Bamboo Rods & fly-tying materials

Question
Hi Joe, I took several bamboo fly rods to "Antiques Roadshow" this last weekend.  As they will only appraise (2) items, they suggested a private appraiser would be appropriate.  While some might end up "for sale", my wife & I are interested in learning the sport.

Also, we just discovered her grandfather's considerable amount of material for flies. Quite literally, 20 or more cigar boxes, individually labeled, full of wings; buck tails; feathers, etc. It's mind boggling...

What do you need to determine the value of my rods (listed below) and the fly materials?  Would quality pictures do, or do you need to see them in person?

I have the following:

"Goodwin Granger" rods: Deluxe, Victory and Favorite (2)
"Thos E. Wilson & Co." rod stamped "Pat May 15, 1905"
"Horrocks Ibbotson Co." rod ~ Princess
"Union Hardware Company" rod
"Fenwick" rod ~ model 340-4

I also have several bamboo rods with no discernible maker's marks.  How can they be identified, if at all?

Thank you for your time,

Tom

Answer
Hi Tom,

Sounds like quite a collection.  I would be happy to help you sort it out.

What I need for each of the rods, including the unknown ones, is:

1. Length of the rod
2. Number of rod sections
3. Are all sections full length?  No broken or short pieces?
4. Is there a rod bag?  Does it have original maker markings or label?
5. Is there a rod tube?  Does it have original maker markings or label?
6. Can you send me photos?  If so, send the following photos for each rod.
 - reel seat
 - handle
 - signature wraps (just above the handle)
 - any inscription, markings or decals
 - the ferrules
 - a typical guide and wraps
 - the tiptop guide
 - a "group" shot of the rod sections, bag and tube

You are limited to one photo on this site.  The easiest way to do multiple items like this is to send the information and photos to me at [email protected] and I'll review each of them.

Value is always a function of condition of the rod, bag and tube.  I can tell a lot from photos, but will ask you additional questions after reviewing the rods.  We may be able to identify some of the unknowns or we may not.

With all that material, you may also want to try your hand at tying flies.  It's fun and there are plenty of good beginner books out there.

Some of these rods are pretty nice rods.  You should keep the good ones and learn the sport.

Let's start with identifying and evaluating the rods.

These can take some time, but are usually fun.

Thanks,  Joe