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Original Carrie Stevens Fly

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Original Carrie Stevens Fly. Larger example having a hook measurement of 2 1/2" and 3 1/2" in overall length. Yellow and black pattern fly appears to be in excellent condition.

Each original Carrie Steven's fly offered originates from the collection of Marty Keane, and was personally obtained by Keane himself. Steven's flies are highly sought after by collectors not only for their beauty and exceptional construction, but also Steven's uniquely artistic patterns. In his Classic Rods and Tackle list No. 51, published in 1989, Keane shares his enthusiasm for the purchase of these flies with the following: "Find of the Century! Carrie G. Stevens Streamer Fly Collection. Find of the century is this unbelievably historic collection of brilliant, new streamer flies tied by America's preeminent fly tier Carrie G. Stevens (1882-1970) of Upper Dam, Maine. Carrie's flies are not simply beautiful streamers; she actually created a new American art form that can virtually hypnotize a viewer, drawing him back again and again; she tied circa 1924-1954. Numerous patterns offered here have reportedly never been known to exist before. We believe this large group of Carrie's flies to be the master inventory card file of Carrie's only large account/retailer, Herb Welch." These 23 fly lots comprise the last of the aforementioned collection. Each fly is offered with a copy of the correspondence between fly author Ted Niemeyer and Keane in which he marvels at the opportunity to have acquired such a find, and the importance therein.

Lang's is privileged to offer items owned by the late author Martin J. Keane. This is one of 309 lots which encompass not only Keane's personal fishing tackle, but moreover the inventory for his upcoming catalogs. Equally important to his lists of quality antique and collectible tackle, was the foundation for collecting that Keane was paramount in creating. His devotion to fine bamboo rods would translate into print when in 1976 he published the landmark volume Classic Rods and Rodmakers. Keane's book exposed a wealth of previously unknown information on many of the greatest rod makers in history. Makers such as Payne, Edwards, Gillum, Garrison and Powell were placed in the well deserved limelight. Detailed aspects of each maker's rods were complimented with personal information and developments on each of their unique styles. Classic Rods and Rodmakers remains a benchmark reference that will continue to inspire rod collectors and fly fishing enthusiasts for decades to come. While tackle collecting was still in its infancy, Keane began to develop a mailed list of for sale tackle items that grew exponentially over the 30 plus years of its distribution. Many collectors can still recall the thrill of receiving a Marty Keane list, filled with exceptional quality rods, reels and flies, and trying to be the first to acquire one of the many outstanding items therein. It can be said that Keane was responsible for the contents of many of the most important rod and fly fishing collections built over the last few decades in this country. In addition to being a highly respected author, collector, and revered tackle broker, Keane worked diligently as a staff member for the Museum of American Fly Fishing. At all times, ready and willing to share, teach, and encourage anyone who showed an interest in fly fishing, the art of rod building or collecting, especially if it involved antique fly fishing accessories of any kind. While his peers mourn the passing of a true gentleman, Marty Keane will live on forever in the annals of fishing tackle collecting and rod appreciation, not only in published reference, but as a pioneer in the field he cherished.

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