Rare Early 20th Century English Split Cane Fishing Rod – Maples, London – Original Canvas Bag – 321 cm A rare and elegant early 20th-century English split cane fishing rod, retailed by the prestigious London department store Maples & Co., London, and preserved together with its original Maples canvas rod bag. The rod measures approximately 310 / 321 cm and consists of three sections measuring 110 cm, 104 / 97 cm and 107 cm. Unlike heavier salmon rods of the period, this example features an exceptionally slender and refined taper, suggesting it was designed for light game or fine river fishing. The elegant proportions, carefully selected split cane, original brass ferrules and brass reel seat reflect the craftsmanship of a high-quality English rod maker from the late Victorian to early Edwardian era. A faint handwritten inscription remains visible on the rod. Although time has made it difficult to decipher, it appears to include a designation resembling "4/?". Such handwritten markings were commonly applied by English rod makers to identify a model or specification, but the complete inscription is unfortunately no longer fully legible. A particularly attractive feature is the original Maples canvas rod bag, which still retains its original brass protective end cap. This brass reinforcement was fitted to prevent the rod tip from piercing the canvas during transport and storage. Original bags retaining this protective fitting are becoming increasingly scarce and are rarely found complete after more than a century, making this an especially desirable feature for collectors. Condition The rod remains in good antique condition with straight cane sections, original brass fittings and the original retailer-marked canvas bag. The bag shows honest age-related wear consistent with more than 100 years of careful use. Some thread wrappings display minor age-related wear, entirely consistent with an authentic antique fishing rod. An elegant and increasingly scarce example of English split cane craftsmanship, complete with its original Maples retailer's bag and original brass tip protector—features seldom found together today. A fine addition to any collection of antique fishing tackle or sporting memorabilia. Will be safely packed for transport.