milward rod

Question
Hello I have a 9ft 6in bamboo rod made by milward, the emblem on the rod appears to be an arm covered in armour holding a sword, the rod has brass ferrules with wooden inserts and a wooden handle with a brass screw at the butt. can you give me any information on what it might be worth or how far it dates back. thanks dave.

Answer
Hi David,

I don't have a lot of data on Milwards rods, but I'll tell you what I found in my refernece books.  I've only seen one Miwards rod and I did some minor repair wok on that one.  It was a nice rod.

According to Cambell (A.J. Campbell, Classic and Antique Fly-Fishing Tackle) the firm of Henry Milward's, Washford Mills, Redditch, England, began as a small needle and hook making foundry sometime in the 1700s. They made rods, reels and tackle and won many medals at international trade shows between 1853 and 1922.  So, they are an old and well established firm that produced good, mid-quality gear.  Their split bamboo rods were marketed in Canada much more than in the USA.  You may find more information looking for H. Milward & Sons, LTD, in the library or on the internet.

A 9'6" rod would probably be rated as a heavy trout rod.  Brass ferrules would be appropriate for this rod as would the wooden ferrule plugs, and the brass butt cap with brass screw.  Most likely the screw was removed when fishing and a brass spike would be screwed into the butt to allow you to anchor the rod into the ground.  Wooden handles were used by several makers prior to 1900.  There is a possiblity that your rod might be from the late 1800s or early 1900s.

In good condition your rod might be worth $150, and in mint condition as much as $300 or so.  I don't really have any comparison figures for the rod so it is hard to say with any confidence.  Generally, shorter rods are more desirable than longer rods.  However, condition and scarcity can also impact value significantly.

Thanks,  Joe