Skaura Bamboo rod

Question
QUESTION: I have a 3 piece 8.5 foot Sakura bamboo fly rod(handle reverses to make it a casting rod and actually makes it 4 pieces) marked "Blue Sky No 100" that I am considering selling and I'd like to know a rough value of it. The bamboo is in good condition along with the eyelets. The first ferrule has a small crack in it, probably from casting too hard but it is still functional. I have been able to find some general information about Sakura bamboo rods as it seems they were a tourist trinket following WWII but nothing specific on Blue Sky No 100. Any information would be appreciated!

ANSWER: Andy
Your rod is Japanese, sorry. Originally sold by the thousands to GIs in a light long box with lures and huge flies . Mostly considered trinkets by collectors but memorial to GIs , they have little resale or fishing value. I have never seen any written history on them in English except the following. http://www.maxrod.net/article/
Because they  were junk , no one wrote them up or priced them.I have searched and continue to look but you are probably not going to find written information in English.
There is  a book  on Google books, with a little history  and a  limited preview: Bamboo In Japan by Nancy Moore Bess

Luck,
Mac

Please provide feedback, nominations are appreciated.


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

QUESTION: Thanks for the info. I'll keep it as a deco item for the den as it does have history even though it's of little value.

I also have another bamboo rod made by South Bend. It is a 3 piece 9 foot model with a spare tip. It has the original rod sleeve but is missing the original tube. It is in good condition. Some of the markings are a little worn and hard to read. From what I can read it has HC or H marked on it as well as L4. There is also another 4 on it but the preceding number is worn. It appears to be another 4 (model 44 perhaps) but I am a little uncertain. Any ideas on this one? Thanks!

ANSWER: Andy,
Please don't forget feed back.
How do you know the rod is a Southbend ? The Bag doesn't count they are easily switched. IS there a thumb grip / rest on the handle ?(South Bend had one.
HCH or H is line weight
SB models with a 4 include #24, 46, 47 , and any the previous with a preceding 1 ,2 or 3.
It is not in good condition if "Some of the markings are a little worn and hard to read"
Luck,
Mac

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

QUESTION: The rod itself does have the South Bend decal on the blank and there is the thumb rest on the handle. They eyelets and servings are all there, no cracks, chips etc. anywhere. The only signs of wear are around the area that shows the model. Any ballpark figure on the value of these? From what I have found something similar goes for $120-$200 online. I was hoping to get about $80 for it.

Answer
Andy,
I think $80 might be ok , but I would try for closer to 150. This is just a guess not an estimate as I have never seen the rod nor do we know the model type. Don't know what servings are but if you describe it don't call the guides , eyes or eyelets. If you send me a picture of the South bend logo I can date it [email protected]
The Comficent thumb rest started in 1939 , the last run was 1951 .
Checkout from you local library ,Bamboo Rod Restoration Handbook by Michael Sinclair .
Luck,
mac