Bristol Built

Question
Hello
I have just purchased a split cane fly rod from a person in England.
The rod is marked Bristol Built   Edwards Bristol  FB12-9'.
I bought it from curiosity as I live in Bristol England. But I hope to use it on my local streams around the city of Bath.
It would be wonderful to know when the rod was built etc.
Thanks
Bob Williams

Answer
Bob
E.W. Edwards was a highly respected rod maker. Most of the information I have on his rods are from:

Price Book:
Antique & Collectible  Fishing Rods: Identification & Value Guide Homel, Dan. 1997 (2nd edition 2000) add about 30% for age of book.
Classic & Antique Fly-Fishing Tackle: A Guide for Collectors & Anglers by A.J. Campbell

especially
Playing With Fire: The Life and Fly Rods of E.W. Edwards  by Patrick C. Garner.

Bristol was one of several companies who sold EW's rods. In fact it was the last one. Your rod is dated from 1931 to 1932 , when E.W. died. I doubt if your rod was built by EW ,it was his design but poorer materials. Most are  are sold for too much money.

I am aware of a model 12 but 8.5" and 18 at 9 ".

Homel gives the Edwards Bristol 8 1/2'  model Model F-7 fly rod with an extra tip, 3 sections the  value of  $55, 170 and $295 for poor, good, excellent condition respectively.

Homel gives the Edwards Bristol Model F-18 fly rod 9' with an extra tip, 3 sections the  value of  $50, 145 and $260 for poor, good, excellent condition respectively.

I am pretty sure it has nothing to do with Bristol England unless Bristol Connecticut was named after your Bristol.

On eBay finished Edwards Bristol Model F-18 fly Rod $310  item # 200868686626b in December.It is just not worth that.

history on line of E.W. with models and prices:
http://home.myfairpoint.net/and96jac/fishnbanjossliceoflifeincyberspacecopy/id15

Luck,
Mac

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