Question
champion 1
champion
QUESTION: My mother was helping her father fix up a old house and found this fly rod behind some paneling in the living room in 1975. The fly rod was inside it's sock and cardboard tube with metal cap. I will give you all the information I found on the rod and on the tub.
The rod has Granger Champion stamped in ink on the rod next to the cork area. There are 3 pieces that go together and make the rod and 1 extra tip piece. All 4 pieces are the same size.
On the metal area on the first section it says Made by Goodwin Granger Co. Denver.
The tube has a sticker that was glued on and here the information on it. Granger Champion. Length: 3 1/2" Weight: 4 1/2 oz
Number: GC3_ _ 2 the sticker is torn and missing 2 numbers in the center of the number.
My mother and myself feel that this rod is in very good condition. All 4 pieces seem to be straight and I don't see much wear anywhere on the rod. The sock is like new.
Please let me know your opinion as to the condition, age, and value this rod may have. Any information would be appreciated.
I have included some pictures.
Thank you.
Darrell
ANSWER: Darrell,
Hope you mean Goodwin, not Gppdwin Granger. Don't take me too seriously, I'd starve if I had to make a living typing.
What it says on the tube or sock is only useful in confirming what is on the rod.
Goodwin Granger sold rods from 1920s until WWII when purchased by Wright & McGill, right here in my hometown of Denver, Co.
Your rod appears to be in great shape, that is unused, but I can never be too sure from photos.
The Champion model is the lower end of quality and price.
Books:
Price Book:
Antique & Collectible Fishing Rods: Identification & Value Guide by Homel, Dan. 1997 (2nd edition 2000) add about 30% for age of book.
Bamboo Rod Restoration Handbook by Michael Sinclair
You may find the above 2 books at major library systems as reference books only.
Sinclair establishes your rod as made from 1934-41.
Homel gives the Goodwin Granger "Champion" bamboo fly rod 9 1/2' with an extra tip, 3 sections the value of $60, 145 and $275 for poor, good, and excellent condition respectively. You can add $10 for a 9 ft rod.
Just checked ebay for completed auctions, Champion models of various lengths,descriptions and conditions from 240 to 300.
Depends on length and how you present it but around 275 in my experience.
Luck,
Mac
Please provide feedback, nominations are appreciated.
My descriptions usually had 40 to 80 dollars - I charge $10
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champion 
champion 1
QUESTION: Mac,
Thank you for the great information on this Granger Champion fly rod. The rod has never been used by myself or my family or put together. It does not look like it was ever used.
If I can ask you one more question. I am sorry but a little confused about the length of this rod. The tube states 3 1/2" so I thought the rod was 10 1/2". When you value the rod at 9 1/2" that made sense to me. Then you say add $10.00 for a 9ft. Really appreciate your help and time. I sent a couple more pics.
Best Regards,
Darrell
AnswerDarrell,
I am going to attempt to answer all answers here but no worries ,if you have more questions please email
[email protected]. l am not bothered by your questions so feel free.
Shorter rods are more valuable, in part it is collectors who set these prices but old fly fishers like me prefer shorter rods .Shorter rods were not made as much as 9 foot rods. The difference between the 9 and 9 1/2 Granger Champion fly rod was $10 more for the 9 footer according to Homel.
I am guessing your rod is 8.5 feet, all sections are equal. The 8.5 ft Champion is not in Homel but it is safe to say $10 more than 9 ft. My estimate is 8.5 ft Champion with an extra tip, 3 sections the value of $95, 200 and $395 for poor, good, and excellent condition respectively.
Please do not quote me, quote the books.
I will sell you a description ready for ebay for $10. Commission for sales is 40%. If you are going to sell it wait until April, you will ge twice as much as now.
Please let me know if there is more
Mac
