South Bend

Question
Rich it was suggested I send the enquiry to you, by Marc Wisniewski.
I have a South Bend pole, cloth case, alum. tube, three pieces.
Markings are as follows;
South Bend/Cross doublebuilt/model 155- 81/2/ HCA or D
Could you possibly render any input, such as age and value?

Answer
Jack,

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 "Cross Double Built Model 155" fly rod 9' with an extra tip, 3 sections the  value of  $40, 100 and $180 for poor, good, excellent condition respectively.
Your rod is an 8 1/2 ft an may be a little more valuable than the 9 footer. The Cross rods were the better line of rods from South Bend. I think Homel is low.. i looked at ebay and saw a different model went for $153 self described as excellent - looked like it may actually be in excellent condition. I think I could do better , maybe 250-300.

Age:
Cross double builts were made by Wes Jordan , a famous and great rod maker, from the 20s to 1946. The one in front of model number 55 means trout action. HCA or D is older style line weights.

A more detailed description of the label , logo would help me age  it more specifically . i.e. is "155- 81/2/ HCA or D" written on one flat or printed on on a label across flats? picture would do the trick

Luck,
Mac

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