Granger, Aristocrat

Question
I recently ran across a Granger Aristocrat bamboo fly rod that is is good condition.  I will have to get a picture later but found this site.  It says Patent Pending, Goodwin Granger, Denver Colorado on the seat.  The rod has spots where the finish is missing, not large areas but noticeable.  It still has the original winding and those are in good/very good condition.  There is no sock and no case.  I am looking for a fair value on this.

I also own three Browning Sila-flex fly rods that have never been used.  One is four piece and the other two are two piece.  I love the fiberglass rods but might part with one or two of these.  I have seen values from $80 to $300.  There are socks but I cannot swear that they are also original.  Can you ballpark value these?

My favorite rod is an 8 1/2 ft 1929 Winchester steel rod.  Very different to cast but a real shooter when done right.  Have you ever had any experience with one of these?

Thank you,

Mike Quinn

Answer
Michael
Books :
Antique & Collectable Fishing Rods: Identification & Value Guide Homel, Dan. 1997 (2nd edition 2000)
Bamboo Rod Restoration Handbook -Michael Sinclair
Classic & Antique Fly-Fishing Tackle: A Guide for Collectors & Anglers by A.J. Campbell
Homel, add 30% due to age of book :

Homel gives the value for the 9 ft model Aristocrat with an extra tip, at  $75, 185 and $345 for poor, good, excellent condition respectively. Homel also goes into great detail about condition evaluation. It is probably in your local library.
Most people over evaluate bamboo rod conditions, they are old and unique therefore pristine looking but in fact most rods of that age  have been used and are best in good condition. Frim your description of the finish , I say poor condition.

I don't do fiberglass as they have little to no resale vale. Ity's bamboo the collectors want,

Use these key words to search Allexperts - the sight you wrote me a question,
Winchester steel rod and you can see that I and a couple of the other guys go into detail with another rod that was meant to be hung on the wall


Good Luck,
Mac

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