AboutJoe Douglas Expertise I can answer questions on custom rod building and rod restoration and rod repair for bamboo, graphite and fiberglass fishing rods. I also have experience in estimating the value of vintage rods and determining the original manufacturer.
Experience I operate a custom rod building business providing fly rods, spey rods, casting and spinning rods in bamboo graphite and fiberglass. I have a personal interest in vintage rods and have a small collection of reference books and articles which often help shed light on the origins of the older rods.
Organizations Rod Builders International
Publications Web Site: www.blackdogtackle.com
Education/Credentials BS, Business Administration, University of Tulsa
Question I have an antique bamboo fly rod that I recently inherited from my grandfather. It's 9 feet long, and comes with two tips. It has "River Shannow" written in cursive on it, and a "Diamond Brand" logo on it, which is rectangular in shape. It came in a small cloth rod holder. I cannot find any information about it on the Internet or in books and I was hoping you could tell me a little something about it.
Answer Hi Chris,
Well, I don't have any definitive information for you, but I may be able to point you to a couple of possibilities.
Diamond Brand is a company that has been in business since the 1880s but always in the gear side of outdoors...tents, bags, packs, clothing, etc. They do now offer some fishing equipment but I think this is something that started in the 1970s or so. I don't think they ever sold bamboo rods, but it could be possible. You could do some research on their company or even contact them with questions.
The River Shannon is a famous river in Ireland; can you be reading the script wrong on the rod?
The Shapleigh Hardware Company in St. Louis had a Diamond Edge brand for many years and they did sell bamboo fly rods with the Diamond Edge logo on them. Shapleigh did not make rods, they had someone make the rods for them and put their name on the rods...probably Chubb/Montague or Horrocks-Ibbotson (H-I)...but they sold quite a few rods. You might also reserach the Diamond Edge brand from Shapleigh.
The "River Shannow" doesn't happen to be written in white ink does it? With the letters running toward the cork handle? If so, the rod was probably made by H-I for whoever sold it.
Without further information I can only guess at value. Assuming it is a rod made by one of the big production shops for someone to sell at retail, the value in Good to Very Good condition would be in the $75-$125 range.
