Grandfathers fly rods

Question
I have just recently started fly fishing. My father sent me my grandfather's fly rods. One is a Wright-Mcgill "Trimpact" 9 ft. The other is also a Handmade Wright-Mcgill split bamboo that is about 8 to 8 and half feet long. Who would I contact to find history on these rods. The trimpact is a 9 weight, weight forward rod. The other has no markings other than a label that says "Water Seal" with handmade underneath. The seats have a patent date of Apr 12. 1938. Any info would be appreciated.

Answer
John,
All Wright-Mcgill bamboo rods were handmade.They were probably made from 1920 to 1946. I can pin them down further with pictures to [email protected]

History Books:
Antique %26 Collectible  Fishing Rods: Identification %26 Value Guide Homel, Dan. 1997 (2nd edition 2000) add about 30% for age of book.
Bamboo Rod Restoration Handbook by Michael Sinclair
Classic %26 Antique Fly-Fishing Tackle: A Guide for Collectors %26 Anglers by A.J. Campbell p201

You should be able to find Campbell  Homel in most libraries, while Sinclair you may need to go to a major library.

Campbell has a chapter on the maker. p201 mentions the waterseal model by W-M.
Mike at South Creek Rod Co, a professional rod builder has  alot of information  on Granger who purchased W-M in 1946.
http://www.southcreekltd.com/granger/

Another book by Sinclair and Spur has much more history on the maker W-M, Colorado Classic Cane by Dick Spurr and Michael Sinclair.

Clarks classic bamboo fly rods web forum has interesting knowledgeable people you can ask more specifics about models. They have a discusion going about Wright %26 McGill Water Seal fly rods, including graphics of catalogs. Someone might send you a catalog page with models on it if you ask.

I have never heard of the Trimpact nor is it in Homel , Sinclair (guidebook) or Campbell. Is it bamboo ? Is it fly ? How do you know ? IS weight forward written on the rod ? How do you know this ? It is a line type and not a rod designation.

If you want prices , I need details ie how can a rod be 8 to 81/2 feet long? Are all sections equal length? How Many sections ? Is a tip short ? Just cause it says 9 feet on the rod , is it ? Needs to be measured to be sure, I would need a non blurry close up photo of the logo  trimpact .

Don't fish these great rods without making sure the finish is intact.It threads are loose the finish is bad. If the finish is alligator texture or rough , it is not intact. If water gets in near the ferrules (connectors), it will slowly rot the bamboo , weaken it and the rod will break. It will loose alot of value in that situation.
Luck,
Mac

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