QuestionRich
I need any info that you might have on a vintage fly rod that I purchased. It is a "Montague" by Deerfield. The most I can find out was tt was made by F.E. Thomas, from Deerfield, VT. sometime between 1900 and 1940's. none of the rods I have viewed on the "net" appears to be like the one that I have. It does have a label above the cork handle that shows a Rainbow Trout inside something that would remind you of a Glass paper weight, with the name "Montague" and below the picture is the word "deerfield". I'm not sure how old this rod might be. It's a 3 piece 36" sections with an extra tip. Although it needs attention it looks like it is original.
What is different is the reel seat. My rod's reel seat is held on the rod by the top clamp is by friction. The later design had a top reel seat that screwed down onto the reel. What special to me is that it reminds me of my first rod. It had the friction clamp and I was always dropping my reel because the top tightener would work loose.
I don't know what weight it is, but all guides are metal (including the tip (none have glass in them), The last guide is just large enough to pass a farmer's match through it I have no idea what weight it is but I thought maybe it was a #4 weight. Do you think I'm wrong?
Any thing you could share would be appreciated. Or if you know of a website that would have the info that would be great also.
Thanking you now for all the help I know you will have.
Larry Jordan
Tipp City, OH 45371
937-371-8100
AnswerLarry,
My first thought is that this rod was made by the Montague Rod Company in Mass. Please go to
http://www.lu-c-an.com/MontagueLabels.jpg
and tell me if the label you described is on that page ? How do you know "it was made by F.E. Thomas, from Deerfield, VT. sometime between 1900 and 1940's"?
I am doubting FE Thomas of Thomas and Thomas would make a rod named Montague. It would like a new $50000 Chrysler SUV named Edsel.
In 1955 Sewell N. Dutton purchased he Montague Rod and Reel Company and moved it to Greenfield , Mass.
Thomas and Thomas did buy Montague eventually but they used the tools not the components . The components on Montagues are of lower quality. For example the ferrules were chrome platted brass and aluminum while T&T used nickel silver.
I would like to see pictures if you can to
[email protected]
My second thought is the rod is a mixture of sections from different companies.
Another thought is that it was made by an individual not a large enough company for Michael Sinclair to have mentioned. So you are not going to find written information on it. If you can find some one in VT who know the maker, I might trust that. But there are a number of fishermen with rod stories and I am frequently dubious of their sources because I have found written ,supported sources that contradict them.
There is no Deerfield model in the Montague line.
There are a few sites about rod history on the internet such as Ron Kruse抯: http://www.flyanglersonline.com/features/bamboo/archive.html
Books available in major libraries that might help
Antique & Collectable Fishing Rods: Identification & Value Guide Homel, Dan. 1997
Bamboo Rod Restoration Handbook -Michael Sinclair ( good info on old rods , too)
It could be 4 weight but I doubt it. Lines ere a smaller diameter even into the 60s. It is probably 6 weight. When I restore rods I frequently put new larger guides on them to accommodate new larger lines.
Good Luck
Mac
