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 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Please do not quote me for prices, Please.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
