E. Vom Hofe bamboo rod

Question
I have come across an early "Ed. W. Vom Hofe & Co. Makers NY" bamboo fishing rod, with the letter A underneath the name. Further down the reel seat is "#5". It measures about 7', is obviously for heavy tackle or deep sea, and is missing the first line guide. What can you tell me about this rod and and an approximate value. Thank you in advance.

Answer
Hi Don,

The Edward vom Hofe rod company built rods from 1867 to about 1940 and is well known for boat rods and other saltwater gear.  Yours is in the generic category of boat rod.  Edward vom Hofe boat rods are much more common than his fly rods.  

Most of the boat rods have two guides at each location along the shaft on opposite sides of the rod and a tiptop that allows line to enter from two sides.  This configuration allows the user to turn the upper section of the rod 180 degrees every so often and fish with both sides of the rod.  This tends to distribute the stress more evenly on the bamboo and minimizes the forming of a permanent set (curve in the rod).

Your rod may have agate lined guides or trumpet or bell guides or latter year wire guides.  This can help with identifying date and value of the rod somewhat.  The vom Hofe company tended to use components long after they were replaced by new technology simply because they had an inventory of parts and used them all up.

The handle can be all wodd or wood wrapped in rattan.  The bamboo shaft is most liekly six sided.  If it is other than six strips, that would be important to know.

Assuming the rod is six strip bamboo and the handle is all wood and detachable, and the rod is in good condition needing a few repairs like the guide and maybe refinish work, it's value is likely in the $100-$300 range.  Actual value depends on its age, its actual condition and the components on the rod.

Thanks,  Joe