Question
aristocratemail
My friend has fly rods from his uncles and father. They are bamboo and made by Wright & McGill. One is a "granger special" and the other is a "granger aristocrat". The Special is 8' 6", 3 pieces, and has two tips. It is in excellent condition and has all the original wraps, the original bag and original tube. The Aristocrat is 7', 2 pieces, with two tips. It also is in excellent condition, but is not in the original tube (has the original bag). Could you tell me what these are worth? I have more photos, but the website only allowed one to be uploaded....
AnswerMary,
Books :
Antique & Collectable Fishing Rods: Identification & Value Guide Homel, Dan. 1997 (2nd edition 2000)
Bamboo Rod Restoration Handbook -Michael Sinclair
Classic & Antique Fly-Fishing Tackle: A Guide for Collectors & Anglers by A.J. Campbell
Homel, add 30% due to age of book : gives the value for the 7 ft model Aristocrat, 2 piece, with an extra tip, at $200, 400 and $800 for poor, good, excellent condition respectively.
The value for the 8.5 ft model Special, 3 piece, with an extra tip, at $80, 185 and $365 for poor, good, excellent condition respectively.
Homel also goes into great detail about condition evaluation. It is probably in your local library. Most people over evaluate bamboo rod conditions, they are old and unique therefore pristine looking but in fact most rods of that age have been used and are best in good condition.
Good Luck,
Mac
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