and the definition of a true fly fisherman. Lang's Auction is proud to offer the following historic material owned by the late author. In addition to materials used by Schwiebert on his many angling adventures, we present the original illustrations used in both Salmon of the World and Trout. Each piece is an exceptional example of original art with an important tie to the most respected writings in contemporary angling.