Bamboo fly rod(?) patent date only August 22,1905

Question
I have a bamboo rod in my possession the only text markings are on the handle and it says "Pat. Aug. 22,1905" The handle is a sliding piece (wrapped in what appears to be leather (?)). A reel can be placed either at the butt of the rod or 8" higher towards the base of the rod. The rod base can be extracted from the handle. there appears to be a "screw tightening element on the handle but it doesn't appear to be more than a decoration. The furrels are a dull sliver in color and have machine engraved patterns on them. As for the rod the reinforcing bands are spaced about an inch apart and the eyelets along the rod are rigid.  The rod has two base sections and in one setup adds a third (tip) for a rod about 7 feet long +/-. In this configuration the eyelet at the tip is circular and perpendicular to the rod shaft. The second configuration adds two pieces of bamboo rod to make/become a rod 10' long. In this configuration the eyelet at the tip is circular and Parallel with the rod. A friend of mine thinks the rod setups are for either fly fishing in the traditional style or it can be converted to a spey casting rod. Can you help me to understand this rod and maybe who made it? (there are no serial numbers or identifying signatures or logo's on the rod). Another friend suggested that the rod may be "home made and only the handle, and furrels were purchased as a kit. It is gorgeous.

Thanks for your time, I hope you can help me figure this out.

Alan Brossoie

Answer
alan

I recommend you post photos on this rod at this website dedicated to

http://clarksclassicflyrodforum.yuku.com/forums/69#.TgEVP6415bw

the patent date could relate to patent 797,637, August 22, 1905, awarded to Charles H. Terry of Bristol, CT for "sliding grip for reversing handle."

Bristol was a rod and reel company out of Connecticut.

but this website is the best bet to determine who made it.

good photos are critical.

bob