vintage le payne bamboo fly rod

Question
was wondering if you could tell me around how much a vintage fly rod is worth and how we may be able to find out more info on this rod here is are info bought from abercrumbe & fitch purchase number 679 8 ft 3 7/8 oz 102 rod bamboo by LE Payne rod company any info and a price rang for it

Thanks Bill

Answer
Hi Bill,

E.F. Payne Rod Company, 490 NE Butler Market Road, Suite 100, Bend Oregon, 97701...phone: 541-549-1544...www.efpaynerodcompany.com...this is the contact data for the current operation that has evolved from the original E.F. Payne Rod Company founded in 1898 in New York.  I suggest you contact them for assistance in verifying the origin of the rod you have in your possesion.

The E.F. Payne Rod Company did make a Model 102 fly rod.  An 8 foot,  two piece rod with two tip sections.  It was probably made around the 1940s during the era when the company was owned and managed by Jim Payne the son of the founder.  It is highly likely that Payne Model 102 rods were sold through Abercrombie & Fitch as a retail outlet.

Is it possible that the name "le payne" on your rod is "ef payne" or that part of the inscription has been lost or damaged in some way making it difficult to read?

If your rod is an actual E.F. Payne rod it is valuable even in poor condition.  If it is in good or excellent condition it could easily be worth in the thousands.

I would hesitate to give you any estimate of value without seeing the rod and verifying its maker and history.

I suggest you begin by contacting the E.F. Payne Rod Company listed above and request their assistance in verifying that you have a bona fide Payne rod, Model 102, and ask if they can help you assess the value in today's market.

In addition, you might do some research and see if there is a nearby authority on vintage fishing gear or antiques who would be qualified to evaluate the condition of the rod and its history.  It would be best for someone with the expertise needed to inspect the rod in person and assess it sactual condition.

This may be a fairly valuable rod so I would not recommend mailing it or placing it in the hands of anyone you have not determined to be qualified and reputable in the business of vintage rods.

Good luck.  I hope you find that it is a real Payne in excellent condition and worth a lot of money.

Thanks,  Joe