Archer Bartleet bamboo rod

Question
I was given by my in laws an old bamboo rod that belonged to my wife's grandfather.   It is a 9 footer with the name Archer Bartleet written on the butt section and also a number "32415".   I had it checked by a friend who owns a fly tackle shop and avid bamboo collector. He said that the rod is in good condition but he feel a vibration at one of the ferrule (connector).  He believe that it can be fix by simply re-treading that ferrule.  I was told not to use it until it is fix otherwise i will damage the cane for good.   It also had 2 tip sections and one of the guide wrapping is undone.   It need to be re-attached with silk tread.  My friend thinks that it is a #6 or #7 weight.  My questions to you sir are:  What can you tell me about Archer Bartleet rods?  Does it have a good re-sale value if i get it fixed?  Would you know any place where i could send the rod to be fixed?   Is it worth time and money to have it fixed?   Thank you for your time.

Answer
Hi Roland,

I found virtually nothing on this rod.  I did find some old lures listed for sale on an online auction in the UK that were marked "Archer/Bartleet".  I assume either a firm named Archer's or Archer/Bartleet once sold fishing gear in the UK.  I could not find any information on either name.

Many firms market items that they do not make themselves, including bamboo fly rods.  It is possible that this firm made fishing rods and gear, but I have not yet found a reference to them if they did.  Or, it is possible that the firm sold fishing gear and rods made by someone else and marked with their company name or brand.

I would bet it is a rod made in the UK or made by someone in the UK for sale in Canada.  There were a lot of quality bamboo rod builders in Canada but I did not find this name among those in my reference book.  By whom it was made, when or where, I have no idea.  I do think a nice old bamboo fly rod with all four sections the proper length should be worth $200-$300 anyway.  I would also suggest a 6wt or 7wt line...it may like one better than the other, most of the older 9 foot rods tend to be 7wt.

The ferrule can be removed and reattached with new glue which should remove the vibration.  There maight be some potential for damage to the cane, but more likely would be damage to the ferrule if left loose.  Plus it could separate when casting or come unstuck and fly off the rod section altogether.  Best to get it fixed.  If the rod has been sitting for a long period of time, it might not be a bad idea to reseat all four of the ferrules just to be sure you have a solid fit with new glue.  The older glues can dry out over time.

Re-wrapping the guide is not a big deal.  Most rod builders have at least some silk thread around and can get any color needed.  I would think you could find a rod builder in your local area that can do the fixes for a reasonable price.  Neither of these repairs are difficult and any accomplished builder should be able to do them.

If you can not locate a rod builder locally, send me your address in an email to [email protected] and I will try to find someone for you.  I know rod builders all over North America and probably do know someone close to you.

Thanks,  Joe