Question
WM bamboo rod
Mac, I am Brian Henderson, 63 yrs old, self taught fly fisherman on a H-I fly rod at age 11. I survived the first year some how and have fly fished for bluegill & bass continuously. A friend heard my conversation with another about trying to find my first fly rod and said he might have an old one that he'd give me. Long story short, got the rod checked it over under a magifying glass and deemed it fishable. Haveen using it since march this year and love it. I am seeking all the info that you can come up with etc. original line weight designation (A,B,C,D). I have a weight forword 6 on it now and it is working just fine, Below is the info that you requested, also pix attached. Your help would be much appreciated.
1. Fly Rod
2. Reel seat below cork
3. Info on reel seat--Patent April 12, 1938
Patent No 2114,107
4. Bamboo Hexagon
5. Weight 5 oz.
6. Diameter--above cork 3/8" flat to flat
7. Given to by a friend
8. type of metal; not sure
9. Logo-Wright & McGill, Granger Victory
l0. 3-section rod (2-tips)
length per section=36 1/2"
total length=9 ft.
AnswerBrian,
Line weight , if the line weight isn't on the logo or the tube you have to guess. Sometimes they have a single letter or 3 letters for vintage line weights. People fish very much with graphite rods today ,like they did in the past with bamboo rods. Most people used a 6 weight . So your guess was a good choice, from my view.
Information :
Here are some books I own and use to research for the information that follow:
Antique & Collectable Fishing Rods: Identification & Value Guide Homel, Dan. 1997 (2nd edition 2000) add about 30% for age of book
Bamboo Rod Restoration Handbook by Michael Sinclair
Classic & Antique Fly-Fishing Tackle: A Guide for Collectors & Anglers by A.J. Campbell
Colorado Classic Cane: A History of the Colorado Bamboo Rod Makers
by Dick Spurr and Michael Sinclair
Granger took over Wright & McGill after WWII. So you rods is after 1946. In 1951 the direction of the lettering was reversed so it read toward the grip. I put your rod in 1951-2.
Homel gives the 9 model Wright & McGill, Granger Victory with an extra tip, 3 sections a value of $70, 165 and $285 for poor, good, excellent condition respectively. I think I might get $100 for it but the lack of a 2nd tip is important.
Your pictures lack detail but I am guessing that there is some sluffing of finish and threads . The tip is bent. Both those conditions can be dealt with a restoration. It would also add life and increased value to your rod .
[email protected]
Luck,
Mac
Please provide feedback, nominations are appreciated.
