Metal Action fishing rods

Question
I have 2 metal fishing rods, both metal, one circular and one square, both say action on them. They also say Michigan. No other identifiers on them. I am wondering if you can tell me anything about them and maybe possibly give me some kind of a value estimate. Thank you so much.

Answer
Hi Robert,

The steel rods are products of the first half of the 1900s and come in solid square, solid round, hollow round, telescoping, casting and fly rod styles.  Unfortunately, they do not attract much collector attention and the values are not high.  Typically, these rods will be in the $10-$30 range depending on condition.

These rods tend to be made or sold by firms like Horton Manufacturing, Gephart Manufacturing, True Temper, Folsum Arms Company, American Fork and Hoe, Union Hardware and Winchester.  Many steel rods were sold by sporting goods companies and mail order houses that were made by one of these firms but labeled with the name of the retailer.  It is difficult to determine exactly who made the rods you have.  However, you might look into Gephart as a possibility as I think they were located in Michigan and they used the label "Actionized" on their rods.

They do make pretty nice fishing rods.  You might be surprised at how well they perform.  And, if they get scratched, just paint them to look new.

Thanks,  Joe