Antique Bristol Steel Fishing Rods: Value & History

Question
my dad left me two old bristol metel fishing rod they are in great shame.all the eyes are stil on them.they have wood handles in front of the rwwl and in back.all it says  bristol 39 on the inside where the reel gos.are they worth much?they look great over the fire place.thanks donna k .chattanooga tenn

Answer
Hi Donna,

The Bristol rods were made by the Horton Manufacturing Company of Bristol, Conn.  The steel rods you have date from the 1920s and are very good fishing rods. Unfortunately, there is not a lot of collector interest in the majority of the older steel rods.  These two would be valued in the $20-$50 range depending on actual condition of the rods.

They will continue to look good over the fireplace...and, you can take them down now and then for a fun day of fishing.

Thanks,  Joe