Dickerson, Lyle - 'Special Salmon', 9' 2/2 Bamboo Rod

For sale here is an unusual 2-piece Dickerson rod. Marked as a "9' Special Salmon" on the butt, though clearly not in Dickerson's writing. The opposite flat has the name "Art Bates" written in India ink. The actual length is closer to 9'4" and one tip is about 1/4" shorter than the other (clearly made that way). Weight is 6.09oz. The rod features bright guides wrapped in transparent tan windings with black tipping and the classic Dickerson signature wraps. The Perfection stripping guide is partially pulled out on one side, but the guide is stable. Various nicks/scratches to the varnish throughout. Bright NS ferrules with reinforced female. The ferrules fit perfectly, and the sections are reasonably straight. I see no signs the rod was every repaired. 6.5" grip is smooth but heavily soiled. The rod is fitted with the standard down-locking aluminum reel seat over dark wood spacer. Medium action, it feels like it would handle an 8wt nicely. The rod is a bit mysterious, but the components and the cane are obviously Dickerson. Maybe an older refinish where the original signature was stripped off? This rod was owned by Tom Clark, a passionate connoisseur of Dickerson rods. It's not surprising such an unusual rod ended up in his possession. Sold in the original fold over bag and brass capped tube. From the collection of Thomas H. Clark.