Shakespeare Bamboo Rod

Question
Hi, I have a Shakespeare Marvel No. 1357 Fly Rod, I was wondering what year it was made, the weight and the value? The rod is in brand new condition, it has a sock but no tube. Thank You Bob

Answer
Hi Bob,

This model appears in the Shakespeare lineup from 1936 through the 1950s at the low end or entry level for their bamboo rods.  It was made by Montague for Shakespeare as Shakespeare did not make their own bamboo rods.  At the entry level end of the lineup this rod may not have come packaged in a rod tube.

It should be a 3 piece rod with 2 tip sections.  In the early years of production it came with red wraps tipped in green; by the 1950s the wrap colors cahnged to brown tipped in green...there should be no intermediate wraps on the rod.

Value in Excellent/Mint condition is in the $175-$225 range.  Not bad considering it originally sold for less than $5 in 1936.

Thanks,  Joe