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Fishing/bamboo fly rod

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Expert: Rich Mac McGaughey - 6/1/2004


Question
I have obtained two bamboo rods which I intend to restore..one a Southbend 59-9' (which I know a "little" about...the other is a Jorgensen 9' w/2
fly rod tips plus a casting rod section that ferrules into the butt section. I question if the rod has any value...BUT...before I "tear" into it
I thought it wise to check and see if anyone might have any info about the rod, or maker of the rod.
Thanks for your help.
Bob

Answer
Since you are going to restore them I recommend you research the builders so that you are knowledgable about them , yourself. I also warn you there is a lot of verbal legend type info on bamboo rods out there.
Books containing this info can be found at major libraries:
Classic and Antique Fly Fishing Tackle: A Guide for Collectors and Anglers,  Campbell, A.J 1997
Antique & Collectable Fishing Rods: Identification & Value Guide Homel, Dan. 1997
Bamboo Rod Restoration Handbook -Michael Sinclair
less available
Classic Rods & Rodmakers 1976 Martin J. Keane
Good luck
I am in  Denver, you ?
macsrods@yahoo.com

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Rich Mac 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 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 .

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website = www.macsrods.com click home page

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