Early 1900 Bamboo Fly Rods

Question
Hello ALLEXPERTS.COM
I inherited 3 fly rods 25 years ago and would like to know if any are Collectors items?  All 3 belonged to my grandfather.  I will just present one at this time.  The other 2 are Ogden Smiths.
#1 - 9' ft, 4 3/4 oz,  3 piece (plus extra tip in wood tube with brass screw on cap). All wrapped in canvass looking bag with sleeves for each section and extra tip tube.  Hand written on bag "Aug 14, 1914 - Haws", all housed inside a dark red-brown hard (not metal) tube with brass ends and screw on lid. Handle is cork rings (10), reel holder is silver. Section 1 has 1 guide, section 2 has 5 guides, tip has 6 guides plus tip with red glass looking insert inside silver metal ring.  Guides are metal and secured in dark red wrapping.  Handled is marked AS FOLLOWS: LINE 1 "MAKERS" LINE 2 "ABERCROMBIE & FITCH CO" LINE 3 " SOLE AGENTS NEW YORK U.S.A." LINE 4 "A619" (there might be something in front of "Makers" on line I but can't tell).  All guides, wrappings and bamboo & varnish are in perfect condition, except metal tip is lose on bamboo.  Our family has a sportsman's tradition of honoring our equipment with excellent care.  Your service is nice to find on the internet.  If too much trouble to research its collection value, please don't spend a lot of time on it.  If you can recommend a collector in Atlanta area that would be nice. Thank you kindly.

Answer
Hi Tim,

Sounds like you have some nice rods.  The Ogden Smith rods are, of course, made in England and they are collectable.  I have some information available on Smith rods if you are interested.

The rod in question is collectable as well as A&F typically sold quality gear made by leading rod builders of the time.  There should be some additional information stamped above the "Makers" line that would identify the actual maker.  The hand writing on the bag is interesting and could be a clue.

The glass insert is an agate; the ferrules and reel seat are nickel silver (brass with nickel plating); and, the wood tube and tip tube sound like a premium packaging for the day.

If you are able to take and send digital photos, send them to [email protected] and I will review them for you.  Photos may help determine the maker of the rod which will help estimate its value.

Thanks,  Joe