An Italian take on Ora Smith

Since reading the article by Bob Petti here on the Global FlyFisher, about the streamers originated by Ora Smith, I got interested in the use of the golden pheasant crest, used in abundance in the creation of streamer wings, and that somewhat peculiar way of tying a wing.

Ora Smith crest wing

Giuseppe Finardi

Usually, when researching classic flies, I make use of books that describe the original dressing, so that I can follow the right tying description.
This time I have instead followed a different approach, deciding to copy from pictures.

I placed myself at my PC, and started my search, looking for everything concerning the streamers originated by Ora Smith. I found articles, discussions etc., but most of all pictures, some of these very recent, made by fly tyers using various dressings. I found many others on American online auction sites, where some of Ora Smith's original streamers from the 70's an 80's were posted for sale.

After doing some general observations, I concentrated only on the pictures of streamers with the wing made mostly from golden pheasant crests. Many streamers were shown wrapped in cellophane bags (Some signed by Smith himself) and the sharpness of the fly was often lost.
I magnified the pictures for a better view, in order to understand which materials had been used, and to learn their placement.
I've also noticed that some streamers with the same name, had some minor variations with regards to eyes, cheeks and wing.

So, starting from the pictures, and with the keen enthusiasm and interest of a fly tyer, I replicated some of the streamers by Ora Smith in my way, trying to respect their aesthetics, never forgetting the original silhouette.
I spent all of my golden pheasant crests in the process, but I have to say that it was a lot of fun!

Tying tips

Ora Smith streamer eyes

Giuseppe Finardi

Golden pheasant crest
Sort the crests according to their length.
Partially eliminate the excessive bend and straighten them.
Wet the points of the crests to better pair them.
Tie them on in bunches of 3, 4 or 5 at a time.
The crests must be kept tight between the fingers when placed upon the hook. If well positioned and aligned, they lock down immediately. Securing them with tweezers might help avoiding excessive sliding.

Eyes
I've used colors and glues from Veniard.
Some eyes are made directly on the head.
Others are made on baking paper. Once dry, these must be removed, positioned and fixed with glue.

Thread
I've chosen the Nano Silk 30/50 D, for its strength, and for being thin enough to minimize the bulk of the head.

Hooks
Streamer hooks chosen according to the pictures of the streamers, short, medium, long.

Canary

Giuseppe Finardi

Canopache

Giuseppe Finardi

Dragonfly

Giuseppe Finardi

Golden Teal

Giuseppe Finardi

Gold Water

Giuseppe Finardi

Golden Woody

Giuseppe Finardi

Maynard's Marvel

Giuseppe Finardi

Pumpkin Head

Giuseppe Finardi

Smith's Marvel

Giuseppe Finardi

Spotty

Giuseppe Finardi

Summer Gold

Giuseppe Finardi

Summer Gold

Giuseppe Finardi

I have to say that it was a lot of fun!