Dr. Howald Flyrod: History, Value & Usage Guide

Question
My uncle gave me a flyrod made by Dr. howald. It's a 7'9" rod that has never been used. Still in the cardboard tube and sleeve. The pat. no are 2,571,692 and 2,571,717 and the other no. is 1270T.Would like to know when it was made and if i should use it.    Thank you

Answer
Kip,
I assume the rod is round rather than flat sided. It is fiberglass not bamboo.
According to my Internet search ( you won't find fiberglass in  a book)  you have a fiberglass Trout rod made by Shakespeare . It has little to no collecting value , I'd fish it, but you might check ebay.
According to http://fiberglass-fly-rods.pbwiki.com/Shakespeare
it was made or first made in 1952 - 3. Dr Howald was associated with Shakespeare.
Luck,
Mac