Question
Fly rod
I have a 3 piece 9 foot bamboo fly rod (with a 2nd extra tip piece). inscribed on the metal handle is an elogated diamond (horizontal)with the letter U-T-K inside the damond shape. The logo is so faint, it wouldn't show up well in a photo. The pole is in good condition but shows use.
AnswerJoe,
According to Bamboo Rod Restoration Handbook by Michael Sinclair , the UTK label was used by Horrocks Ibbotson from 1905 to 1919, but that was on the butt section above the cork. The many intermediate thread wraps confirm at pre 1930s rod, in my experience they didn't trust their animal hide glue.
The UTK stands for Utica, NY, the location of HI.
Generally H-I rods are not very collectible or valuable.
Actual retail value depends a great deal on condition and model. Model name
It is very difficult to determine condition from a picture. Condition is more than a subjective opinion.
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 should be above the cork handle.
To pin down a specific value it would help a lot to determine the model . Homel does mention a several 9 footers with 3 sections , extra tip.
Homel gives the average US dollar value for H-I bamboo fly rods as $22, 62, and 115 for poor, good, excellent condition respectively.
You might get $100 for it. It is in poor condition.
I quote these books written by researchers so you know I am not making it all up, But I include my experience as well.
It has taken me the best part of an hour to write this up , please take a few seconds to provide feedback. Please remember I am a volunteer , the feedback is the only result I get from doing this.
Luck,
Mac
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