Abbey & Imbrie Fly Rod

Question
I recently was given a three piece, 7', Abbey & Imbrie bamboo fly rod. I was told it was purchased around the 1920 time frame. It's in excellent condition and I'm wondering where to go to get the value of this rod. Thank you, Richard

Answer
Hi Richard,

My reference book lists two 7'0" models sold by Abbey & Imbrie; one is a 2-piece rod with one tip, and the other is a 2-piece rod with two tips.

For your information, Abbey & Imbrie did not make rods.  They sold quality rods made by professional rod makers and labeled Abbey & Imbrie. This was, and still is, a fairly common practice in the industry.  These rods are called private label rods by the makers.

I will assume yours is the 2-piece rod with two tips and that it is in excellent condition as you state.  If so, and if the purchase date is correct, this may be a rod made by E. W. Edwards prior to the sale of Edwards to Winchester.  This is a fairly rare find and is good...but poses some interesting twists as to value.

Marked only as Abbey & Imbrie, if you can validate that it is an Edwards, the rod would carry a value in the $700-$900 range.

If it is in fact an Edwards and if it were marked with the E. W. Edwards signature, it would carry a value in the $1,600-$1,800 range.

Same rod, but much different collector value due to the labeling and the original marketing.

I suggest you locate an experienced appraiser of vintage fishing gear in your area and have the rod inspected in person and the condition appraised.  The appraiser should be able to assist you in determining whether or not the rod was made by Edwards.  If you can verify the purchase date and information such as who bought it, where it was bought, etc., that will be useful to the appraiser.

Either way, this is a rare rod and a high quality rod.   Someone gave you a very nice piece of history and an excellent fishing rod.

Thanks,  Joe