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
click home page
Hello Rich;
With the attached photos, can you tell me anything about this rod; appropriate line (5 wt?), is it worth the $60 I paid for it, approximately what vintage is it?
It is a 9 foot, 3 piece bamboo HI Hitest, not Old Hitest, with a spare tip. The reel seat is a rather gaudy green with red threads. I think that it is in "good" condition.
Thanks in advance for you help, I appreciate it.
Answer Tom,
The label tells me it is from 1945 - 50. It was the 2nd highest priced / quality rod in a lower quality manufacture. HI-Test
cost $19.12, then. You can confirm this in Bamboo Rod Restoration Handbook by Michael Sinclair.
I am pretty sure it is the one above but in the 50s Old Hi's HI-Test was top of their line, selling for $50.
Almost all of the many 9 ft 3 piece rods sold by HI are 6 weight.
Sinclair says the thread colors are
Main Wraps Tipping
Gold #6 Maroon #13
Price Book:
Antique & Collectable Fishing Rods: Identification & Value Guide Homel, Dan. 1997 (2nd edition 2000) add about 30% for age of book
I calculate an average HI rod to be about $60 if in good, more if in better condition.
If you are going to fish it and it is ready with 2 tips , you got a decent deal. If you think you can resale it for allot more money you are going to be disappointed.
Luck,
Mac
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