GOVERNOR TONKIN CANE 3 PIECE FLY ROD

Question
QUESTION: I HAVE THIS BAMBOO ROD IN NEAR PERFECT CONDITION. THE ROD IS 8&1/2 FT LONG. THE VARNISH IS STARTING TO WEAR. I WOULD LIKE TO KNOW ANYTHING ABOUT THE HISTORY OF THE ROD AND HOW MUCH IT MIGHT BE WORTH. THANKS  JACK LEWICKI

ANSWER: Hi Jack,

The Governor model was made by Horrocks-Ibbotson Company from the 1930s to the 1950s and was a middle of the lineup rod for H-I.  It is a fairly common rod as it was affordable when new selling for about $12 or so.  In Excellent condition the rod would be valued in the $100-$150 range today...perhaps a little more since it is the 8-1/2 foot model.  If you have the original rod bag and tube, it helps the value.

Most of the older bamboo rods show some wear on the varnish or even nicks and flaking from exposure or slight dings over the years. Part of normal maintenance for a bamboo rod is periodically applying a fresh coat of varnish but most did not have this done by their owners.

Thanks,  Joe

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: JOE

WHAT IS THE BEST WAY TO REVARNISH MY BAMBOO ROD?

JACK

Answer
Hi Jack,

You have some choices.

If the varnish on the rod is worn but not flaking, cracked or alligatored, you can clean it with a mild soap and water solution (Dawn works), then dry it good and very lightly scuff it with some "0000" steel wool or some of the new synthetic steel wool. Be careful not to scuff into the wrap threads.  Then clean the rod off with a soft dry towel and apply a new coat of spar varnish or spar urethane.

Attach a loop or wire to the tip end of each section of the rod (paper clips work well for this) making sure you don't cover up any of the bamboo.  Locate a place to hang the section up using the loop or wire so they can dry.  Mask off the ferrules, handle and reel seat.  If you get some of the new finish on the guides, it won't hurt them.  Apply the new finish with a soft brush (look in the art & craft section of the store) in a well ventilated area.  Apply a light coat brushing in one direction only.  Hang each section up and let them dry.  It will take 2-3 days for the finish to cure well enough to handle the sections depending on climate.

If the varnish is flaking, cracked or alligatored, then you need to decide whether or not you want to strip the old finish off the rod or just touch up the finish well enough to protect the rod.  If you decide to touch it up and protect the rod, do basically the same steps as outlined above.  You will want to feather the edges around any chips or flakes to help make the finish come out as smooth as possible.  You can use fine sandpaper for this, but do not sand into the actual bamboo enamel.

If you decide to strip the finish off the rod, you will need to remove the guides, wraps and any intermediate wraps on the rod shaft. This is a pretty big job and requires some experience at rod building so consider it carefully.

Thanks,  Joe