Yorkshire Spider (John Shaner's Collection)

[Smuggler]

I can distinguish some sort of ribbing on the "Hare's Lug and Plover" it doesn't look to be gold though. Maybe it's just faded though.

The second fly, I really enjoy herl incorporated into North Country spiders and to see this ancient little gem with a herl head is just awesome.

This thread is just awesome, can't wait to get my hands on this book!

[letumgo]

And now for a little more history. Here is a 1914 news paper clipping about the late Henry Walbran Cooper.



Along with a couple photos of the original manuscripts.



John - Can you give us a little background on these?

[letumgo]

And here is another pair of original Yorkshire spiders.


John - What can you tell us about these two spiders? What is the red strand hanging off the top fly? Is this silk floss, that has been broken due to fishing? Did this pattern have a red silk head (sort of like a colorful hotspot)? Are the two fly patterns the same?

I like how you can see how the silk gut is tyed onto the hook shank.

[William Anderson]

In my search for the Forgotten Flymphs Swap, came across this excellent thread where Philip Bailey shows an exceptional P&O, which John must have shared with him before I know who John was or had any idea the scope of the collection he was holding. Scroll to the second page to see Johnno's contribution of vintage flies he believes tied by Walbran in 1899 in the hand. No matter the hand, these vintage flies are extraordinary examples of the period.

http://www.flymphforum.com/viewtopic.php?f=6&t=843

w

[Old Hat]

Nice find William and a great post to link it to.

[Greenwell]

William,

I'd never seen that thread, must have been before I joined the Forum.

The old flies are exquisite, just the way I like to see them. I believe that they may be from the early 20th century as evidenced by the eyed hooks. Somewhere in my things I have several labeled packets of spiders very similar to these. The box they are in dates to the 1920's and my best guess is that the flies and box were sold together as none of the flies show any sign of use. As if someone filled a box in a tackle shop and then put it away. I'm away for work this week but will take a look at them when I get home.

Thank you for the link, it was a nice break to see something this pleasant during a busy week.

[letumgo]

I bumped this topic, due to the current discussion about silk gut leader material.

[Smuggler]

I bumped this topic, due to the current discussion about silk gut leader material.

And for the fact that it's pure gold.

[jcwillow777]

Thanks for posting and bumping this post. John is the reason I found this site. Cool stuff.

[Fishnkilts]

I am loving this subject, and sad that I'm years late to the party. The flies being shown are amazing, though I understand why hackle that was too large was cut to length, it still looks funny in my opinion.

Spiders were one of the first flies I learned to fish with because my family is from Scotland. My grandfather would only fish with dries and wets, and he would use spiders quite often. Also looking at these flies and reading about them I am reminded of the videos of Oliver Edwards tying classic flies like these. And in one or two of his videos he mentions that being a Yorkshire resident, he doesn't waste anything, so again, I can understand the trimming of the hackle.

Thanks for this subject! I find it takes me back fishing with my grandfather, and all were treasured moments to me.