Valuation

Question
I inherited a bamboo 2 piece rod from my grandfather some 40 years ago. Hardy Bros Ltd, Pat No. 14137, B2696. What year of manufacturing would it be, and what valuation would one put on it? It is in a good condition as far as I can see. It may still be an option to have it restored should the value warrant it. I would appreciated your assistance. Regards Chris

Answer
Chris,
There used to be a Hardy & Grays website from the store in Canada (store is still active) where you could look up your rod. I kept the information before they removed it. Later someone was selling the same information on DVD on ebay , so I bought it . It seems to be accurate in my experience.
Lets see if it matches your information.
It says serial number B2696 was made in 1916.
It could be Fairchild   Split Bamboo   3 piece, length 8? 9? 9 1/2磎ade in 1908-1957

You said 2 piece but does it have an extra tip ?
Price Book:
Antique & Collectible  Fishing Rods: Identification & Value Guide Homel, Dan. 1997 (2nd edition 2000) add about 30% for age of book.
Homel mentions the following 4 models from Hardy:
2/1 means number of sections /number of tips  
"Palakona #8" fly rod 8 1 /2' (2/1)
"Phantom" trout fly rod 8' (2/1)
"C.C. DeFrance trout fly rod 8' (2/2)
"The Tourney" fly rod 8' (2/1)

The Hardy model C.C. DeFrance with an extra tip, 2 sections the  value of  $150, 300 and $600 for poor, good, excellent condition respectively.

Homel only mentions a 3 section Fairchild 8 ft. It is valued  similar to the following:
The Hardy model "Palakona #7" trout fly rod 8' without an extra tip, 2 sections the  value of  $90, 185 and $325 for poor, good, excellent condition respectively. I see more Palakona that any other Hardy rod model.

Before you say your rod is in excellent condition. It's almost 100% , people who ask for value on all experts say their rods are in excellent condition. Upon looking at pictures and or seeing the rod, I have found very few are in excellent condition. If you have only seen one rod, I can kind of understand.

From Homel: Excellent Condition Summary
(1# Fine, original finish
#2# No missing sections or components
#3# No breaks, fractures, dirt or wear
#4# Shows evidence of only minimal use
#4) Original bag and case with tags and labels
basically it would look brand new , the cork grip would be clean, blond not brown.

To pin it down I would need detailed not blurry pictures of the rod.
But you can say it probably is worth at least 200-300 US dollars.
If you can find a Hardy store make contact, they may have more specifics.


Luck,
Mac

Please provide feedback, nominations are appreciated.