QuestionI have a 2 piece split cane rod which bears the words 揙rvis - Impregnated?(just like that in quotes) and the words 揚at. Pend?on the butt section towards the grip. The (serial) number 3568 is on all three pieces (the butt section and two tips) and is located close to the metal ferrules. The rod length is 7??with a down-locking reel seat of some type of wood which appears to be maple. The words Makers, Charles F. Orvis Co. Inc., Manchester Vt. are engraved on the down lock, which appears to be nickel. The end cap also appears to be nickel. It has a cigar grip. It is in excellent condition.
I would guess the rod to one of the early Orvis Impregnated rods, but I have no way of knowing the model. I 揺arned?this rod by working in a fly shop in Maryland in the late 80抯. The rods a little noodley but it will shoot a line like a bullet and I have caught and released some very nice trout with it: rainbows, brown and brook. I own a dozen rods but this one is my favorite.
I don抰 know if it is worth anything (other than being an excellent fly rod) but would appreciate any info you might have about it. Is there any way to find out where or to whom it was originally sold?
Thanks for any help you can give me.
AnswerRobert,
Assuming it is marked correctly It was made by a very reputable company called Orvis - in business since before the Civil War. They are still in business and you can read about their bamboo rods at:
http://www.orvis.com/intro.aspx?dir_id=758&subject=447
I recommend calling them and confirm my analysis.
888-235-9763
Orvis doesn't do appraisals:
http://www.orvis.com/intro.asp?dir_id=758&subject=2876
and refers you to
Len Codella
Len Codella's Heritage
Sporting Collectibles
2201 South Carnegie Drive
Inverness, FL 34450
(352# 637-5454
#352# 637-5420 FAX
[email protected]
and
Carmine Lisella
Jordan-Mills Rod Co.
#4 Hidden Ridge lane
New City, NY 10956
Phone: 845-639-7630
E-mail:
[email protected]
who probably charge.
Price book:
Antique & Collectable Fishing Rods: Identification & Value Guide Homel, Dan. 1997 #2nd edition 2000) add about 30% for age of book
Another book ,Bamboo Rod Restoration Handbook By Michael Sinclair doesn't mention Orvis.
Homel gives the 8' model "Battenkill "Pat. Pend." c.1949 fly rod with an extra tip, 2 sections a value of $125, 275, and 450 for poor, good, excellent condition respectively. Shorter is more collectable and valuable. The missing model name may be even more valueable.
Orvis serial number Database found at :
http://home.myfairpoint.net/and96jac/sitebuildercontent/sitebuilderfiles/orvis.h...
It is not perfect but says your '3868' is a 8 ft 3 piece model Bakelite rod was built by Cal Skinner and dated 5/30/47.
Ferrule sizes: 16/64 & 10/64
Bakelite probably not the model name but a style of impregnation.
Luck,
Mac
Please provide feedback, nominations are appreciated.
