Identifying a Vintage Riverside Fly Fishing Rod (circa 1915)

Question
QUESTION: Rich,
This is not a request for an appraisal...I have acquired an, Orvis restored ,Abbey and Imbrie ca. 1915 or that's the story...As you know A&I was an upscale sporting goods store in NY . They contracted with many quality rod makers, including Leonard ect. This rod is labeled "Riverside"  This was and is a high quality rod. Have you heard of the name? and do you know who may have made the rod.?
Thanks
Michael Levy
Theodore Gordon Flyfishers





ANSWER: Michael ,
Thanks for bring this question for others to see.
I found one of A& I catalogs from 1907 , Riverside was a metal rod.
Codella has a Riverside by A&I also metal:
http://www.codella.com/handyman.htm
They also contracted with Heddon.
I have not heard of that model except above. You e-mail doesn't say if it is bamboo or what? I'd love to have pictures. I could compare metal  components like ferrules to Sinclair and give you my best guess.
Your rod is not mentioned by model in
Antique & Collectable Fishing Rods: Identification & Value Guide Homel, Dan. 1997 (2nd edition 2000) nor
Bamboo Rod Restoration Handbook -Michael Sinclair.
But Homel mentions several rods without model names by length , number of sections , all the details I ask for on my question page.
Good Luck,
Mac




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---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Hi Rich.
The Rod is a 8 1/2' 3pc 2tip Bamboo It looks like orvis put a modern reel seat(no markings) maroon silk black tip windings throws a 7wt Decal with A&I logo "Riverside Fly Rod" (under that)  Abbey & Imbrie, New York  (under that)
"Fishing Tackel thats fit for Fishing"  Smaller label
Genuine Tonkin Cane..

Answer
Michael,
You can also research this in the books I mentioned by comparing ferrules to pictures in Sinclair.
I am concerned about "Genuine Tonkin Cane" - an HI logo but  what ever you do , don't rely on verbal information without a book backup.
You can join ORCA $30 /annual and see A&I catalogs from 1890 - 1928 at :
http://www.orcaonline.org/library.htm.
Luck ,
Mac




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