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 including as much the following as you can:
Is it? fly or casting rod ? Reel seat is below or above the cork handle ?
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.
Please read the following if the rod has either of the following two labels
Montague or H-I (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.
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 I can help you sell and get a good price for your vintage bamboo fly rod. email
email Mac
Experience I have been restoring bamboo fly rods for 15 years and making graphite for 17 .
Publications website = www.macsrods.com
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I have a 3 piece 9 foot bamboo fly rod (with a 2nd extra tip piece). inscribed on the metal handle is an elogated diamond (horizontal)with the letter U-T-K inside the damond shape. The logo is so faint, it wouldn't show up well in a photo. The pole is in good condition but shows use.
Answer Joe,
According to Bamboo Rod Restoration Handbook by Michael Sinclair , the UTK label was used by Horrocks Ibbotson from 1905 to 1919, but that was on the butt section above the cork. The many intermediate thread wraps confirm at pre 1930s rod, in my experience they didn't trust their animal hide glue.
The UTK stands for Utica, NY, the location of HI.
Generally H-I rods are not very collectible or valuable.
Actual retail value depends a great deal on condition and model. Model name
It is very difficult to determine condition from a picture. Condition is more than a subjective opinion.
Books: Antique %26 Collectible Fishing Rods: Identification %26 Value Guide Homel, Dan. 1997 (2nd edition 2000) add about 30% for age of book.
Bamboo Rod Restoration Handbook by Michael Sinclair should be above the cork handle.
To pin down a specific value it would help a lot to determine the model . Homel does mention a several 9 footers with 3 sections , extra tip.
Homel gives the average US dollar value for H-I bamboo fly rods as $22, 62, and 115 for poor, good, excellent condition respectively.
You might get $100 for it. It is in poor condition.
I quote these books written by researchers so you know I am not making it all up, But I include my experience as well.
It has taken me the best part of an hour to write this up , please take a few seconds to provide feedback. Please remember I am a volunteer , the feedback is the only result I get from doing this.
Luck,
Mac
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