Heddon Expert #125 9 split bamboo rod

Question
I was curious as to the value of this rod. It is a 9' Heddon Expert #125 3 piece (w/ extra tip) in original sleeve and tube. Ferrule=3f, line size=G B G or C? It has been used, but to my inexperienced eye looks to be in really good condition. I was also curious what a reasonable price to get it reconditioned would be, and how much that would affect it's value. Thanks.

Answer
Hi Roger,

The Heddon Expert #125 and Heddon Premier #115 were rods made by Heddon exclusively for Sears & Roebuck.  As such they can not be compared directly to the other rods in the Heddon lineup.  However, they do have collector value and are quality rods.

The GBG designator indicates the rod was made for an 8wt line in either Weigth Forward (WF) or Double Taper (DT) configuration.  The "C" designator indicates the rod will also perform well with a 7wt Level line.  The 3f designator indicates the rod is a "Heavy Duty" model likely intended for bass, walleye, pike fishing.

With the original bag and tube, plus all four sections in full length, and in Very Good condition the value would be in the $250-$300 range; in Excellent condition the value would be in the $400-$500 range.  The difference between these levels of condition is essentially the amount of use showing on the rod.  You have all the original parts.  If the rod looks pretty good, figure it to be more toward the Very Good rating.  If it looks really good as in minimal use, very clean, no obvious wear, like new tags and labels, figure it toward the Excellent rating.

Restoring the rod depends on the condition and the amount of work to be done to bring it back to restored-Mint condition.  The price could easily be the current value of the rod.  In restored-Mint condition I would not expect the rod to exceed the Excellent range above.  Value after restoration does depend on how good the work is and, to some degree, the reputation of the restorer.  Given that, it may not be worth your while to do this work.  It may be better to keep it in its original condition.  

If your inexperienced eye is correct and the rod tends toward the Excellent rating, keeping use at aminimum and keeping the rod clean and stored properly will allow it to appreciate in value.

Hope this helps more than confuses.  Joe