Wright and McGill Bamboo Fly Rod

Question
Hi,
I inherited a fly rod that my great grandfather packed up and down the California and Oregon coasts - he was a Forest Ranger.  I'm not interested in selling, but just interested in it's manufacturer's pedigree.  The rod is obviously made for backpacking in that no rod section is longer than 12", and can make two lengths of rods.  One rod has the handle, 4 sections, and a tip for 5'-4"; and with the removal of the tip and putting on a 5th section and the other tip can be about 6'-6".  The cork handle is really short at 5", and is located above the reel.  I don't know if the rod has been reconditioned, but the wrappings are red with black borders; and the ferrules have 2 thin decorative lines in the nickel at the exposed ends. The rod sections (hexagonal) are very thin, and the thickest section is no more than 1/4".  The handle is marked that it was made by Wright & McGill Rod Co. in Denver, but has no serial number, model no., date or any other markings. Can you give me some info.  Thanks.

Answer
Jim
All Wright-McGill bamboo rods were handmade from 1920 to 1946, right here in my  home town of Denver, CO.

History Books:
Antique & Collectible  Fishing Rods: Identification & Value Guide Homel, Dan. 1997 (2nd edition 2000) add about 30% for age of book.
Bamboo Rod Restoration Handbook by Michael Sinclair
Classic & Antique Fly-Fishing Tackle: A Guide for Collectors & Anglers by A.J. Campbell p201

You should be able to find Campbell and Homel in most libraries, while Sinclair you may need to go to a major library.

Campbell has a chapter on the maker.
Mike at South Creek Rod Co, a professional rod builder has  a lot of information  on Granger who purchased W-M in 1946.
http://www.southcreekltd.com/granger/

Another book by Sinclair and Spur has much more history on the maker W-M, Colorado Classic Cane by Dick Spurr and Michael Sinclair.

Clarks classic bamboo fly rods web forum has interesting knowledgeable people you can ask more specifics about models. They have a discussion going about Wright & McGill Water Seal fly rods, including graphics of catalogs. Someone might send you a catalog page with models on it if you ask.

Don't fish this great rod without making sure the finish is intact.It threads are loose the finish is bad. If the finish is alligator texture or rough , it is not intact. If water gets in near the ferrules (connectors), it will slowly rot the bamboo , weaken it and the rod will break. It will loose alot of value in that situation.
Luck,
Mac

Please provide feedback, nominations are appreciated.