Restoration Begins

Well made a start today and got further than I thought.Managed to get the butt section stripped down completely, by removing the end cap and reel rings which then allowed me to get the cork handle scrubbed down and sanded which made a vast difference to the appearance. Also stripped off all the old threads and eyes and scrapped all the old varnish of the cane. Couldnt help but get a bit of steel wool and polish my brasses at the same time The red tape is protecting the name of the rod so I didnt sand that as well!