Divine Rods

Question
I just purchased 2 fly rods at an estate sale. I believe both are split bamboo(5 flat sides), but I'm not sure.

Rod 1 is 9' 4" long and 3/8" diameter at the base. It is very dark brown, or black in color and has a seemingly textured finish (maybe age?).

There is a gold label on the rod above the handle "The Divine Rod Utica NY".

The rod is made in 3 sections, with a total of 10 guides, plus tip. The giudes are wrapped in red thread and there are red rings around the rod from top to bottom.

The handle is cork and the reel seat appears to be some type of wood. There is red thread around the top of the handle and rod where the 2 meet (no metal ring).

The reel holder consists of a sliding metal ring (top) and a metal but cap (bottom). The metal but cap is marked "H1844". I believe the metal has some type of dark finish, or perhaps it is simply tarnished.

Rod 2 is 9' in length is thicker than the fist rod at 1/2" where it meets the handle. The color appears to be a very dark green and again there is a seemingly textured finish.

I can't find any type of label on this rod, but it appears to be of the same maker as the first.

The guides and wrappings look the same as the other rod except they are gold/copper color. Also, there are 8 total guides on this rod, plus the tip. The first guide (closest to reel area) is missing. Again, the rod is made up of 3 sections.  

As with the first rod, the handle is cork and the reel seat looks to be wood. However, this rod has a metal ring around the shaft at the top of the handle.

The reel holder is 2 metal rings which are dark in color. Again, I think that this is some type of finish as it appears worn off in spots. This rod is different from the first given the end (butt)is made of wood and is shaped like a knob, being larger than the end of the handle itself.

Like the first rod, the bottom reel holder has a mark "H6981".

Both rods are in a "well used" condition, not restored. They have definitely been fished with, but are sound.

Any info regarding model and value would be appreciated. Thanks.

Answer
Stan.
How refreshing to get a complete description. Thank you
I get allot of my answers from Dean Burrill's web site which may be going down this June:
http://home.pacbell.net/burlltd/

I have also verified his information in Fishing Rods by Divine by Michael Sinclair from the library. I own TROUT by Schweibert, Earnest - Dutton 1978 and Classic and Antique Fly Fishing Tackle by  A.J. Campbelland they confirm some of Deans information.

The gold label on the rod above the handle "The Divine Rod Utica NY" dates your rod to the last year of Divine Rods , 1928.
http://home.pacbell.net/burlltd/markings.htm
However the serial number "H1844", a less solid source says 1917. 'A' being 1910 through T in 1928.

Dean says rod one could be a Tournament model - needs to have red intermediate wraps - wraps every 1.5 to 3 inches - purely decorative.

Rod two being dark green is model "Invisible"- Invisible rods were painted dark green and given blackened hardware, thus rendering them invisible to the fish. Any rod could be made 'invisible'.

You did give an accurate description but here's some common nomenclature that might help you better communicate :
reel holder is called a reel seat
your divine rods are 6 sided, bamboo
a textured finish is the finish is sluffing and cracking - don't fish them - water into the bamboo at the ferrules can weaken and cause a break-

Condition and maker/ model are the most important factors in evaluating a resale value.

Price Book:
Antique & Collectible  Fishing Rods: Identification & Value Guide Homel, Dan. 1997 (2nd edition 2000) add about 30% for age of book.

Homel gives the Divine Bamboo rod with an extra tip, 3 sections an average value of  $86, 217 and 429 for poor, good, excellent condition respectively.

I sold a Rainbow model Divine rod, last year in  good condition for 300

Check out Deans web site and don't be afraid to send pics to [email protected]
Luck,
Mac

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