H-I Beaverkill blank

Question

h-i blank   Hello Rich,

A H-I Beaverkill fly rod has been has been handed down to me and I have recently been trying to obtain a value for it. I have seen them range from inexpensive to up into the 200 area. These prices are for complete rods. The one I have inherited is a blank. Best i can tell by its stamp is 1939-1949 based on what I've read.

Can you tell me anything about this piece?

Thanks,

James

Answer
James
Your does not have very much value.
They are looked down upon by the collecting community and often they are justified. They were mass produced , rather heavy and very slow. They are not going to resale for very much.
I find two books are available at larger libraries to get history and or value:
Antique & Collectable Fishing Rods: Identification & Value Guide Homel, Dan. 1997 . Homel mentions several of the better models but not the Beaverkill.
Bamboo Rod Restoration Handbook -Michael Sinclair
A website with HI  historical type information:
http://mysite.verizon.net/vze2h7gi/fishnbanjossliceoflifeincyberspacecopy/id22.h.

Blank doesn't really change the poor quality of the rod. And a blank is not useful to the average person as it requires it to be built  which is harder than a graphite rod. Usually a blank sells for 1/2 price of a complete rod. Vintage HI blanks - while unique is not any different.

Homel gives the H-I 9'  model "Cascade" fly rod 9' with an extra tip, 3 sections the  value of  $20, 55 and $95 for poor, good, and excellent condition respectively.

Check ebay , but the 3 piece 9 foot rods are not selling over  $50. If your rod is 2 piece and shorter  it may be a little different.

If you can get 200 I am amazed - take it. I see these inflated prices on the Internet all the time but they do not involve cash.
Good Luck
Mac