Crown Imperial fly rod

Question
I've inherited a crown imperial fly rod, custom built by
Harrocks-Ibbotson.  Registration # E-1009.  It is in very good shape, although I have never fly fished,  I'm planning to start.  I have just retired.  If you could tell me some history of this rod, I would be most appreciative of this.
Gary, Washington State

Answer
Hi Gary,

It is probably a post war era rod.  H-I mass produced a lot of Token Cane rods and there are a lot of them out on the market so they aren't worth much.  I just checked e-bay and there are some available for less than $20 right now.  I'd say that it is probably worth $50 if it is in good shape.

They are a great piece of nostalgia.  For fishing, they are heavy and slow as far a fly rods go.  If you try this and then try a new graphite model, you aren't going back to the H-I.  But like I said, it is a great piece of nostalgia.

That all said, I am not really the collecting expert on this site.  Joe Douglas is the guy to ask for all the details.  If you can add a photo he will be able to help you even more.

Good fishing,

Marc