Antique Imbrey Fly Rod Value & Appraisal | 1820-1920

Question
Hi:

I have received an antique fly rod from an estate of a friend and am interested in its value and possibly selling it.

It is a bamboo fly rod in a special metal case and inner mounting cone with al pieces in excellent condition.

Markings on the handle of the rod are as follows:

揂bbey and Imbrey 1820-1920 Anniversary Rod?br>
There is also a  搒eal? that says 揊ishing Tackle That Is For Fishing?br>
Metal is nickel-silver

It has two tips and I have no idea when it was purchased or how old it is.

Can you help me and if so what other information can I give you

Many thanks

Alex Sgoutas
Wilton, CT  

Answer
Alex,
Theres only a few entries for A&I rods in my pricing book: Antique & Collectable Fishing Rods: Identification & Value Guide Homel, Dan. 1997 (2nd edition 2000) ,add about 30% for age of book.

My best guess from Homel: For bamboo A&I fly rods, they vary from 40-60 $ US for poor, 125 to 145 for good, and 200-300 for excellent condition respectively.


You could order the A&I catalog from 1920 from http://www.orcaonline.org/library.htm
If you do let me know.

History of A&I:
http://www.oldfishingstuff.com/abbey_&_imbrie.htm

Abbey & Imbrie probably didn't manufacture anything. However, they contracted with some of the better manufacturers to have a full line of fishing products available for customers at their retail store in New York City, and through their mail order catalogs.

They sold out in the 1930s.
Luck,
Mac

Please provide feedback, nominations are appreciated.