Battnekill Impregnated

Question
I have a fly rod and would like to know more about it.

It is marked:

Orvis Impregnated
Battenkill
8 1/2' - 5 1/8 oz.

G.A.F. (9)

Any information is appreciated

Answer
Jim,
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

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 8.5 model Deluxe Battnekill with an extra tip, 2 sections a value of  $95, 200, and  395 for poor, good, excellent condition respectively.

On the database is serial number 42486, which reads GAF 9 - a special line.  Database found at :
http://home.myfairpoint.net/and96jac/sitebuildercontent/sitebuilderfiles/orvis.h...
It is not perfect but says the rod weighs 6.5 oz and was built by Built by George Reid and Bill Young--grey bag, aluminum tube with blue, white and gold paper label, dated 1 / 1966.
But I would need to see a photo of the serial number to confirm this.


Luck,
Mac

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