vintage orvis fly rod

Question
QUESTION: I recently received an Orvis Impregnated Traveler fly rod consisting of 6 pieces, serial number 33320. It is in pristine condition.  Any idea as to the value?  It is in a metal, tubular container and also has a cloth bag that the components fit in.  Thanks,  Paul

ANSWER: Hi Paul,

Sorry, I have been unable to locate any information on this particular Orvis model.  Are there any other details you can provide?  I assume this is a bamboo rod?

I have been through all of the Orvis listings I have and have done some internet searching.  Lots of data on 4 piece and 7 piece travel rods but nothing on 6 piece rods called Traveler by Orvis.  I am sure there is more to be found, but I will need additional data.

Are you able to provide a picture?

Thanks,  Joe

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Joe:  Thanks for your response.  I got the rod out of the metal case and looked at it again.  The words "Orvis impregnated Traveler" are imprinted on the piece that the reel attaches to.  The serial number "33320" is also on there.  The number also appears on the three tips.  Now on the piece that the reel attaches to there is a plug on the butt end which comes off and then there is a piece that is about 3 inches long that is covered in cork that will plug into the end of the rod. Maybe that piece shouldn't be counted?  On the metal carrying case it says Orvis Impregnated Bamboo.  


ANSWER: Hi Paul,

Thanks for the added info.  I still have not found a 6-piece Traveler, but I did find a 4-piece Traveler for sale at $600.  It says it is a salmon rod at 9'0" length.

The end piece you refer to is called a fighting butt.  These are used to extend the handle area and allow oyu to use two hands for either casting or for fighting a fish.  I'm beginning to wonder if your rod might also be a salmon rod.

How long is it when assembled?

Is there a line rating?  Like 8wt or 9wt or such?  GBG, HCH?

How long is the regular handle?

How long is the reel seat?  Is it all metal?

What color are the wraps?

Are the ferrules blued?

You have three tips...do also have more than one mid section?

How many rod sections does it take to fully assemble the rod?

If you were counting the fighting butt as the 7th piece, this may be a 4-piece rod with three tip sections.  If that is the case, you may have a Salmon rod with three tips.

OK...searching for 4-piece traveler rods yields results that may more closely match your rod.  I found two 4-piece salmon rods with serial numbers in the same range as yours.  One has only one tip, the other has two tips.  Three matching tips is a bonus.

I'm becoming convinced you have a salmon rod.  I suspect it would be valued at about $600 minimum.  If you can provide answers to these new questions, perhaps I can find more.

Thank you,

Joe

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Joe:
The rod fully assembled is 9 feet long. consisting of 4 pieces. I can see no line weight rating anywhere.  The reel seat length is approx 4 inches and is all metal. The wrap colors are brown and the ferrules are not blued.  The section containing the handle is 27 1/2 inches long.  There is 1 handle section, 1 second section, 1 third section and 3 tips.  I originally thought this rod consisted of 3 lengths but now realize there are four sections to it.  Hope this helps.  Thank you very much for your efforts in valuing this rod.   A friend of my wife gave this rod to me along with three others.  We are going to take up fly fishing but I feel this rod should belong to someone who would treasure it.  The friend lives in the Boston area and is in need of cash now that her husband has died and I thought I would sell this rod and send her the cash.  I know she would appreciate it.   Thanks again, Paul

Answer
Hi Paul,

Thank you for the additional info.

The wraps are probably gold that look brown under the varnish.  Gold is the appropriate color for the wraps on this Orvis rod.  I am now convinced you have a salmon rod.  Even though it does not indicate a line rating, it is most likely an HCH or the equivalent of a modern day 8wt line.

You have the original metal tube, the original bag and the original rod consisting of a 4-piece salmon fly rod with three matching tips plus a fighting butt extension.  This is a 4/3 combination with fighting butt in rod maker jargon.

My guess is that this is a desirable rod for several reasons: 1) it is all original, 2) it is in excellent condition, 3) it is very portable (hence the Traveler name), 4) it has the original fighting butt attachment and 5) it has three matching tips which is fairly uncommon.  The vintage Orvis rods sell good and hold their value quite well.  I believe this rod would be valued in the $600-$800 range quite easily...possibly more.

I suggest you go next to www.classicflyrodforum.com where they have an option for you to request a formal appraisal of the rod.  There is a process you must go through and data you must provide, but it would likely be worth it to get their estimated value for this rod.  This web site is devoted to vintage bamboo rods and there are plenty of experts engaged there to provide you a much more detailed assessment than I am able to do.  There may well be a number of interested buyers as well in the discussion area of the site.

I doubt you will have difficulty finding a buyer for the rod.  If you describe the circumstances and your intended use of the proceeds, you may find the folks on this site more than generous and helpful.

Good luck,   Joe