AboutRich McGaughey Expertise
I can answer questions on graphite fly rod building and bamboo rod restoration and making. I can guide people to restorers . I can guide people to rod building components on the internet as well as catalog. I can help them identify and value their bamboo fly rods with a picture .
If you are asking for the id of an old rod please give a complete description ,
send pictures especially labels or logos to me macsrods@yahoo.com and a complete description including the following: Is it bamboo ? fly or casting rod ? check metal for id and patents ? What is it made of; bamboo ( flat sided) fiberglass or graphite ( round)? Weight in oz? What is the diameter of the rod above the cork? Where was it purchased ? What type of metal nickel-silver, tin, or chrome platted brass? A complete description of any logos or labels. Length of rod per section and number of sections. Total rod length. Reel seat is below or above the cork handle ?
Please read the following if the rod has either of the following two labels Montague or Horrocks-Ibbotson. They are looked down upon by the collecting community and often they are justified. They were mass produced , rather heavy and very slow. They are not going to resale for very much.
I find two books are available at larger libraries to get history and or value: Antique & Collectable Fishing Rods: Identification & Value Guide Homel, Dan. 1997 Bamboo Rod Restoration Handbook -Michael Sinclair
Commission Sales
Because of my knowledge and skill I can help you sell and get a good price for you vintage bamboo fly rod. email
email Mac
Experience I have been restoring bamboo fly rods for 15 years and making graphite for 17 .
Expert: Rich McGaughey Date: 1/16/2008 Subject: want to find some idea of what rod is worth
Question QUESTION: i need to find where to sell 1968 orvis bamboo battenkill 7 1/2 ft fly rod 2 tips 3 7/8 oz line hdg6 serial number 53384 condition mint r case dirty from in closet
ANSWER: David,
Please do not quote me for prices, Please. Can I say please again ? I am getting the prices from Antique & Collectable Fishing Rods: Identification & Value Guide Homel, Dan. 1997. You can probably find it in your local library. The 7 1/2 ft model Battenkill has an extra tip valued at $150, 300 and $550 for poor, good, excellent condition respectively.
The battenkill was made in the 70s -80s from my memory of it. The book confirms those dates generally so apply 30% to those prices for the age of the book. Not sure what you meant by "hdg6 serial number 53384 condition mint r case dirty from in closet"
To really objectively evaluate your rods condition see
Bamboo Rod Restoration Handbook -Michael Sinclair also available at major libraries. Most people do NOT have a mint rod who say they do.
Is there a letter with the serial number ?
see also the Orvis site has info: http://www.orvis.com/intro.asp?dir_id=758&Group_ID=759&subject=447
Good Luck
Mac
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QUESTION: orvis gave me date made from serial number rod was presented to my dad for large sales at his store .rod is mint only used one day in vermont .thank yuo for yuor time ps rods sold for 900 or more 1965 in dads store
Answer David,
That is amazing 900 in 65? I have never heard that before.
Orvis does not carry the collectors value that many other makers have. I have heard "made to last not to cast" about orvis because of their heavy infused finish.
Be sure to try the resellers that Orvis recommended , the address in the previous answer, Keane and Codella both are well respected.
Good Luck
Mac
