antique rod

Question
Joe:
I have come across a 3 piece bamboo rod (with additional tip);logo is 'Shakespeare' in black script sitting in a gold irregular rectangle which, in turn, sits in a green oval;"Honor Built" and "Honor Sold" sits in green background. Below the logo "A-1308-7-9'". It sits in a tan sheath of the same material WW1 soldiers leggings were made of. On the sheath is a blistered label. The only words I can make out are" Genuine split bamboo...Horrock...utica,N.Y. (logo'H-I' on a square in a diamond)...fishing tackle...for fishing.Since 1812."
Can you tell me more? when made? worth? I assume it's a 7 weight and 9 feet. What does the rest stand for? Thanks!

Answer
Hi Brian,

The decal makes the rod a pre-WW II rod.  The model number (1308) indicates about 1940-1942 as the date of manufacture.  The model 1308 is also called the Premier, sold for $18.00 when new and should have red wraps with gold tipping wraps.  This model was not made after WW II.

Shakespeare did not actually build rods.  They had other companies make their rods and put the Shakespeare label on the rods.  This is a common practice in the rod making business and one that is still doen today.  Among the rod makers who built Shakespeare bamboo rods were Montagure, Heddon and South Bend all of which would have been actively building Shakespeare rods at the time this rod was made.  The 1308 was likely made by either Montague or South Bend...I would guess probably South Bend.

I am not aware of Horrocks-Ibbotson (H-I) building rods for Shakespeare.  Do you know whether or not the rod bag is original to the rod?  It is possible that the previous owner located a bag, or replacement bag, for the rod that did not coem with it originally.  Also, is there a rod tube with the rod...if so, what does it look like and what is it made of?

Yes, a 7wt will work fine on the rod...maybe even a 6wt.

Value of the rod depends on actual condition and the presence of an original bag and tube.  If you lack the bag and tube, or if there is any damage to the rod, these numbers and the ratings must be adjusted accordinly.  For the 1308, value ranges would be:

Poor-Fair....................$40-$60

Good-Very Good...............$100-$150

Excellent-Mint...............$200-$300

Thanks,  Joe