Info on Rod and reel

Question
Robert,
I have a rod that has the following information on it:  ACTION ROD  Orchard Industries Inc.  Detroit 12, Mich.  Pat No. 1920966  other Pat. Pend.  It has a handle that looks like bone or plastic.  It measures 56" long.  I believe the rod is steel.  
I also have a reel with the following information:  JC Higgins Model 482.
Also a rod with the information:  Mohawk   Fish Rod  Utika, NY.  H&I made in USA.  It is three sections and extends to 82".
All the above need a little cleaning, but do not know whether to clean them or not.  
Can you give me any information on how to determine their values?

Thanks and God Bless You,
eloy

Answer
Hello

The JC Higgins fishing reel is a low cost high volume reel. These are fairly common and run $5-10 more if you have the original box.

It sounds like the H&I rod maybe a split bamboo flyrod? Again, this is a low end rod that will run $10-40. Depending on condition, original bag and spare tip.

The Orchard Industries Action rod run $10-30 depending on condition, whether or not you have the original bag, etc.

These rods use to command a higher price, but in the current economy fishing tackle prices are down significantly.

Its ok to clean all of these, just avoid using abrasive cleaners that will scratch the parent metal of the rod and reel.  

regards

Bob Vermillion
NFLCC