Tonkin Cane Rods

Question
I have recently picked up at a Craigslist sale 3 flyrods all cane.  I would love any information you could give me on them as they seem old and the man I bought from said they were his fathers.  ( I paid $50 for everything plus 4 tackle boxes of lures).

Rod 1: Stamped Genuine Tonkin Cane and signed Beauer or Beaner next to the brand stamping. (2 pieces), cork handle is rough.  

Rod 2: Cane signed Tonka Prince (not stamped), cork handle is in fair condition but rod is good condition and there is a reel that probably came with it.

Rod 3: Cane 2 pieces, seems to be the oldest, signed "Fowego " (could be a New England maker as the rods were all found in ME.

Thank you for your help.
Gail Quinney
        2 pieces, no breakage

Answer
Gail,

Split Bamboo flyrods are not my best topic - here is some general information I can provide

Tonkin cane is the bamboo that split bamboo flyrods are made from. This is very straight cane that is cut into sections that are glued together to make the flyrod.

Collectors interest:

American custom/hand flyrods - most desireable, condition, maker and rod size are important. $100 and up
American production flyrods - low to high quality rods - desireable, condition, maker, quality, size are important. $50-500
japanese flyrods - low desireability - post WWII rods common. $20 - $50

Now condition - condition is a large factor, is the rod straight, condition of the bamboo and varnish, eyelets, condition of the cork handle. Is the rod bag and aluminum tube with the rod. Also, most rods had two tips since its the most delicate part of the rod and prone to breaking.

For your rods
Rod #2 I believe maybe H&I short for Horrock Ibbotson - a NY tackle manufacturer. Low to medium quality tackle.

I dont recognize the other two by your description. However, there is a site dedicated to flyrods - if you join and post photos of the rods you can get a better valuation

http://clarksclassicflyrodforum.yuku.com/forums/69/t/Appraisals-amp-Identificati...


I collect fishing lures specifically and would be interested if you have any photos.

Robert Vermillion
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