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Question
Hi there, my name is Caleb. I am 12 and just getting into fly fishing.  I just got a fly rod from my great grandfather.  It is a 2 piece Wright&Mcgill All American April 12, 1938 No. 2114107 Made in Denver, Colorado.  It is No. 5A and 8.5ft.  I am not sure if it is graphite or bamboo.  I do not know how to tell.  I am not sure if this is good to use, or if I should try to preserve it and maybe restore it.  Is there any other information that you need?  Thanks for your time.

Answer
Caleb
That抯 a really good question.
Bamboo rods are going to look like wood, have flat sides and are usually older that graphite and fiberglass. Bamboo rods were made from the 1830s to the 1950s.
Fiberglass rods (1950-1970) and graphite (1970-) are like plastic and have round sides.
The date, April 12, 1938, s probably a patent date not a manufacture date.
Wright %26 McGill purchased the Granger bamboo rod company around 1945. They did not make rods until then.

The model 慉ll American?is not in my books or memory as a bamboo fly rod.
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

You might try fiberglass information sites
http://fiberglass-fly-rods.pbwiki.com/
http://www.fiberglassflyrodders.info/


I am guessing it is fiberglass. It is not very valuable or collectible. I would fix it up and fish it.

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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