QuestionI have a 9 ft.Divine fly rod approximately 100 plus years old and would like to have it appraised. Suggestions?
Capt. Don Lancaster
AnswerHi Don,
Two ways...1) locate an appraiser in your locale that has experience and expertise in vintage fishing equipment, specifically vintage bamboo fly rods. Make an appointment and take the rod to have it inspected and appraised. Stay with the rod during the appraisal and get something in writing with some sort of references to similar rods. 2) send me some additional data and photos and I'll give you a general estimate of value; reply to this with answers to the questions below and send photos to me at
[email protected] for review.
I will need the following data:
Do you have the original case, tube or pre-formed rod caddy?
Do you have the original rod bag?
What is the condition of these items?
Do you have all of the original rod sections?
Are they all full length (no broken sections)?
Are there any missing guides, wraps, ferrules or other components?
is there any damage to any of the rod sections (the bamboo itself)?
Is there any damage to the cork grip?
Is there any damage to the reel seat?
What inscriptions are on the rod shaft?
Is there a model name?
What information is stamped into the reel seat or butt cap?
What color are the wraps?
Are there intermediate wraps?
If so, is there a sequence of alternating colors?
Also, how far apart are the spaced?
What is the condition of the varnish finish on the bamboo?
What is the condition of the finish on the wraps?
Do the ferrules fit together snugly and come apart easily?
What is your assessment of the overall condition of the rod, bag and tube?
Thanks, Joe
