value of Heddon split bamboo rod.

Question
I have a Heddon split bamboo rod in perfect condition, never been used. We think it is about 90 years old. Original cloth case and metal tube.The number on the rod is as such : #125- 8 1/2 - 2 1/2 - F- HCH or D
Do you know how much this would be worth? All the numbers and such looks to be hand written on rod.

Answer
Hi Sue,

You have a #125 Expert fly rod made by Heddon exclusively for Sears.  It is what is called a private label or trade rod in the industry.  Sears got a better price on the rods by allowing Heddon to put their name on them and thereby advertise "free" in the Sears stores.  These are high quality rods made for Sears and they were popular.

The code is:

#125..........Expert (the model name)
8 1/2.........length - 8 1/2 feet
2 1/2-F.......ferrule type (Heddon type 2 1/2 ferrules)
HCH...........line weight (modern 7wt in WF or DT)
D.............line weight (modern 6wt in Level)

Date of manufacture is likely the 1940s-1950s...the rod is probably 60-70 years old.  You should have all four sections and they should all be the same length.  In addition you should have the original rod bag and rod tube.  The inscriptions are all hand written by Ms Cleo Hanley...the lady who signed virtually every rod made by Heddon for 33 years.

Value in Mint (unused) condition would be in the $500-$650 range...depending on actual condition of the rod, bag and tube.

Thanks,  Joe