Vintage Payne Bamboo Flyrod

Question

Flyrod002.jpg   Dear Rich,

I have a 3 piece (with extra tip, total of 4 pieces) fly rod made of bamboo with the following markings:
On the reel seat: "F.S.P"
On the reel seat to the right of above: "Payne" written inside a rectangle.
On the reel seat: "sold by Abercrombie & Fitch Co. New York"
On the end of the butt: what looks like the letter "S".
On the top of the cap of the aluminum tube: "F.S.P"
Underneath the "FSP" on the aluminum Tube: "8 FT. 4 7/8 Oz."

I have attached a picture of the rod. Any information you can give me regarding when it was made, value and who might be able to put it in mint condition would be greatly appreciated.

Thank you in advance for your help.

Sincerely,

Dennis

Answer
Dennis,
Payne rods are very valuable. I quote you from the Price Book: Antique & Collectible  Fishing Rods: Identification & Value Guide Homel, Dan. 1997 (2nd edition 2000) add about 30% for age of book.
From your picture I see a missing guide and loose thread - this and poor finish means your rod is in poor to fair condition.
Abercrombie & Fitch Co. New York sold rods while Jim Payne made them. A master craftsman and inventor of several  bamboo rod features , Payne is well known and respected among collectors.
I would need to see the rod to date it and determine the model . It could be  models 200, 200L, 201 or 202 from 1940s or 1960s. Homel gives the average Payne 8  bamboo fly rods; with an extra tip, 3 sections the  value of  $470, 1360, and 2840 for poor, good, excellent condition respectively.

I restore rods and it would be  worth at least $2000 to have it restored. You can see my work on an even more expensive rod , a Garrison at macsrods.com
please email [email protected] for details
Luck,
Mac

Please provide feedback, nominations are appreciated.