Angler split bamboo rod

Question
I have a vintage bamboo rod in a wood box. On the inside cover of the box it says "Angler Fly and Casting Finest Quality split bamboo rod $19.95 suggested price. it has a cork handle. It is app. 8 1/2 ft long and comes with an extra tip. The ferrels are good everywhere except are missing on the tips. It also has Angler in a blue oval on the bottom piece. A neighbor wants to buy this rod from me and I was wondering what to charge him.

Answer
Hi Kim,

This sounds like another of the many brands made in occupied Japan following WW II.  If so, the box will be made of balsa wood and there may or may not be compartments in the box for flies, line, bobbers, nippers, etc to be used with the rod.  The original sales price is a little high for one of those, but it may be a later model.  It may be a fly rod or it may be a combination fly rod and casting rod where the cork handle reverses to fit different sections included in the box.  Does it say "made in Japan" anywhere on the box, cover, or literature included?

Assuming it is one of these rod kits, collector value is not high and they are pretty common.  Value would be in the $20-$50 range depending on actual condition of the rod.

If you find anything that indicates it is other than another of the Japanese made kit rods, let me know what you find and I'll do some additional research.

Thanks,  Joe