My friend, Alec Stansell, in Massachusetts, sent me this picture of a streamer pattern that was previously unknown to me. It’s an original carded fly from the Percy Tackle Company, formerly of Portland, Maine. Percy’s Tackle received plenty of mentions in Joseph Bates’ Book, “Streamer Fly Tying and Fishing,” 1950, 1966, 1995. I like sharing this kind of vintage, classic information on our fly tying heritage with my readers, so here it is:
The Comando:
Comando Streamer, carded and sold by The Percy Tackle Company. Gardiner Percy was the company founder. Photo courtesy of Alec Stansell.
The recipe:
Comando
Tag: Flat silver tinsel
Tail: Red hackle fibers
Ribbing: Flat silver tinsel – this is very tarnished, but at my suggestion Alec did a little fly tying archeology with his bodkin, scratching a small section of the surface to reveal the silver tinsel rib 😉
Body: White angora or spun rabbit fur
Throat: red hackle fibers
Wing: Two brown hackles over which are one black hackle, slightly shorter
Cheek: Jungle cock
Head: Black
Thanks Alec for sharing this photo with me!
Hi Don, Awesome of Alec to share with us and the recipe finding the tinsel was interesting! Hope you are doing well. I enjoyed our chat in Hamilton a couple years ago and your hunt camp stories with Rick! Sounds like you guys have fun. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to you and yours.
Rusty
Hi Rusty;
Nice to hear from you! Yes, it is great that friends like Alec and some others have found these old gems and are willing to share them with us. Thank you for your comment! And Merry Christmas to you and your family as well! Happy New Year!
I have just seen this streamer recently, but cannot remember where.
Hi Stanley;
Maybe on eBay? That is where Alec bought it and a few others…