value fly rod

Question
QUESTION: Joe,I have an 8'6' or 8' 7' 3 piece split bamboo Wright Mcgill fly rod and  on the reel seat is dated 1938 and what appears to be pat. # 2 114104 or 2 114407. According to the company I have a piece of eagle claw history. My dad acquired it from his brother and He doesn't think it's ever been used, I also have the cloth bag and hard case. Could you please give me a value or where I might look.   Thank You
         Don

ANSWER: Hi Don,

Thanks for the second message with the model name.

This rod was made after Wright-McGill bought out the Granger rod company.  They continued making the Granger rods under the W-M name.  The Stream and Lake model in 8'6" length, with the original bag and tube, and in unused condition would be valued in the $375-$500 range.  What you could sell it for would depend on negotiating with a potential buyer, but this range should give you an idea of appropriate value.

The rod will continue to appreciate in value.

If you are a fly fisherman, you can't buy a new rod of equal quality today in that price range.

Thanks,  Joe

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

QUESTION: Joe,
    I should have put this with my other question--sorry--I have a Sage 3 piece graphite rod with the # 699GFL 99 3 7/8 oz can you tell me anything about this--Thank you very much for the info on the Wright McGill rod
         Don

Answer
Hi Don,

Vintage rods are really my area of expertise...however, I would think most used Sage rods in good shape ought to by worth around half of the original price as a good bargaining price.  Just a guess as I am not a big follower of the values of graphite rods.

Thanks,  Joe