edward vom hofe fly rod

Question
I have a Edward vom hofe fly rod. The rod is a three peace rod with an extra tip section,four sections in all.The rod is 8' 11'' long has six sides a cork handle and is signed Edward Vom Hofe.The rod came in a green heavy cloth type rollup with four pockets for each piece and an aluminum tube it all fits in. There are no other markings on anything.Who could look at this and tell me what it is made of,what size or weight rod it is and what it is worth? I live in the lowwer hudson valley of New York.                         Thank You  Dave

Answer
Hi Dave,

Edward vom Hofe rods, in general, are high quality rods and usually have pretty good collector value.  The vast majority of Edward vom Hofe rods that show up on the market are boat rods for salt water use some of which can be valued as high as $800 or more.

Edward vom Hofe fly rods are quite rare in the market.  Your rod was probably made and sold as a 9' rod with two tip sections.  If you have all four sections and the original rod bag and the original rod tube...and everything is original length and in very good to excellent condition...then you have a very nice rod that is probably pretty valuable as well.

My guess would be the rod is rated for about a modern 7wt or possibly 8wt line. The rod is split bamboo.  Edward vom Hofe sold a 9' Light Salmon rod made by Payne but marked as Edward vom Hofe.  I have no way of knowing that this is the model you have now, but if so, it would be quite valuable...probably $1,500 or more.

My recommendation would be that you locate a reputable appraisal firm with experience in antique or vintage fishing rods and have the rod inspected and appraised.  I don't think it would appropriate to rely on an evaluation from me or any other web based appraisal.  The rod needs to be inspected in person and some research done on it to establish a value based on condition and scarcity.

Your location should make it possible for you to find more than one appraiser that is qualified and experienced in vintage rods.  Do some looking and checking into the antique dealers and appraisal houses in New England.  Choose the one (or two) that you think are most reasonable to deal with and have them take a look at the rod.

Try to deliver the rod in person and be there during the appraisal process.  I would not mail the rod.  I would not intrust the rod to anyone that you are not completely comfortable with.  Edward vom Hofe fly rods are scarce and hard to come by so until you know exactly what you have, treat it as something very special and potentially quite valuable.

Good luck,  Joe