Metal Fly Rod

Question
I have a metal fly rod which is approximately 8' 5.25" and has the following markings on it;
Defiance Steel / HORROCKS IBBOTSON CO. / ____T____ IN USA
If possible, could you tell me when/year it was made, valve and any other info on it. Thanks  

Answer
Hi Dennis,

You have an extruded steel fly rod made by Defiance Steel for Horrocks-Ibbotson to sell under their name.  It would have been made in the 1920s-1930s time frame.  It may be telescopic or it may be multiple sections that come apart with metal ferrules.  This type of rod was manufactured by several steel companies of that era for various rod companies and sporting goods stores.  I have heard stories that was popularized by soldiers returning from WW I who had used, or seen used, the antennas off of trucks damaged on the battlefields of Europe as fishing rods in camp.

Unfortunately, these old steel rods don't have much collector value. Value of the rod would likely be in the $5-$30 range depending on the actual condition of the rod.

Thanks,  Joe