Older rods and reels

Question
Dear Joe,

Thank you in advance for taking your time to help us out here. My son's Great grandfather was an avid outdoorsman and loved fishing. In his estate, he left my son a Wright and McGill #10403 Spinning Rod with a Revelation Miles Bay Spinning Reel (v-1460 W.A.S. Co.) and a Baitcasting rod ( unreadable markings/ label) with a Bronson Lashless Model #1700 Baitcast Reel.

So our questions are... Is there any worth to these pieces that would or should preclude him from using them in his fishing? Of course they will have some sentimental value, and he likes the idea of using his great grandad's equip... but if they are collectable, they may be better served to be put back up and saved for his kids or grandkids... IT is not like my son does not already have a fairly complete tackle box and several rods/ reels that he already uses..

We certainly appreciate any insight you may offer.

Thanks again.

Jerome and Trey

Answer
Hi Jerome and Trey,

First, I don't have a reference book that covers the early W-M rods.  

Having said that, it is my experience that most of the older fiberglass rods are not high value or collector items.  

I'm pretty sure the old rod with  the bronson reel is worth about $15 for the setup, so no real collector value there, either.

These older rod and reel combos are good for fishing with and that is probably what I would do with them.  

If you are inclined, the Wright-McGill company is still around and might be able to shed some light on the spinning outfit.

Sorry, I was not more help.   Joe