SOUTHBEND BAMBOO ROD

Question
Hi Rich,
My friend found a rod in a house he bought. Its a 3 piece 9ft Southbend bamboo rod with an extra tip. Its in excellent condition and has 53-9ft written on it as well as HCHORC. Any help is appreciated. Thanks
                  Bob

Answer
Bob,
In the last years of making bamboo fly rods , South Bend Bait Co. make rod model 53 in 1949.
HCH or C is line weight , equivalent to modern weight 7.

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

Bamboo Rod Restoration Handbook by Michael Sinclair is the source for the above date.

Classic %26 Antique Fly-Fishing Tackle: A Guide for Collectors %26 Anglers by A.J. Campbell has several paragraphs on South Bend rods.

Homel doesn't have the specific model 53, but Sinclair gives it the least desirable action, bass.
Homel gives similar South Bend model 9 foot ,with an extra tip, 3 sections the  value of $35, 80, and $150 for poor, good, excellent condition respectively.

Be careful with condition. It's almost 100% , people who ask for value on all experts say their rods are in excellent condition. Upon looking at pictures and or seeing the rod I have found very few are in excellent condition. If you have only seen one rod, I can kind of understand.

From Homel: Excellent Condition Summary
(1# Fine, original finish
#2# No missing sections or components
#3# No breaks, fractures, dirt or wear
#4# Shows evidence of only minimal use
#4) Original bag and case with tags and labels
basically it would look brand new , the cork grip would be clean, blond not brown. the thumb grip label would be shiny and new.
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

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