Question
Rod photo
Hi Joe,
I have a 9', three section fly rod, with one tip. The original sleeve has three slots.
The rod is named the "Western Special V 2125". The V may be a U.
I appreciate anything you may be able to tell me.
Thank-you, Tom
AnswerHi Tom,
I did not find any information in my reference books on the Western Special. However, I did find another one of these currently for sale on ebay at $9.99 and in fairly poor shape.
My guess is that this a a trade rod made by Chubb/Montague in the early 1900s (maybe 1910-1920) for someone else to market. The ferrules and reel seat (between your photo and the ones on ebay) look to be Chubb style and very much the same as what would be found on early Chubb/Montague rods. Virtually all rod manufacturers built (or build) rods for other companies called trade rods or private label rods that carry whatever name or inscription the other company desires. Even my own little rod building company builds private label rods in addition to custom rod work to help keep the bills paid.
From the photo, your rod appears to be in pretty good condition. It is likely built on one of the lower end blanks from the Montague lineup. It is originally a 3 piece rod based on the 3 slot rod bag. With all 3 sections full length and what looks like very good condition a range of $75-$100 would be my guess at value for the rod. If the rod came with a tube and you have it, that would help move you toward the higher end of the value.
As always, the real value of the rod depends entirely on actual condition and how badly a potential buyer wants it. Any negotiation between you and a potential buyer prior to a sale will establish a mutually agreeable evaluation of condition and a price for the rod.
If you have not, you may want to fish with it and see how it performs. Although most consider the low end rods not the best for casting, you do find some of the older, less expensive production rods that fish well. If yours suits you and your casting style, use it and enjoy it.
Thanks, Joe
