Mohawk (?) Rod

Question
Robert,
I have a rod that has a cork handle with a metal cap on the butt end. To hold the reel it has a slide with a finger hook to pull it down tight. At the top of the reel holder it has the name "MOHAWK". At the start of the rod there is a steel block with vertical lines all around it. It also has the number 300 stamped into it. attached to the block are six steel rods, three on each side 8" long. These attach to a oblong plate with a glass line eye in it. From there there are four more steel rods, two on each side 11.75" long. These also attach to a oblong plate with another glass line eye. From this plate two more steel rods 7.25" long go to the end oblong plate that has the glass eye missing. Can you give me some information on this and approximate value? Thank you for your time.

Answer
I believe your describing a steel fishing rod with glass agate eyelets in the line guides?

Mohawk is a line of fishing tackle made by Horrock Ibbotson, Itica New York. Look for an "H & I" symbol or marking. (Some other makers also used Mohawk on their tackle).  Their fishing tackle was low to medium quality.

Unfortunately steel rods do not sell for much - in the $5 to $25 range depending on condition, etc.

The early custom split bamboo fly rods custom built in America are the focus of most collectors.

bob

www.folkartfishinglures.com