advice on value

Question
Hello Mark

I am hoping that you will be able to give me some advice.  I have been given 2 fly fishing rods which I am given to understand are of a very good quality.  They are both in very good conditions as is their covers etc.  I would like to sell them but have no idea what price I could ask for them. they are:

a)Orvis Graphite - model: Silver Creek - 9ft.  Impregnated Traveler. #3 line.

b)Sage Graphite III 690 RPL.  #6 line.

Could you possibly help me with this?

Answer
Debbie,

Please forgive me, but I have had too many experiences where folks have not gotten an answer they would like to hear about value of their items and become rather offended, so as a rule, I have committed to NOT giving an estimated valuation on rods, reels and tackle, antique or otherwise...but your politeness and well written request has grabbed me by the heart...so here goes.

Both of the rods you have are near top of the line for the years in which they were manufactured and while I will spare you those details both in my opinion, are very good fly rods and quite valuable in their respective categories.

I would be hard pressed not to encourage you to take NO LESS than $200.00 U.S. each, if you should decide to sell them and if they are in like-new condition. That price should be approximately half of the original retail value (not necessarily the "suggested" retail value).

So there you have it! I broke my own rule! PLEASE DON'T TELL anyone!

Hope this helps.

Mark Rimmer