Leonard Rod

Question
QUESTION: Hi

I just acquired a 9 1/2 ft 3 pc Leonard bamboo fly rod. Probably a 5-7 wt. It has two extra tips that are enclosed in a metal tube with a screw cap. It has the H L Leonard Company engraved on the reel seat. There are no identifying marks on the rod. I got it from a friend who is now 91 years old, he recollects meeting some of the Leonard folks back east when he purchased the rod. Any help on value would be appreciated. I can send photos if that would help but I can't do that for a few days

Thanks

Dan Landeen

ANSWER: Dan,
It might sell to the experienced collector who knows Leonard's but without the label those guys are rare , and getting them together to compete for a higher price like on ebay is next to impossible.
So we are looking for a label .
Leonard rods were marked with his model number system, usually a 2 digit number with a letter or not following.
I am not going to tell you the values of the Leonard because it may not be one but try :
Antique & Collectible  Fishing Rods: Identification & Value Guide Homel, Dan. 1997 (2nd edition 2000) add about 30% for age of book, probably at your local library , containing prices for Leonard's rods.
Are you interesting in selling?
You can send me pictures to [email protected] and I might confirm the Leonard from metal components and other details found in Homel..
Luck,
Mac

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------


sections   QUESTION: I acquired it from Paul Ramlow who was featured in the book Fly Fishing for Steelhead in Nez Perce Country. Paul put his name on it.

It is a 3pc 9 and 1/2ft, 5-6wt, 2 extra tips in a metal tube with screw cap, the 3 sections weigh 5.39 oz., the metal tube and tips weigh 8.67 oz., good condition

The rod seat says  ?THE HL LEONARD ROD, LEONARD & MILLS CO, MA 141 RS   

The female ferrule on the but section says:  PAT. SEP. 3, 1878  PAT. OCT. 26.75

I抦 not entirely sure about the 141 model number it is worn,

Answer
Dan ,
141 is probably a Mills model number not Leonard according to Homel.
I stand corrected, LEONARD & MILLS CO engraved on the reel seat is a lot different from "There are no identifying marks on the rod.";  here's my value estimate:

Price Book:
Antique & Collectible  Fishing Rods: Identification & Value Guide Homel, Dan. 1997 (2nd edition 2000) add about 30% for age of book.
Homel gives the H.L. Leonard "Catskill" (Mills) fly rod 9 1/2'  with an extra tip, 3 sections the  value of  $145, 300 and $600 for poor, good, excellent condition respectively.
Luck,
Mac