Old Bristol Rod

Question
I have a 41&1/2 inch long Bristol square steel fishing rod. Only one eye at the tip...BRISTOL in the reel seat - 5 inches up from the "B" is , in very small print, Bristol 38. The pole appears to be in very good condition aside from the fact it has been painted a gold color at one time. I believe it was made this size due to the thinness at the eye tip. I have spent many hours on line trying to get info on this item. Can you provide any info on this? I would really be grateful for any info. Thanks,          SSG (R) Jerry T. Hardy

Answer
Jerry,
I have seen several steel , telescopic fishing rods. There doesn't seem to be a market, no one is collecting them. They are too heavy to fish. Value is low, under $50 - I have sold a few to restaurants to hang on walls.

Bristol is a town in Connecticut , USA where bamboo rods were made by Edwards.

Information on the web:
http://www.oldreels.com/bristol_rods.htm

Books that mention Bristol:
Recreation By George O. Shields, American Canoe Association, League of American Sportsmen
Book of the Black Bass By James Alexander Henshall
Classic and Antique Fly-Fishing Tackle: A Guide for Collectors A. J. Campbell ?2002- I have this one , it is at many libraries, no prices just history.

Search goggle books there抯 more

Price Book:
Antique & Collectible  Fishing Rods: Identification & Value Guide Homel, Dan. 1997 (2nd edition 2000# add about 30% for age of book.

The gold paint gives me pause as I have never seen it. I am pretty sure  we can't say it is in  very good condition if it has been painted.

Homel gives the Bristol - Horton MFG. model Antique steel fly rod 8 1/2' #3/1) c.1905 with an extra tip, 3 sections the  value of  $9, 28, and $50 for poor, good, excellent condition respectively.
I am assuming it is 3 pieces but even if it is one or more pieces or telescoping, the estimate is very close.


Luck,
Mac

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