South Bend 353-272

Question
Hi Rich,
I have been offered this rod:
South Bend - made in USA
Rod #323-272
8' 6"
written on Rod - "D or HD"
I was wondering what you can tell me about it...I believe it is a 5/6 but I am not sure. The main question is what is it worth in good/excellent and if I go and examine it, what are the likely flaws I should look for other than loose wraps and poor fit?
Thank you in advance.
Ken Wood
Ontario, Canada

Answer
Ken,

I am assuming the rod is bamboo fly rod. Flat sided with the reel seat below the handle.

"written on Rod - "D or HD"" you got this wrong - it is the line weight. Could be "HDH or D" which is 6 weight.

I have never seen nor is it in the books , a SB bamboo fly 323 rod as "323-272" with the extra 3 digits.

the book:
Antique & Collectable Fishing Rods: Identification & Value Guide Homel, Dan. 1997 (2nd edition 2000) add about 30% for age of book

Homel gives the 8.5 model South Bend #323 with an extra tip, 3 sections the  value of  $35, 90 and $165 for poor, good, excellent condition respectively. So good would be $120 US and excellent would be $219.

Excellent means the handle is like new , clean. Finish is smooth an  uninterrupted.

Homels
"Summary of Condition

Excellent
1 Fine, original finish
2 No missing sections or components
3 No breaks, fractures, dirt or wear
4 Shows evidence of only minimal use
5 Original bag and case with tags and labels

Very Good
1 Original rod finish with few flaws
2 Grip, ferrules and reel seat show average, moderate use
3 No missing or altered components some authentic exceptions are accepted
4 Some minor rear to guides and wraps acceptable
5 Rod is complete with original bag and case
6 Rod was generally well maintained and is fully functional
"

e-mail [email protected] - I have detailed condition descriptions on the net for 1 time use.

Please let me know what the asking price is and how the sale turns out .

Luck,
Mac

Please provide feedback, nominations are appreciated.