Question
The Walton Powell Rod
We are trying to find information on a fly rod we had purchased years ago and gave to my father in law. He was thrilled and said it was a very special rod. I have looked on google and not being computer wise can't figure out how to find good info. I was happy to find your site and hope you can help us. The rod is a 2 pc with a green sleeve. It has a cork hand grip and imprinted on one side is "The Walton Powell Rod" on the other is "DF 90 # 1". The DF side looks almost to be hand written with a paint pen but not sure. Can you tell us if this is indeed a special rod as my father in law thought. I have pictures of the rod as 2 pcs w/ the sleeve, close ups of the ends, a set of eyes on each pc and of course the name and number on the sides. I can only upload one picture, let me know if you need the others. Any help would be appreciated.
AnswerDebbie,
Your rod is probably a fiberglass rod (composition).
If it is a fly rod ,handle above reel seat , if other like casting rods, handle is below the reel.
Fly rods are far more widely collected and have history.
Also if it is bamboo (flat sided) that is the most desired of fishing rods and so the books don't have much on fiberglass or graphite either (modern#.
But ... Walton Powell was the son of the world famous EC Powell
Price Book:
Antique & Collectible Fishing Rods: Identification & Value Guide Homel, Dan. 1997 #2nd edition 2000) add about 30% for age of book.
Bamboo Rod Restoration Handbook by Michael Sinclair #Powell is not in this book)
Classic & Antique Fly-Fishing Tackle: A Guide for Collectors & Anglers by A.J. Campbell
AJ says a powell rod was probably used in "A river runs through it
and mentions both EC and son Walton as highly collectible rod makers.
History of Walton Powell:
http://www.upon-bamboo-fly-fishing-rods-and-reels.com/walton-powell.html
Homel gives both the EC and Walton Powell bamboo fly rods and average 140 ,300 and 725 for poor, good, excellent condition respectively. Nothing on your rods but . . .
I have no specific history or books on fiberglass, I believe they don't exist, but here's two web sites that on fiberglass:
http://fiberglass-fly-rods.pbwiki.com/
http://www.fiberglassflyrodders.info/
I think it is special rod, Walton was named for an early writer of fishing literature (Izak Walton about 1470s) . The company is world renown. I have seen similar sell for $100-175 on ebay.
It is still in business, but not run buy a Powell, I believe: http://www.powellco.com/
But the above is a controversial statement with some contention:
http://singlebarbed.com/2008/03/04/will-the-real-powell-please-stand-up/
http://www.rackelhanen.se/eng/10136.htm
EC's grandchildren are seniors and some have passed.
EC's History
http://www.upon-bamboo-fly-fishing-rods-and-reels.com/ec-powell.html
some may be making bamboo rods.
An interview with Waltons son, Press:
http://www.sexyloops.com/articles/presspowell.shtml
Luck,
Mac
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