Bamboo/Cane Casting Rd ID

Question
QUESTION: Hi. 6'6" cane / bamboo with turned oak handle - partial decal and Puget Special hand written - see pics. Can you help id the maker? Thanks. Merlin

ANSWER: Hi Merlin,

The picture did not come through.  However, I think I know the maker of this rod.  Here are a couple of questions that will help determine whether or not I am correct.

Is the "Puget Special" inscription written in white ink with the words running toward the handle?

Does the partial decal contain the letters H-I or any portion of the names Horrocks or Ibbotson?

I believe this rod was made by Horrocks-Ibbotson as one of a series of saltwater boat rods they produced.  Probably sold on the west coast, hance the name Puget Sound.  The same rod most likely was sold on the east coast and the gulf coast with different names inscribed.

In good condition the rod could be valued in the $40-$60 range and in Excellent condition perhaps close to $100.  It is difficult to actually get these prices for boat rods as they are not as collectible as fly rods.  However, there has been a recent re-emergence of interest in the older bamboo boat rods and the market is improving.

Thanks,  Joe

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puget special   QUESTION: Thanks Joe. White ink running towards the handle, so I quess you nailed it! The decal isn't much so I'm adding the pic of it. Thanks again. Merlin

Answer
Hi Merlin,

Yes, this is a typical decal for an H-I rod designating that the rod is made from genuine Tonkin cane.  This differentiation was made on many brands of rods after the switch from Calcutta cane to Tonkin cane in bamboo rod making.

There once was another label on the rod that included the Horrocks-Ibbotson name and their logo in one variation of their diamond shaped labels.

Thanks,  Joe