Vintage Spey Rod

Question
Hi Joe,

I have a spey rod that I believe to be made of ash. It has four sections (two tips) and a kill stick. The word Cheltenham is on a small metal plate on the rod handle. This rod is in relatively good condition. Do you know or can you refer me to anyone who might know about the value of this rod? I would appreciate any info you can give me. Thanks in advance.

John

Answer
Hi John,

No clue at all as to maker of the rod.  I would suspect English made and the Cheltenham area is certainly spey rod country so the metal plate could be the model name?  On value, I would guess at least a few hundred dollars but I don't have a definitive range for you.  It could be very rare or fairly common...I really don't know.

If the rod is all Ash, it may be mid to later 1800s...and it may have Lancewood tips.  Does it have ferrules or is it a spliced connection between the sections?  If ferruled, are they brass?  Do they have ferrule spikes and keepers on them?  Do they slide together or have the external screw latch?

The rod may also be Greenheart which would place it more towards the late 1800s or early 1900s time frame.  Is the reel seat brass...or at least brass slide rings on cork?  By kill stick I assume you mean what is refered to as a "priest"?

You might want to do some searching for spey or fly fishing discussion groups on the internet that are UK based or have a UK discussion section.  I would expect the folks who would participate in such groups to be somewhat familiar with the vintage English tackle makers.

I'll add this name to the list of things I watch for as I dig around looking for vintage rod information.  It sounds like a very interesting rod that could have an interesting history.

Thanks,  Joe