NOTE: Rod and reel will be shipped in two separate packages, with provenance in a separate envelope.
Serial number 0983161, made in France around late 1970 or early 1971 and one of only 15,560 made. I purchased this rod and reel in 2010 from Garcia photographer Howard Owen. The rod is a very early model 2584 (5' in length, ultra-light) made by Garcia (Conolon).
Both rod and reel are in mint unused condition.
Howard (CEO) and partner Gordon Roth formed a company that did most of Garcia's ad work that was included in the Garcia Fishing Annuals (catalogs) featuring Mitchell reels, Conolon rods, Ambassadeur and ABU reels. The 510 (forked foot adaptation of the Mitchell 300) was advertised alone in the 1970 catalog. According to a conversation with Howard this rod and reel were photographed for inclusion in the 1971 catalog, but management decided against a full page layout in the catalog dedicated to the 508. Instead, they decided to keep the picture of the 510 and only mention the option for the 508. 1973 is the last catalog showing the 510 with the 508 option.
Howard said he took the rod and reel, later had line spooled and intended to fish with it, but never did.
The enclosed letter explains the photo showing the studio in 1966 with Howard and his partner Gordon setting up to shoot fly rods and reels. In the background is Robert Crane (designer of the "forked foot" rods and reels) and also the Director of Advertising for Garcia checking the layouts.