Question
RL Winston Rod
QUESTION: Inherited from uncle in the 80's. Serial #909 Pat. #2537488. 2 1/2 ox. 6' bamboo rod. Two piece with both pieces are same length and have same #'s.The wrapping threads are gold not tan, and maroon.All of the eyes and tip are complete and still have varnish on them. The bakelite has no chips or cracks and the cork grip is stained but has no deteriation. The aluminum reel seats are in excellant condition, no dents or scrapes. The bamboo pole has no chips in the varnish anywhere and is beautiful. It came in an old canvass pouch and cardboard tube from a differant maker.
My questions are:
Can you tell me approximately when this pole was made?
Is the gold thread significant?
Can you give me an approximate value with the discription discription discribed on this pole?
I have sure enjoyed reading the questions and your answers.
Thank you,
John
ANSWER: John,
I can't answer age or model but I know who can.
Winston is still in business:
I recommend you call Winston 406.684.5674, for a date and e-mail me
[email protected] with the results
I am pretty sure they will put you off if you ask for a value - just get the date and model. They might know if the gold thread is significant - I don't think so.
No 6 foot rods are mentioned in Antique & Collectable Fishing Rods: Identification & Value Guide by Homel, Dan. 1997.
Homel gives the 7 ft , 2 piece , extra tip, RL Winston trout fly rod circa 1965, model Montana, a valued of $200, 500 and $900 for poor, good, excellent condition respectively.
What is unusual is the six foot length, but I think I got it right that it is a 2 piece with extra tip and all three are the same length. Broken tips could account for a shorter rod, Have you put it together ? It could be a 9 foot rod with a missing tip section. I look forward to hearing from you
Luck,
Mac
Please provide feedback, nominations are appreciated.
---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------
QUESTION: Hi Mac
This really is a 6' rod if you look at the info on the rod. We called RL Winston and talked to Annette. This rod was made for a Mr. Dufra in Colorado in October, 1954. After sending her all of the pictures she was able to determine from their records and our pictures that this is a spinning rod. The handle is like all of their other rods from that era with the Bakelite center. The guide wrappings are gold and maroon. The line guides are anodized aluminum and were made by a company called CAL-Air which is no longer in business out of California. This rod looks like it could be a combo spin/fly rod like certain Orvis styles. This will be going on e-bay so if anyone has anymore info on this rod please let me know.
AnswerJohn,
I want to wish you luck. Maybe being an Winston bamboo rod which is a well known company you will get something for it.
I have tried to sell bamboo casting and combo cast/fly rods many times over the years and could not get $25 for them.
I just searched Winston rods on ebay , there were 186 that finished in the last 30 days or less - none were casting or spin rods. Fly rods do command the resale value.
Price Book:
Antique & Collectible Fishing Rods: Identification & Value Guide Homel, Dan. 1997 (2nd edition 2000) add about 30% for age of book.
Homel mentions 9 fly and one casting rod from Winston, it is not similar to yours.
Homel gives the 7 ft , 2 piece , no extra tip, RL Winston baitcasting rod circa 1965, early Stoner model, a valued of $90, 195 and $395 for poor, good, excellent condition respectively.
Luck,
Mac
Please provide feedback, nominations are appreciated.
