QuestionI have a Winchester Armax 7326 that my uncle gave me about 35 years ago and I was wondering if you could tell me when it was made and any other information on it. I would also like to know the value but that's not really important as I have no intention of selling it.
AnswerGordon,
If you rod is a fly rod it might be worth something but if it is a casting rod , not too much is kept on their history. But the question is where is the reel seat , above or below the handle ? Length is important as is condition. Shorter fly rods sell for more.
Book:
Antique & Collectable Fishing Rods: Identification & Value Guide Homel, Dan. 1997 (2nd edition 2000) add about 30% for age of book
Armax rods were made by Winchester, the gun manufacture amongst others.
Homel does not list the Armax #7326.
It lists a Winchester Model 6044 fly rod c 1932 , with an extra tip, 3 sections the value of $75, 200 and $385 for poor, good, excellent condition respectively.
It lists a Armax brand fly rod 9 footer at $60, 140 and $275 for poor, good, excellent condition respectively.
Another thought is this rod was made, not just stamped in 1921 , under the direction of E.W. Edwards. (He quit in 1924) Winchester made 2 qualities of rods in that era , very good and average.
Pictures to
[email protected] would help . Also are the ferrules nickel-silver of chrome plated brass ? If it is an Edwards rod it is worth allot more than above. But I am never that lucky , you ?
If this rod was made after 1935 it was made by Horrocks-Ibbotson and has less value than the lowest figures above.
Some time back emailed a fellow who wrote a book,Playing With Fire: The Life and Fly Rods of E.W. Edwards by Patrick C. Garner.EW made rods for Winchester for a few years
He wrote "The Winchesters are all documented with a number of charts etc in my 2008 edition of "Playing With Fire: the Fly Rods of EW Edwards.". available at http://www.whitefishpress.com/bookdetail.asp?book=59 (I'll buy it from you for 1/2 price when you are done with it)
Most of the rods I have seen name Armax were made by HI and were very poor tools.
Luck,
Mac
