Horrocks Ibbotson

Question
I recently acquired an old fly rod. The label says "Genuine Tonkin Cane", as well as H-I, and Horrck Ibbotson, Utica, NY., made in USA.

It's a 6 piece rod, all sections around 17 3/4" long, in a cloth case. It's hex shaped. Written on the case is "6 3/4 OZ., 8 1/2 ft."  The previous owner may have written that on the case, as it looks to be in ink.

I was wondering how old this rod might be, and if it has any value.  

I may have other questions in the near future. I have a bunch of reels that I've acquired from the same person, but haven't looked through them yet. One is a spring loaded fly reel, but as I said, I haven't thoroughly looked them over yet.

Thanks, John

Answer
John,

If you would please do not ask me about reels , I am a bamboo rod guy  and it is not my area of expertise. I would recommend: Antique %26 Collectible  Fishing Reels: Identification, Evaluation &  Maintenance Homel, & Jellison. 1996, available at your local library.

Your Horrocks-Ibbotson is not very valuable.
They are looked down upon by the collecting community and often they are justified. They were sort of mass produced , rather heavy and very slow. They are not going to resale for very much.
A small portion of these rods are decent fishing tools . It is the collector community that decides the prices , please  don't blame the messenger.
I find two books are available at larger libraries to get history and or value:
Antique & Collectable Fishing Rods: Identification & Value Guide Homel, Dan. 1997 (2nd edition 2000) ,add 30% due to the age of the book.
Bamboo Rod Restoration Handbook -Michael Sinclair
History
H-I
http://mysite.verizon.net/vze2h7gi/fishnbanjossliceoflifeincyberspacecopy/id22.h...

The 2nd strike on your rod is the multiple sections . Most rods are 2-3 piece. All that metal ferrules #connectors) ruin the idea of actually fishing with this rod. The most cash you can get for this is a tax write off when you donate it to a museum.

I  quote these books written by researchers so you know I am not making it all up, But I include my experience as well.

It has taken me the best part of an hour to write this up , please take a few seconds to provide feedback. Please remember I am a volunteer , the feedback is the only result I get from doing this.

Luck,
Mac

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