heddon bamboo fly rod

Question
QUESTION: I recently bought a model 125, Heddon Expert, 9', 2 1/2F, HCH or D rod. Printing is horizontal.  It's in very good condition.. All sections, ferrules and reel seat are unscratched and blemish free.  The cork is still covered by the plastic#albeit brittle and cracked# Condition would indicate very little if any use.   My intention is to fish this rod,  and I was wondering if you could help me narrow down the age.   I believe it was sold thru Sears.  Any help would be appreciated.   Thanks

ANSWER: Lou,
The horizontal writing on your rod dates it to 1939- 1954. This is supported by Bamboo Rod Restoration Handbook Heddon The Rod with the FIGHTING HEART- BOTH BY Michael Sinclair.

Yes , probably came from Sears.

History of Heddon by permission of Michael Sinclair
http://www.lu-c-an.com/JamesHeddon.htm

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 9 model #125 "Expert" trout fly rod with an extra tip, 3 sections a value of  $80, 195 and $375 for poor, good, excellent condition respectively.   

2 1/2 F refers to the butt ferrule size. Designated by "2F" or "2 ?F". The larger the number, the stiffer the rod. For three- piece rods, a 2 F is usually a trout rod and 2 ?F is a bass rod.

HCH or D,  is Double taper or Weight Forward line in modern terms is 6 or 7 line  weight .

If you fish it , make sure the finish is smooth , no cracks or flakes , especially at the ferrules (metal connectors,) because if the finish doesn't keep out the water , it can weaken and break at these stress points.

Dry your rod after use and keep it in a tube, it can last another 60 years.
Luck,
Mac

Please provide feedback, nominations are appreciated.





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

QUESTION: Mac, Thank you so much for all the info.  but upon review,  I wonder if I misled you in description.   The printing on the rod runs lengthwise,  from grip to tip.Sorry for any confusion.  If indeed this rod is 60 yrs old is it still usable?  Again.  Finish is flawless,  no imperfections and varnish is like new.   Thanks again         Lou

Answer
Lou,
No, I think I understood you. I don't think we misunderstood each other, if so let me know how. The writing  on the rods prior to 1939 is diagonal or across the flats with the word "Heddon" . The model # , length, ferrule size and line weight text "125 9' 2 1/2F  HCH or D" is on a single flat from 39-51. In 1951  rods would have the model name on a flat. (SInclair researched allot of rod ads)

I have seen 80 year old rods ready to fish. 60 years doesn't surprise me at all.

Enjoy it , fish it
Mac