Antique or part of a magic act??

Question
I found this fishing rod in this handmade wooden box that belonged to my dad's uncle (Louis Ohlrich) who performed magic acts in the early 1900s I believe. Would this rod be a part of his magic act or is it a real antique fishing rod? The label states "Fishing Rod No. 6665 W 8 1/2 ft." and the other label is, for the most part, missing. It appears that the word "Fishing" was on it, and handwritten is "165 1/2". Have you seen this type of rod before and, if so, what do you think it would be worth, if anything? Thank you for your help.

Answer
Hi Larry,

Thanks for the second note with the picture.  I'll answer both questions here so you won't get a separate response for the second one.

It looks to me like it's a real live antique fishing rod.  I don't know exactly what it is yet, but it is certainly interesting.

I assume the following:

1.  the four pieces of the rod fit into the fitted slots on the round wooden carrier and then the carrier goes inside the cloth bag which then goes inside the wooden box.

2.  the wooden box looks to be home made rather than something that came with the rod originally.

3.  the two extra tip sections are not original to this rod, but may fit and are kept in the second bag.

4.  the two slding areas on the handle are probably two reel seats.

If you can, take some additional pictures and send them to me via email at [email protected] and I'll do some research on the rod.  get closeup shots of:

1.  the handle and the two sliding areas
2.  the labels, decals or inscriptions
3.  the tags on the rod bags or box
4.  the ferrules (the pieces that slide together to assemble the rod)
5.  anything that is stamped into the metal parts on the rod
6.  anything else that looks interesting to you.

The rod appears to be in very good condition and all sections are full length.  I can't tell much with the long distance photo so closeup shots will help much more.

Thanks,  Joe