Identifying Your Vintage Hunter Bamboo Fly Rod: A Detailed Look

Question
I have owned this old fly rod for many years and have always wondered about it's origin.It is a 9ft. 3/2 piece rod. that is identical in length at 36.375in.and has a bamboo tube w/brass cap to hold the tips.and it is all stored in a canvas bag.At base of the reel seat is stamped The hunter j.p hunter co. boston mass.and on the very butt is insribed the word crown with a crown symbol in the backround.I was told once that this maybe a fe.thomas dirigo rod ,but it doesn't have any markings to prove that.My question is it possible that someone could have made a copy of a Thomas rod and sold it under another name.
would it be worth my while to have this rod appraised.Also i might like to add that this rod is in excellant condition other than having tarnished over the years.  
                                       thanks ken

Answer
Ken,
The Ed M. Hunter rod was produced by Bill Phillipson in  Denver, never carried the Phillipson name, but were private-label rods for specific sporting goods outlets.  

Books:
Bamboo Rod Restoration Handbook by Michael Sinclair and my memory
Antique & Collectable Fishing Rods: Identification & Value Guide Homel, Dan. 1997 (2nd edition 2000) add about 30% for age of book

Trade rods , like you  are suggesting about Thomas, are recorded to a certain degree. J.P. Hunter is not mentioned in the above books, nor do I have memory or research on JP Hunter.

However, Classic & Antique Fly-Fishing Tackle: A Guide for Collectors & Anglers by A.J. Campbell , p 247 gives a history of the J B Hunter company in Boston Ma.  It has an ad from 1923 selling for $16. It was active from 1900s to 1930s, with an arrow head decal.The high quality JB Hunter rods were house labeled Thomas rods Dirigo grade.

Homel gives the 9 ft F.E. Thomas Rod Co. ,model  Dirigo with an extra tip, 3 sections a value of  $150, 285 and $460 for poor, good, excellent condition respectively.

But even if it was made by Thomas , I doubt you can get those prices because the Hunter name is not well known.

I found nothing on JP Hunter.

I have seen Japanese rods with crown names and labels on them and they are worthless. Pictures to macsrods@yahoo.com can confirm this thought.

good Luck,
Mac


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