Heddon #17 Identification

Question
QUESTION: Rich,
You confused me with a recent response you provided to Heidi.  In that response I believe you indicated the Heddon #17 were all three section rods except the 7 1/2 footer which was two section with two tips.  I have a Heddon #17 that is 8' with two tips.  That is the marking on the rod and the cloth liner for it in the rod case.
Am I missing something here?  Or is this rod some sort of anomally?  The marking rod itself is "#17 8'-O-F-HDH or E" It has black lacquered windings.  The tag on the cloth liner also indicates it is 4.3 oz. It is in excellent condition showing only a little wear on the reel holder; none on the rod itself.
Any idea what it might be worth?  It might make a nice Father's Day gift for someone who appreciates fine rods.
Thanks for any insights you can provide.
Dan

ANSWER: Dan,
You probably don't have a rarity, just one not mentioned in my book : Antique & Collectable Fishing Rods: Identification & Value Guide Homel, Dan. 1997. Now that I think about it an 8 foot 3 section rod would be a pack rod and not very good design and poor action,  which is not like Heddon. I am guessing my book has a typo. Prices listed for the 8 foot  Heddon #17  is 85(poor-fair), 225 (good - very good) and 400 (excellent-mint). Please do NOT quote me , quote the book, as I have not seen this rod and can't verify the condition. Most people over evaluate the condition,  if it has wear on the reel seat , then it is not ex-mint  and probably not good, either.
Good Luck
Mac



---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Mac,
Not to belabor the point but I'm not familiar with your terminology.  Is what you call "an 8 foot 3 section rod" the same as a 8 foot two section rod, but having an extra tip acompanying it.  Both tips fit only the base section and each have a ferrel on one end and a line guide on the other.

Thanks.

Dan

Answer
Dan,
I appreciate you question. The terminology is common in collectors and builders circles . It is annotated as 3/2 for a three piece 2 tip rod . The first number is the total number of sections and the second is the number of tips , not the number of total pieces. Yours is a 2/2 or 2 piece with an extra tip. Some times the tips are different actions , faster for the dry fly stiffer for the nymph.
Good luck
Mac