E F Payne fly rod

Question
I have an old flyrod in its original tube with markings on the handle that say sold by, abercrombie and fitch, new york, on one side and e f payne, rod, ef payne rod co, makers, on the other. The rod when put together is in 3 sections with only the tip having all the guides intact.  The other two sections have no guides left. It has been used but is in good condition other than the missing guides. It measures about 93 inches when put together with two pieces the same length and the tip a couple inches shorter than the other two.  I think this is because the tip may have been broken but I do not know.  It also comes in a green bag stitched down the middle to hold two sections of the rod. My questions are: Can you tell approximately when the rod was made?  If I wanted to sell it how much is it worth as is, assuming there are no cracks and only the guides needing replacement? Can you recommend someone to restore it?  Sorry I can't send a picture but I would really appreciate a best guess estimate.  I know the payne rods are collectible and since I will never use it and have no children who would use it I would consider selling to someone who could enjoy it.  Thank you for your time.

Answer
Hi Dave,

Sounds like you have something worth fixing up and passing on or selling.  I would guess the rod was made somewhere during the 1914-1940s time period.  The maker name designation you describe was in use during those years after Jim Payne assumed control of the company following his father's death.

You don't have the entire rod.  It should have two tip sections.  The tip that you do have has likely been broken and simply had a new tiptop put on it.  This would have been an 8'0" rod when new.  The bag with two slots sounds like either it was made for the tips, it is a replacement of some sort, or there may have been a separate tip container at some time.  If the tube is original, that is good and adds to the value.  If you can determine the originality of the bag, that is also good and will help the value.

It is difficult to estimate the value without seeing the rod and knowing the exact model number. However, in its distressed condition, I can say that it is probably worth somewhere in the $600-$900 depending on its actual condition.  It would be worth fixing it up and if you could find a second tip section, might easily be worth 3-4 times that amount.  Payne rods are valuable and highly collectible.

If you will send me an email with your address, I'll send you the names of some rod builders in your part of the country who could do the work.

Thanks,  Joe