10 FOOT ADIRONDACK BAMBOO POLE

Question
DEAR SIR: I HAVE A VINTAGE 10 FOOT ADIRONDACK BAMBOO POLE WITHOUT ANY SERIAL NUMBERS OR OTHER NOTABLE MARKINGS. I AM INTERESTED IN APPROX. DATE OF MANUFACTURE, HISTORY, VALUE, ETC. I ALSO HAVE TO OCEAN CITY #35 REELS LIKE NEW IN BOX, BUT HAVE READ THEY WERE PRETTY COMMON. MHESE WERE PRODUCED BETWEEN 1923 AND 1963 IN PHILLY.  I WOULD APPRECIATE YOUR INSIGHT, THANKS.
ART MURPHY
OLEY, PA

Answer
Art,
You might want to send pictures, [email protected] . If there are no markings how do you know it is a Adirondack ? You also may be unaware that typing messages on the internet in all caps is shouting.

Without a lot more details I am going to assume you have a very common rod model "Adirondak" made by Horrocks-Ibbotson Co. but it is only a guess. It is not spelled Adirondack like the place name. On the end of the word H-I rod is ak not ack.

If you want to try again I need:
If you are asking for the id or value  of an old rod please give a complete description , send pictures especially labels or logos to me, [email protected] and a complete description including any of following that you can:
Is it? fly or casting rod ? Reel seat is below or above the cork handle ?
Check metal for id and patents ? What is it made of; bamboo ( flat sided) fiberglass or graphite ( round)? Weight in oz? What is the diameter  (not circumference) of the rod above the handle? Where was it purchased ? What type of metal nickel-silver, tin, or chrome platted brass? A complete description of any logos or labels. Length of rod per section and number of sections. Total rod length.

If your rod has either of the following two labels Montague or Horrocks-Ibbotson, it is not very valuable.
They are looked down upon by the collecting community and often they are justified. They were sort of mass produced , rather heavy and very slow. They are not going to resale for very much.
A small portion of these rods are decent fishing tools . It is the collector community that decides the prices , please  don't blame the messenger.
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 (2nd edition 2000) ,add 30% due to the age of the book.
Bamboo Rod Restoration Handbook -Michael Sinclair
History
H-I
http://mysite.verizon.net/vze2h7gi/fishnbanjossliceoflifeincyberspacecopy/id22.h...
Montague
http://home.comcast.net/~splitcane/vintage_rod_history.htm

From Sinclair , in the fifties, HI made a model "Tonka Prince" fly rod 7' costing 12 to purchase while the Adirondak cost 9 , so we can guesstimate a value from this. Keep in mind , I don't know the length of your rod and the Tonka price shorter rod is a whole lot more collectable,

Homel gives the "Tonka Prince" fly rod 7' c.1950 with an extra tip, 2 sections a value of  $30, 95 and $175 for poor, good, excellent condition respectively.

Most people, because they have not seen many vintage bamboo rods, over estimate the condition of their rods. My guess is $50 at best.

If you are going to fish it , get it restored or it won't last . Restoration will increase the value of your rod.

I do estimates and evaluations for free in Denver, CO.

Luck,
Mac

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