Montague Sunbeam 81/2 Fly

Question
QUESTION: I have the above rod and according to their website it is a common rod.  I do however have the extra tip, original cavas case with all lables in order.  It looks as if it have never been used.  The orginal paper lable with price log space is still on the handle.  How should I care for this rod and case. Does it have an additional value because of the case and condition.  Thank  you in advance for any information you can give me, Joan Folgers

ANSWER: Joan
You lost me when you said "their website" , I assume you mean all experts? But it was made by a low quality cheap rod company.

Store this rod  in a cool dry place, don't lean it at an angle, horizontal is best. Yes it has additional value with original rod a cloth case(socks). But be aware that guys put their rods in the wrong tubes and socks. I have seen great rods in poor tubes and poor rods in great tubes and socks. Be sure to look at the rod. If you describe the label - better a photograph to [email protected], then I can date your rod.

Price book: Antique %26 Collectible  Fishing Rods: Identification %26 Value Guide Homel, Dan. 1997 (2nd edition 2000) add about 30% for age of book.

Homel gives the Montague 9'  model "Sunbeam" fly rod with an extra tip, 3 sections the  value of  $20, 60 and $115 for poor, good, excellent condition respectively. Your 8/12 is going to be slightly more valuable than the 9 footer. I have sold a mint and restored Montague for closer to $200, knowledgeable descriptions help allot in ebay.

They are looked down upon by the collecting community and often they are justified. They were sort of mass produced , rather heavy and very slow. They are not going to resale for very much.

A small portion of these rods are decent fishing tools . It is the collector community that decides the prices , please  don't blame the messenger.

You can find the books I mention at your major library system usually as  reference books only(no check outs)

Bamboo Rod Restoration Handbook -Michael Sinclair will tell you the years the Sunbeam was made and the price paid for them at that time.

More history in Classic %26 Antique Fly-Fishing Tackle: A Guide for Collectors %26 Anglers by A.J. Campbell

Internet History for Montague:
http://home.comcast.net/~splitcane/vintage_rod_history.htm

I quote these books written by researchers so you know I am not making it all up, But I include my experience as well.

It has taken me the best part of an hour to write this up , please take a few seconds to provide feedback. Please remember I am a volunteer , the feedback is the only result I get from doing this.

Luck,
Mac

Please provide feedback, nominations are appreciated.



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

QUESTION: Your response said a Sunbeam 9' with 3 sections and extra tip has a value of $20,60.do you mean $2060. My Montague is mint with all of the original paper labels on the "Sock as well as on the handle.If necessary I can photo these and I am sure they are original. This rod needs no restoration it is MINT and from the looks of it has never been used.  I am very excited and grateful to you for your information. The website I was speaking about was Montague's They listed current value as $175.00 but I don't think that was mint with original sock and labels.

Answer
It's Homels figures,
He says
Homel gives the Montague 9'  model "Sunbeam" fly rod with an extra tip, 3 sections the  value of  $20, 60 and $115 for poor, good, excellent condition respectively.
I don't understand where you got 20.60 from 20 , 60 for for poor, good condition respectively.
What is the address (URL) for Monatgues web site - they went out of business in the 50s.
It is disappointing what collectors are willing to offer for Montagues compared to other better quality vintage rods.
If you get $200 you are doing well.
Check ebay and you will see.
Mac