Hardy rods and reels

Question
Please can you help me with the likely resale value of 2 rods that i have inherited from my late father.The first is a Hardy Palakona The Reservoir 9'6" two piece split cane in good condition. The other is a Hardy Palakona Perfection 8'6" two piece split cane in very good condition but there is some discolouration to the cork handle. I also think (although I haven't found them yet), 2 Hardy sovereign reels of 5 and 7 weight.Also where is a good place to sell them.
Thanks for your help

Answer
Hi Jo,

My reference books do not list these two Palakona models by name.  That is not unusual as they don't list every model made.  Discoloration of the cork is usually due to using the rod and gathering an accumulation of sweat, fish slime and dirt.  Do not clean the cork on either rod; it will reduce the value if you do.

My book does list an 8'6" Palakona in the $375-$450 range for excellent condition, $200-$275 for very good condition.  The difference between the two condition ratings is essentially the amount of use that shows on the rod.  You should be critical in your assessment, but frankly, if the rod has been well cared for and has no finish problems or missing parts it will likely fall somehwere in the very good to excellent range.  Condition ratings also assume you have the original bag and tube if the rod was sold with those items.

I don't list a 9'6" Palakona but do list a 10'6" model.  Sort of spliting the difference between the shorter and longer rod values, I would guess the 9'6" rod to be valued about $50-$75 less than the 8'6" rod.

Hardy is still in business and you might be able to get additional information about the rods by contacting them directly.  Perhaps not value data, but additional data about the rods and date of manufacture.

I also do not show the Sovereign model reel in my reference book for Hardy fly reels.  This book typically lists reels by model name and/or diameter of the spool.

As to selling the items, auctions either in person or online might be useful.  You'll want to check on commission prices you will have to pay for such sales.  Another idea is to contact local fishing clubs and inquire about members who might be looking to add to their fly fishing gear.

Sorry to not be more help.   Joe