Identifying a Vintage Kingfisher Fiberglass Fishing Rod (1950s?)

Question
We recently acquired an old Kingfisher fishing rod. We are assuming the year is in the 1950's, as the reel attached to it was a 1956 Shakespeare True Blue (although year has been unable to confirm, as we cannot find a similiar rod anywhere) The rod itself appears to be fiberglass, VERY OLD looking..still had silk thread on the spool. There is no serial number ANYWHERE on the rod. The handle and rod seat detach from the actual rod itself, has a cork handle and red thread windings on the guides and approximate. 5' in length.
Let us know! Thank you. #if you need pics, we can take pics#


Answer
Hi Kyle,

Kingfisher was (and still is) a popular model name used by various rod makers at various times.  This often makes it difficult to pin down the actual maker of a rod.  It is likely finerglass, perhaps an early version in the 1950s, maybe the early 1960s.  You can't nessecarily assume the rod and reel were bought together as a set or even at the same time.  The detachable reel seat and handle is also a popular feature that made the rod a little more portable...the rod shaft often was stored in a protective tube of some sort.

As a rule, the older fiberglass casting rods do not command much from collectors and don't have high values.  You can find them at most sales in the $5-$10 range.  This does not mean they are poor fishing instruments, they are typically quite good rods...just not highl;y valued by collectors.

You are welcome to send me pictures of the rod at joe@blackdogtackle.com and I'll take a look at them.  I may be able to figure out the maker.

Thanks,  Joe