Montague Split Switch Bamboo Fly Rod

Question
Dear Joe,

First of all thank you for your time.  I have a Montague Split Switch fly rod that is in excellent condition.  It looks to have seen some use but is only slightly worn.  It is a four piece rod set in a cloth container and includes a nice tube with Montague label on it.  Can you tell me when it might have been made and approximately what it would be worth.

Answer
Hi Kevin,

You are welcome.  I enjoy it.  It's worth what you pay for it.

The Split Switch model was in the Montague lineup from about 1915 through the 1940s.  This model was basically at the higher end of the cheaper Montague rods.  In the 1920s-1930s the rod sold for $8.00 and in the 1940s sold for $10.00.  By the 1940s there were about twice as many Montague rod models below the Split Switch as there were above it in the lineup.  I guess you say by then the rod was at the lower end of the better rods made by Montague, which sounds much better.

It does sound like you have a nice rod.  In excellent condition this rod should be valued in the $160-$200 range. With all four pieces original length, plus the original bag plus the original tube, it could be a little higher depending on how badly a potential buyer wants it.  It also could be lower if the actual condition doesn't warrant the excellent rating.  Value drops off very quickly as condition is rated less than excellent.

You can fish with it and you may find it fishes well.  Try it with a modern 6wt or 7wt line.  I have an old Montague Sunbeam that is an even cheaper model than this one but is in excellent condition and does actually fish pretty well.  You want to watch the ferrules as they are possibly brass and may bend or crack with excessive use.  The Split Switch is listed as wrapped in two colors which means it might be wrapped in any two colors of thread that the rod wrapper happened to have available...some were wrapped in two colors twisted together.

Montague made a lot of rods in a lot of different models.  Few survive to today in truly excellent condition.  You probably want to take care of the rod, but use it if you like...that's what it was made for and it's not a real valuable item to collectors.  Keep the rod in its bag and case when storing it or transporting it.  Never put it away wet.  Dry it good after use and allow it to sit out long enough to get good and dry before storing it away.  Keep the ferrules clean.  Don't store it horizontally for long periods...stand the tube up...don't lean the rod in the corner or against the wall when it is assembled.  Take care of it and it will probably last another 100 years easily.

Thanks,  Joe