Question
fly rod snuggler 7 1/2
I just came home from an estate sale with this in a cloth pouch. It is so clean, It looks new. Is It? Could you tell me the value? It is 4 pcs, gold connecting ends, what looks to be bamboo, because it is so light, and a cork hand grip. Thank you
Chris
AnswerHi Christine,
I don't know what you paid for it at the estate sale, but you picked a winner this time.
The Bill Phillipson rod company introduced the 4-piece Smuggler rod in 1952 and it was marketed through Abercrombie & Fitch in addition to Phillipson's own marketing outlet. This rod is listed in the D.B. Homel, Antique & Collectible Identification & Value Guide, 2003 Edition, under the Phillipson rod company as a 4-piece model with two tips. I do not know for certain if the A&F model had two tips or not. I'm pretty sure this rod is rated for a 6wt line.
The two tip rod is valued at: Good condition $500-$600; Excellent or Mint condition $900-$1,000. These figures are adjusted upward a bit from the actual numbers in the book to account for inflation. It sounds like your rod tends toward the excellent end of the scale. If the rod only has one tip, but was originally made with only one tip, the values would probably be slghtly lower but still substantial.
The rod probably came with an aluminum tube as well as the rod bag. If you do not have the original tube, the value would be reduced somewhat. If the rod bag is in poor shape or damaged, the value would also be reduced somewhat.
Because the rod is marked A&F instead of Phillipson, it might lose some value for collectors. It's the same rod, but doesn't have the maker's name on it which can make a difference. In my opinion the rod would be easily valued in at least the $600-$800 range. It's a very nice rod.
If you wish to do so, a professional appraisal would help you determine a more exact value range. Look for an appraiser with experience in values for anitigue rods.
Either way, you have found a very nice rod. If you wish to fish with it, you will find that Phillipson rods are very good rods. To get something comparable made for you in bamboo today would cost two to three times this value range.
Thanks, Joe
