Fly rod identification and appraisal please

Question
Hi,
I ran across some of your posts on a Google search.
If you are still doing reviews \ valuations I would appreciate it if you would take a look at photos of my flyrod.

We  have found a fly rod in my father in law's storage and hoping to find out more information about the actual model, manufacture date etc.and a valuation if possible for him please.

None of us are avid fishermen so we don't know much about fly rods ourselves.
From just a few internet searches though I've found a whole new appreciation for them.  They are like mini works of art and craftsmanship!  It has been very interesting reading about the history of Hiram Leonard.


Here are the particulars of what you ask for on your web site:
It is Stamped  H.L Leonard fly rod and I assume it is split bamboo.

(1)Length of rod per section and number of sections. Total rod length.
We did not fully assemble the rod but measured each piece.
The three sections measure a total of 116.5" or 9'7".
I assume it would be a few inches shorter when assembled due to the overlap.
There are removable metal caps on the hollow end of each section.
The first two are approx 38.75" each
The 2nd two pieces, (tips) are approx 39" each


(2)the number of pieces that make up the rod
3 pieces to make the full rod but it comes with 4 pieces; a 2nd identical tip piece


(3) What type of metal nickel-silver, tin, or chrome platted brass?
It looks like maybe the nickel-silver to me but not sure.  See photo.


(4) What is the diameter (not circumference) of the rod above the handle?
Unfortunately I did not measure the diameter and it is at my father-in-laws home.


(5) Weight in oz?
The shaft weights from using a postal scale show:
Main shaft 3.4 oz
2nd shaft 1.7 oz
tip shaft .6
Total: 5.7 oz


(6) A complete detailed description of any logos or labels.
The end of the handle says:
"Special Tournament"

The end cap says:
THE
H.L. LEONARD
ROD
LEONARD & MILLS CO.
MAKERS

The main shaft female ferrule is stamped: "Sep.3 1878" and under that
"Pat. Oct.26 75"
Nothing stamped on the 2nd shaft he could see
The two tips are stamped "pat.8.3.15" on the female ferrule


(7) Colors of thread wraps?
Looks like red and black thread.  There are wider red bands at even spacing along the full length of each piece.


(8) Other details
It comes in two bags.
1st bag holds 1st two sections.
2nd bag is a darker color and holds the two tips and fits into the metal tube with end caps of possible copper or brass.
No label or tag on either bag or the tube.


(9) Condition
While I'm not qualified to rate its condition, it appears to be in very good shape except for one eyelet that has come off, (but it is in the bag) see photo.
I see nothing I would consider signs of damage \ wear \deterioration other than that in my unprofessional opinion.  No cracks, chips, splits or obvious signs of any repairs etc.

A few other questions:

What does "Special Tournament" refer to?
Is it just a style of rod or were some made for an actual specific tournament?

He thought he might have a reel somewhere that may or may not have gone with this rod at one point. Would finding \ including a reel help the overall value?

Any addiyional information about the rod, it's actual model, its age when it was made etc. and \ or indication of a realistic auction value would be very much appreciated!

My father-in-law would like to eventually sell this as he is not an avid fisherman and is sure someone else would better appreciate having the rod.

Here is a link to the photos I took. I thought it would be easier for you this way.  You can click on each photo to enlarge it too.

www.photobucket.com\nbstlflyrod

I can email you the photos individually if that is preferred.

Thanks for taking the time to look!

Regards,
Nick Basso

Answer
Nick,

Books:
Antique & Collectible  Fishing Rods: Identification  & Value Guide Homel, Dan. 1997 ,2nd edition 2000, add about 30% for age of book.
Bamboo Rod Restoration Handbook by Michael Sinclair
Classic & Antique Fly-Fishing Tackle: A Guide for Collectors & Anglers by A.J. Campbell
Fishing Tackle: A Collector's Guide  Hardcover

Homel gives the HL Leonard 9' Model "Tournament" fly rod c.1930 , with an extra tip, 3 sections the  value of  $145, 275 and $550  for poor, good, excellent condition respectively. Your rod is 1/2 foot longer and slightly less valuable. If your rod has a guide off , it is not in excellent condition and may not be in good. Try to find Homel at the library. He has a complete explanation for conditions.

"Special Tournament" is the model name:
Leonard liked to appeal to casting contests or tournaments, special is just more PR.

The reel probably won't help you much averaging $10-15, usually.

It has intermediate wraps , decorative every 1-3 inches and that dates it to the pre 1930s - usually. They did not trust the animal hide glue.

I see some evidence of loss of finish, crackling,but I can't be sure with just pictures , but with the information I have, it is in poor condition.

History of H. L. Leonard Rod Company:
http://www.hlleonard.com/history.shtml

Luck,
Mac

Please provide feedback, nominations are appreciated.