orvis cane fly rod

Question
orvis battenkill 8.5' 5.1-8th oz. gaf9 2tip 2pc.cane fly rod 1973 builder  Ron White condition -very good org tube,sock all numbers match

Answer
Don,
Orvis is an old standard name in fly rods  making rods since the US civil war. Orvis has and continues to make quality fly rods, yes they still making bamboo rods.

You can find the Orvis bamboo rod serial number Database at
http://mysite.verizon.net/vze2h7gi/sitebuildercontent/sitebuilderfiles/orvis.htm
I look in the database and could not find your number gaf9. But I think that might be line weight, anyway. And I am saying that 9 is the model number,

The serial number list  is not all inclusive. Most of the Orvis rods I have heard about are not in it.

Nine foot rods are less valuable than shorter. Past 10 foot they are more valuable.  2 piece rods are more collectable than 3 piece rods.

If I understand you right 5.1-8th oz., is a heavy rod , which is a problem with the Battenkill models. Their motto "made to last" is often followed by collectors with "but not to cast

The price book:
Antique & Collectable Fishing Rods: Identification & Value Guide by Homel, Dan. 1997 (2nd edition 2000) add about 30% for age of book.

Homel gives the 8 1/2 ft  2 piece, model #9 Battenkill fly rod has an extra tip ,a value of  $95, 200 and $395 for poor, good, excellent condition respectively. Actual resale is another thing. Those prices seem high for this rod.

Condition ? very good ? I would like to share almost all the people who ask me questions here at all experts tell me their bamboo rods are mint, excellent , very good or immaculate.  And a very small minority are correct.

Sounds like you already called Orvis as you have the makers name , a name I recognize as an Orvis man. I have heard 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.

Finally I hope this is the kind of information you were looking for, as you never asked a question.

Luck,
Mac

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