Question
F.E. Thomas Fly Rod
QUESTION: Currently I have for auction on ebay a vintage F.E. Thomas Bamboo Fly Rod that was manufactured for the Abercrombie & Fitch Co. of New York at least 60 - 70 years ago I am guessing. This was my fathers and he was a pretty avid sportsman begining in the 1940's. The cannister and bamboo rods that are contained within it have been in the celler since moving into this residence back in 1975 - 35 years ago. The metal tube is kind of gritty as expected for spending so many years in the celler and there is even a little green oxidation on the bottom of it as well. There is one small ding towards the bottom and a couple on the cap. I will not be cleaning up the metal as I do not want to disturb the two decals - one representing "Abercrombie & Fitch Co. New York" located below the cap and the other labeling it as a "Thomas ROD" with a star above and below the logo. The decals are scrathed up but legible.
As for 4 of the 7 hexagonal bamboo pole sections included they appear to be in excellent condition (one seems to have been repaired). The butt cap is marked "F.E" Thomas, SPECIAL, Bangor ME and on the very bottom of the butt plate is the # 36. The butt plate has wear and is obviously used and the cork handle is solid but darkened from use. The handle portion is 32 3/8" in length as is the middle portion. One of the two outer portions is 32 1/4" and the other which looks to have been repaired - but feels solid - is about 30" in length. The other three end portions that were in the tube all match the style of the Thomas rod so I have no reason to doubt that they were probably added to the set at some point, they all run around the same length, maybe a little longer as the previous mentioned. They all have the original tips and the guides are all there as well.
The Olive colered cloth bag that holds the rod sections is musty but there are no holes. There is a tag that is attached to it and handwritten on it (although blurred from moisture) says "Fly" , 8 Feet and what looks like 9 3/8 ounces.
I have described this item to the best of my knowledge, which is limited about any type of fishing pole. My description is based on the items physical appearance and condition and where it has been for the last 35 years.
What would something like this be worth? And approximately when would it have been manufactured? I hate to sell off old items that belonged to my father since he passed back in 96' but the way times are I could really use the money. One gentleman offered me $550.00 for it two days after he had told me it was worth $350.00 - $450.00. I'm pretty confused and don't want to make a mistake in which I'll regret.
If you wish to see more images the listing item number on ebay is
Item number: 170468812527 and will be listed until April 14th. I look forward to your reply and appreciate any information that you could send my way. please do not hesitate to contact me if you need more information.
Many thanks and best regards,
Frank
ANSWER: Frank,
Price Book:
Antique & Collectible Fishing Rods: Identification & Value Guide Homel, Dan. 1997 (2nd edition 2000) add about 30% for age of book.
Homel gives the FE Thomas 8' Special model fly rods the following values for poor, good, excellent condition respectively.
"Special" light trout fly rod 8' (2/2) 300 850 1500
"Special Fairy" light fly rod 8' (3/2) 300 875 1600
3/2 means 3 sections 2 tips
I am unclear on the length of your rod , 8 foot , right ?
Have you fit it together ?
You should have 4 sections , maybe some old extra tips, right ?
I would not have put that rod up with out a reserve , but you might be ok.
I would think you were being low balled at 550 , I think 900 is a good expectation .
I think you have too much detail and not enough big picture in you ad.
It would take an bamboo fly rod expert to write up what I am talking about for example fishability. You should have pictures or an explanation on if the rod works or not.
My email is
[email protected]
Luck,
Mac
Please provide feedback, nominations are appreciated.
---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------
QUESTION: Hi Mac,
Thank you for taking the time to answer my question. Yes, the rod is an 8' rod and I haven't personally put it together but my uncle (sounds silly I know) was fitting it together using of all things the oil from his hair! The ferrules are tight with some resistance as I recall. They're a little rough I guess from oxidation - if that sounds right. I do have 4 sections, the handle, middle and one good tip. The second tip (4th section) was repaired and the other three extra tips which vary in length slightly here and there are all snapped but look to be repairable. I had looked about a month ago on ebay to see if a similar rod was for sale and I did find one. It had 4 sections and was apparently a later model because the serial no. on the butt started with letters and followed with numbers - unlike mine which just has the # 36 (apparently the 36 is an indication that the rod was made prior to 1937 according to the guy who keeps emailing me to purchase it). The rod I watched on ebay went for $425.00, so when I listed my rod I thought it would go for about the same not really thinking that the extra broken tips would make much of a difference. I thought maybe because my rod was made for Abercrombie and Fitch would help it out a bit, and that the lacquer looks pretty good on most of the pieces - a little dull by the handle section as would be expected from use. Anyway, I did originally place a reserve of $175.00 when I listed it - which was met after two days and 13 bids. Now it seems that everyone watching and bidding has froze since the what I realize now to be a low reserve price has been met. It's been sitting at $175.00 since yesterday. As of today over 280 people have looked at it and 41 people are watching it - I know it doesn't mean everyone of them will bid but I'm sure some will most likely begin bidding in the last minutes of the auction. Do you think I should cancel the listing and re-list it with better pictures and a higher reserve? Or just let it ride and hope for the best? I'm really perturbed especially with Mr. $550.00 now giving me his phone number to talk about a fair price - I have not shared your expectation amount with him. It may sound a bit selfish but I do want to get the most for it that I can, I feel bad enough selling something that was my father's to begin with but I do need the money. Thanks again for your time and I look forward to your thoughts on this.
Thanks again and best regards,
Frank
AnswerFrank,
FYI never put oil of any kind of oil on a ferrule including skin oil from noses in- you can create a vacuum and never get it apart.
You can cancel an auction and bids on ebay and try again. Expect alot more action at the end of the auction. I recommend it. Pictures are ok but you need to weed your description and let people know you are selling a working rod and some spare parts - not just 7 parts. I would try a reserve of $800.
Luck,
Let me know what you do and I will watch it on ebay
Mac
