Orvis Battenkill

Question
My father recently gave me an old Orvis Battenkill fly rod that he purchased at a garage sale.  The rod tube indicates: Battenkill, Serial # 206XX, Length: 7-1/2 ft, 2 pc. 13, Weight: 4 oz, For: Orvis HCH(7).  Rod tube serial number matches the serial numbers inked onto the 3 pieces.  Brown thread, silver rod tube, green bag.  Rod seems to be in fantastic shape (both tips are whole and in great shape).  Ferrules fit tight.  I fly fish a lot and this rod seems to have been fished a few light years and then stored away for the past 50+ years.  I am curious when it was made and by whom.  My guess is that it was made in the 1950's (based on the HCH designation).  I am curious to the value - although I will likely pass this on to one of my own kids.

Scott

Answer
Scott,
I assume your rod is a bamboo fly rod - flat sided, reel below cork handle.

Almost everyone who asks me questions about their rods says their rod is in excellent condition, fantastic shape, mint or like new  - and a very small minority are  right.

Especially important is the finish has smooth texture and is covering all wraps and ferrules.
Are all the sections the same length and rock hard straight - not even a little bend? Are  the threads in good shape? How about the finish , chips or cracks ?

Battenkills are often 70 rods but you are right about the line weight, HCH but it could be 40s too.

Yes it is worth something. It was made by a fine old company called Orvis - been selling sporting goods since the civil war and still in business today.

I have a serial number list from the Internet that has been confirmed by my experience with Orvis. But your rod's serial number 206XX,  is not in it. The serial number list  is not all inclusive. Most of the Orvis rods I have heard about are not in it. It would tell us the specific individual rod maker's name and  date.

The length means it is a more valuable fly rod or a long spin with much less value.

HCH is the line weight , equivalent to 7 in modern terms , and points to your rod being a fly rod.

Value: Price Book: Antique & Collectible  Fishing Reels: Identification, Evaluation &  Maintenance Homel, & Jellison. 1996.
Homel gives the Orvis 7.5'  model Battenkill fly rod, with an extra tip, 2 sections the  value of  $150, 325 and $595 for poor, good, excellent condition respectively. 4 ounces is heavy so it is probably impregnated. check ebay for price, too.

I have found if you call Orvis 888-235-9763, they have a non digital , paper source with more complete serial numbers.  I have also heard that if you ask for a value they will put you off but if you ask for age, maker, and model then you will get some help. Battenkill is probably your model name.

Luck,
Mac
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