value of custom built fly rod

Question
1969 orvis serial#53083 style-Batten kill. length 7`6" 2 piece with spare tip.impregnated bamboo.Made for D.W.Ellis Jr.Scottsdale,AZ.

Answer
Greg,
Orvis is an old standard name in fly rods, in business since before the Civil War. I have seen a large number of Orvis rods with "made for ". I imagine it was only a minimal charge to have your name on the rod , I doubt it was a true custom rod. But you could verify that by calling Orvis - they are still in business. I know from experience that if you ask for value they will put you off, but if you ask for date , maker etc, you will get some historical information-  888-235-9763 and they do charge for appraisals.

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

The Battenkill:
You can find the Orvis bamboo rod serial number Database at
http://mysite.verizon.net/vze2h7gi/sitebuildercontent/sitebuilderfiles/orvis.htm
I look in the database and could not find your number 53083, but thats not not uncommon for me.

Homel gives the 7.5 ft  2 piece, model Battenkill fly rod has an extra tip, the values of $150, 300, and 550 for poor, good, excellent condition respectively.

Luck,
Mac

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