QuestionHello Mr. McGaughey. how are you? My ?'s are: 1. What can you tell me about the True Temper-"Raider" steel fishing rod. Which is a product of Geneva, OH. plus it has Pat. No.'s; they are- A. Pat No.1755159 and Pat. No.80990, there was also an hourglass insignia on one side of the steel rod? 2. Is the company Richardson Rod and Reel Company still located on 3150 N. Sawyer Ave. in Chicago, IL? And if so, do you have a contact info. page that i can e-mail and talk to them directly. Also, When was a 20 1/2" solid steel casting rod from that company made?
Thank You, for taking time out of your busy day to answer my ? and get back to me.
Ian McGowan
812 W. William St.
Champaign, IL. 61820
[email protected]
AnswerIan
The steel rods are products of the first half of the 1900s and come in solid square, solid round, hollow round, telescoping, casting and fly rod styles. Unfortunately, they do not attract much collector attention and the values are not high. Typically, these rods will be in the $10-$30 range depending on condition. The steel rods were made at low cost and high volume, affecting their value. There is little history or resale value on any rod except bamboo fly rods.
These rods tend to be made or sold by firms like Horton Manufacturing, Gephart Manufacturing, True Temper, Folsum Arms Company, American Fork and Hoe, Union Hardware and Winchester. Many steel rods were sold by sporting goods companies and mail order houses that were made by one of these firms but labeled with the name of the retailer.
Pretty sure Richardson Rod and Reel Company went out of business in 1910. I doubt you will find one page on them - try google - I found a brochure on u-tube on Richardson. www.youtube.com/watch?v=zLT48xdSk4k
Luck,
Mac
