QuestionI'm trying to decide whether my Grandfather's bamboo fly rod is too valuable to risk by taking it fishing. I'm assuming it's one of the "Black Beauty" Series, though it is not marked with that name.
As in the Subject line, this is an 8 1/2' No. 17 with one bottom section of 34 3/8" length, with two middle sections of 33 1/4" and 34 1/2" length, and three tips of 32 3/4", 34 1/2", and 34 5/8" length.
Thus, the rod could be from 8' 3" to 8' 7" in total length.
The entire rod (all sections) is hexagonal in shape.
All of the thread wrapping is black.
The reel seat is also black.
The bottom section has, written diagonally, the word "Heddon" and along one side the words "#17 8 1/2' - 2F - HDH or E" in cursive handwriting.
It also includes "Pat. No. 1807078" on the ring which fastens the reel to the rod.
To my untrained eye, the condition is very good but not "mint". It looks as though this rod saw at least one or two season's worth of light use before being put away for the last time.
The finish doesn't have the perfect smoothness of a modern rod. I don't know whether the slightly uneven appearance is normal, or due to some past refinishing job. It's about as good as one could do with a brush, I'd guess.
I would not hesitate to use this rod were it not my Grandfather's. It has a firm "snap" that makes my (admittedly low-end) Chinese-made Cortland fiberglass rod feel sloppy by comparison. As a "newbie" fly-fisher, I can only guess at how a fly rod "should" feel, but I like this one.
Can you help me determine whether to use this rod or to put it away as a collector's item?
AnswerKarl,
Thanks for asking this question on All experts.
The price book: Antique & Collectable Fishing Rods: Identification & Value Guide Homel, Dan. 1997 (2nd edition you a ball ion 2000) add about 30% for age of book .
Homel gives the 8.5 model #17, Black Beauty with an extra tip, 3 sections a value of $75, 165 and $300 for poor, good, excellent condition respectively.
I could give you a ball park guesstimate of about $200 maximum. But your description of the finish gives me pause and it could be less. Brushes are not generally used in restoration, bamboo rods should be dipped. It also sounds likely that one of the tips is broken , being shorter is not the way it was built. Also I think you have what is left of 2 rods, the #17 had one mid section only and 2 tips.
If you don't have 3 sections that are Heddon all bets are off. I would have to see it , pictures might help to ID it for sure.(
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If you think the bamboo has a snap , go test cast a graphite rod at your local sporting goods / fly shop.
I am saying go fish it but I would say that in almost all cases,because I love and fish the bamboo. If there are spots on the rod without finish , it can be damaged by fishing it. I give free appraisal and estimates in Denver.
The label / logo (without Black Beauty on the rod )you described started in 1939 and ended in 1951.
Luck,
Mac
Please provide feedback, nominations are appreciated.
