old woodenrod

Question

wooden rod   hi mark, i recently came across an old wooden rod with no markings, hoping someone can help me identify it,if possible i would like to know the maker, country of origin, and approximate age, the rod is three piece, 7 feet 6 inches long, the middle and end sections appear to be mahogany, all bands, reel holders, joins & butt cap are brass, front and rear eyes are floating ceramic & the middle three eyes are snake type, any information would be greatly appreciated

Answer
Forgive my tardiness in answering your question! I forgot to advise AllExperts.com of my vacation in the Caribbean for the last few weeks...lots of sun, rum punch and I even got some fishing in!

Whew! This rod is a beauty and I have NEVER seen one quite like it!

Darryl, the rod looks similar to a mooching rod that is used for salmon fishing in western Europe and the north eastern/western U.S., but seeing that you are from Australia, it looks a lot like the type of rod that would be used as a stout casting rod with a reel many Aussies are familiar with, the Alvey. The reel seat is placed perfectly for that type of side-cast reel.

As for the maker, I have little idea. If it is in as good a condition as the picture presents it ( a nice picture I might add) and it has not been refinished, you may well have a find. If it is not split cain and it is in fact produced in Australia, I would have a tough time determining the type of wood it was made of. If from Europe or North America, the rod could be of Hickory, although uncommon. Many, many types of rods not often seen in the U.S. were manufactured in Japan and many were very innovative. Perhaps this is one of them.

I would encourage you to attempt to find an antique tackle specialist in your area if one exists. If not, perhaps you could forward me some additional close-up photos...as many as you can and I can try my luck with some of the guys here in Southern California. One in particular that may know is a gentleman named Mike Farrior. I have lost contact with him but will gladly try to find him and present your photos to him in hopes of getting you all the information you are entitled. You can send them to my e-mail [email protected]

Thank you for the opportunity to help you on your quest.