Thunderbird Tonkin Cane

Question
Hi Rich,
I have a 7 1/2' hexagon shape fly rod with the name Thunderbird Tonkin Cane(written in cursive red in color). Then it has a totem pole like picture with a bird with its wings spread out on the top. It looks old but not sure. Does it have any value?
Thanks for your time.

Answer
Joshua,
Did it come in a box?
Odds are good it is Japanese from 1946 to 70s.
This is just a guess , pictures to [email protected] could confirm it .
The model Thunderbird  is not in my memory nor the Price Book:
Antique & Collectible  Fishing Rods: Identification & Value Guide Homel, Dan. 1997 (2nd edition 2000) add about 30% for age of book.

Originally sold by the thousands to GIs in a light long box with lures and huge flies from 1946 to the 70s . Mostly considered trinkets by collectors but memorial to GIs , they have little resale or fishing value. I have never seen any written history on them in English except the following. http://www.maxrod.net/article/
There is  a book  on Goggle books, with a little history  and a  limited preview: Bamboo In Japan by Nancy Moore Bess
They are not even made from Tonkin cane like most vintage bamboo fly rods .

Luck,
Mac

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