Tonkin H-1

Question
I have come across a genuine tonkin cane(in green) H-1(in red) Governor(hand written towards handle) rod in mint condition.  Four piece, red guide wraps, cloth case is in fair condition.  What would the history and value of this rod be.  Thank you in advance for your knowledge.

Steve

Answer
Hi Steve,

The H-I Governor model you have dates from the 1940s or 1950s.  The "Genuine Tonkin Cane" decal was turquoise originally and is often reported as green.  If the red H-I is on a white background shaped like a diamond with two banners to each side, your rod is from 1945-1950.  If the H-I decal is a red decal with white letters, your rod was refinished at the H-I factory in the 1950s and I'm not sure of it's age.

H-I rods were mass produced and sold at fairly inexpensive prices.  For example, the Governor model in the 1950s sold for about $12.00.

Your rod in mint condition with the bag in fair condition would probably be valued in the $125-$150 range.  Possibly more depending on what you might arrive at as value in negotiation with a potential buyer.

H-I rods were inexpensive and popular among fishermen.  They fish fairly well and once in a while you find one that fishes really well.  If you are a fly fisherman, you may want to use this rod as it would be very difficult to find anything comparable today for $150.  It may be one of the really good ones.

Thanks,  Joe