QuestionHi Rich, my wife inherited both these rods, the Heddon needs a new wooden
thread for its reel clamp but is otherwise complete and in good condition. The
Hardy looks very good, both are hardly used.
The Heddon is a 9 1/2 foot long 3/2 with 2 1/2 oz weight. It only has the #17
mark, but the tube says 9 1/2 foot and 2 1/2oz, and it measures to 9 1/2 feet
long. I posted a question about repairing the Heddon to http://classicflyrodforum.com/topic/10331/master/1/ but didn't get a reply
The Hardy is a 9" in Hardy marked bamboo tube with serial 22393B, that
appears to date it to 1919, but if it is that old then its in very good condition
for its age. What's the likely value for each of them?
Many thanks.
AnswerAdrian,
Please do not quote me for prices, Please. Can I say please again ? I am getting the prices from Antique & Collectable Fishing Rods: Identification & Value Guide Homel, Dan. 1997. You can probably find it in your local library.
The model # 17 aka "Black Beauty" at 8/12 feet has an extra tip valued at $75, 165 and $300 for poor, good, excellent condition respectively.The book is 10 years old so a 30% increase is not too far off. I see your rod is 9 1/2 foot , smaller rods have a higher value.
As to the Hardy your assumption seems right on the date. My book sats similar values as the Heddon. I have 5 Heddon rods from 1954 that look brand new. If taken care of bamboo will last for hundred of years and be fishable. I don't know about UK rods , you might try my friend the Gnome ,aka Jeff Hatton -
Gnomish Rod Works Paonia, CO email
[email protected]
He has written a great book "Rod Crafting A Full-Color Pictorial & Written History from 1843-1960 " which I own and has allot of wooden and older rods in it and he knows these really old rods pretty well. If you contact him tell him Mac from Denver sent you.
Rich Mac
Good Luck
