Cross Surf Casting Rod

Question
Joe,
I came across a pair of matched surf casting rods at an estate sale and picked them up.  They have identically numbered (with "05326"), single piece rods 5 foot in length with agate eyelets. The nearly identical rattan wrapped handles are each 2 foot in length.  The handles have nickel fittings and one is marked "Cross Double Built" (the Cross is in between the other two words, and "Pat. Feb.15.1927"
Would you be able to tell me anything about their history and value?  Thank you.  Ken

Answer
Hi Ken,

The Cross rod company was formed in 1920 with Wes Jordan as their rod designer and master builder.  The company was sold to South Bend in 1925 and Wes jordan moved to South Bend to run their rod production facility.  South Bend continued to market rods using the Cross Double Built name.  These are completely hand made rods, no machinery involved, and should be pretty decent quality.  Value is difficult to pin down but should be in the $50-$150 range per rod, depending entirely on actual condition of the rods.

Thanks,  Joe