My Blog
My Blog
Several years ago, while at a Catskill Fly Tiers Guild swap meeting in Roscoe, NY, I noticed a small, but well feathered neck on a table. It interested me because it was backed with newspaper, a common practice among some breeders back in the day, as well as being a lovely ginger color. The neck remained sealed in plastic until this past April when I had the good fortune to be tying at the Annual Fly Tier’s Rendezvous in Roscoe. Dave Catizone of Catskill Creations, a noted historian, authenticator and appraiser of classic catskill collectibles, was sitting opposite me at the table. I placed the neck in front of him and that was all it took. He inspected the neck and after a detailed examination and note taking session, proclaimed it a genuine Darbee cape “from the flock of selected Rooster Cocks developed by Harry Darbee”. I made arrangements with Dave to receive a full, documented appraisal that arrived by mail week later. Dave does an exceptional job with both the appraisal and it’s presentation in full presentation folder on beautiful stock. The story was a virtual history of genetic hackle and Harry Darbee’s contributions. I’ve since mounted the neck in an air tight enclosure to protect it against all would be invaders. After reading Dave’s full 2 page authentication letter, I was moved to reread Catskill flytier: My life, times, and techniques... The “Darbee Book”. I would highly recommend Dave Catizone for any and all authentication questions. I feel fortunate to have a small piece of fly tying history in my collection. So keep your eyes open... those wonderful finds are out there waiting to be discovered.
Best,
Bruce
Please drop me an email with any comments or questions. I’m happy to pass along Dave Catizone’s contact information via email.
A Darbee
Cape
Thursday, December 10, 2009
Questions or Comments?