Like new H-I fish rod

Question
Hi Joe, My husband has recently aquired a cane pole that reads genuine Tonkin Cane Horrocks Ibboston Co. With the word Peconic in cursive.  It looks like it has never been use. It came with an army green case with the paper Label that states one high grade fish rod No. 2v2228.  We were just curious the value.

Answer
Hi Cheri,

Sounds like you have a nice rod.  The older boat rods are not as highly valued as the older fly rods.  Horrocks-Ibbotson was a mass production company that turned out rods by the thousands.  Their rods were inexpensive and were quite popular.  They did build a lot of lower quality rods, but they did also build some very useful rods and some that are fun to fish with.  It is a little like kissing frogs to find a prince, but every once in a while you find an H-I rod that fishes well and handles well so it is worth the effort in my opinion.

A Peconic model in mint condition has an estimated value of $80-$100 according to reference book.  I'm assuming your rod is close to this condition as you state it does not look to have been used.  Actual selling price that you might receive would depend on the actual condition and any negotiation between you and a potential buyer.

The market for bamboo boat rods does not seem to be as active as the market for fly rods.  This likely means you would have difficulty finding a buyer at the book value.  However, given the condition, you might find someone.  It would be very difficult to build a similar rod for that price today.  Your husband might prefer to keep it and fish with it.

Thanks,  Joe