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
Attached are a couple of pictures that might help. The writing starts at the handle and proceeds toward the tip in the sequence #14 -8 1/2' - 2F HDHorE. It has Heddon and Thorobred on the bamboo next to the handle as well. There is no other writing, it has the tenite reel seat and red thread wrappings. Any help is appreciated.
Do you know what it costs to restore a rod like this to fishable condition? Probably more than it is worth but I'd like to play around with a bamboo rod that wouldn't make me cry if I break it.
Thanks again,
Terrell
Answer Terrell,
If it has Heddon and Thorobred written in the same direction as stated above, on separate flats, then you rod was made around 1951.
Worth is based on condition. If your rod is in poor condition( as it appears to be) it is worth $50-55 or less. If you got a good restoration it would be worth 210 - 235. This is assuming two tips with the same length as the other sections. I charge $35 per section (total $140 for you) and cost of replacement parts.
List of restoration tasks
1. Measure size and locations of all wraps
2. remove old wraps and finish while preserving any labels
3. straighten any sets
4. clean and polish metal
5. rewrap authentic colored thread
6. dip new finish
email me, macsrods@yahoo.com for further information.
Luck,
Mac
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