antique pole&reel

Question
I was wanting some info. about my pole that marked kingfisher.It looks like its made of cherry with solid brass eyes a fully bamboo wrapped handle.It has one section for trolling and another two section for casting with a pacific freespool reel with a leather drag.I was told the person used it in 1903.When did these companys start and are they worth anything I've had these for about 30 years. Thanks for any help.Jack

Answer
Hi Jack,

The reel is outside my area of expertise.  I'll see if I can locate any information on it, but I don't really deal much with reels.

The rod is likely from the latter part of the 1800s but I will need some additional data to try to narrow it down to a maker and time period.  The solid wood rods could be made in total or in part of cherry, ash, greenheart, lancewood, hickory, snakewood, lemonwood and other woods as well.  It may or may not actually be cherry, but it is certainly possible.   The wrap on the handle is probably rattan, split rattan.  The brass hardware is typical of the latter 1800s.

Putting the rods out as multiple use rods, the various tips and different types of tips, are also typical of the era where people used the rod for multiple types of fishing.  Does it have a special bag or formed wooden holder for the various rod sections?  Or both?

How long are the various rod sections?

Do the brass ferrules have welts or are they straight?

Is there a cap or screw on the butt that will allow a stake to be attached?  Do you have the stake?

Do you have the ability to take some photos of the rod and send them to me?  If so, send them to [email protected] and I'll review them for you.  Photos will help identify the maker.  The Kingfisher model name is one that has been used by multiple rod makers, but if we can narrow down the time period, it will help with the identification.

Are there any markings on the rod or other data stamped into the brass fittings?

I would assume the rod has some collector value, but can't say what until the maker is determined.

If you can provide the answers to these questions, it will help get me started on identifying the maker.

Thanks,  Joe