Wright Mcgill 1938 Granger Special

Question
I was given an 8'6' W&M Granger Special fly rod by my father. The rod belonged to his grandfather. I have been checking the internet for possible value, but so far all the descriptions have been slightly different than the rod that I have.  All the pics of the Granger Specials with the stamping for Denver Colorado, the finish on the rod was a light yellow with dark eye windings. The rod I have is a darker color, like something between mahogeney and brown, with gold windings, All four sections are of equal length. Pole has one eye, middle section has four eyes, and tip has six. Do I have a custom ordered piece, or maybe a rare model? any help would be greatly appreciated.  Thanx

Answer
Hi Dennis,

Does your rod have the Wright & McGill name applied with a rubber stamp under the finish or does it have "Made by Wright & McGill Rod Co., Denver, Colo., U.S.A." stamped into the reel seat?  If your rod is marked as a Wright-McGill Granger, it is newer than 1938.  If it is not marked W-M, it is likely a Goodwin Granger rod and would be somewhat more valuable and possibly older than 1938.

Granger rods marked with the W-M name began to appear in 1946 when W-M leased the Granger facilties and took over rod manufacturing.  Five years later W-M bought the Granger facilities.

Granger rods did come in a darker caramel colored cane and also in a light or even dark straw colored cane.  Your rod would be typical of the Granger coloring.  A W-M Granger Special in 8 1/2 foot length with all four sections, original bag and tube would be valued based on the actual condition of the rod, bag and tube.  Value ranges would be:

Poor-Fair Condition..........$100-$200
Good-Very Good Condition.....$250-$400
Excellent-Mint Condition.....$500-$600

Thanks,  Joe