Sometimes the stars are in alignment, and some things are just meant to be. I was finally able to track down an early post-WWII era Hardy Perfect 2 7/8" fly reel with straight lettering and a leaded finish. In immaculate condition and with the original box. This is a ready-to-fish reel that is now being loaded with some 3.5 wt. Terenzio silk line. Yes, my old friend is now officially getting fitted with a new older friend; finally, after years of looking under every river rock, I finally tracked one down. Finding a fully functional, well-kept solid reel of this era is extremely difficult. It will be fished hard and complement the rod I made well over two decades ago. The pairing is what I have visualized since the rod's inception: slipping it onto the double slide band seat, a few magic sparkles could be seen rising. In the distance, the ominous sounds of angels blowing trumpets could be heard throughout my rod shop. My sincerest apologies for the theatrics. A very special tha...