Question
Number One - SPECIAL R
Hello Rich!
I am hoping to assist my neighbor in identifying an old bamboo fly rod that he found up in the rafters of his old home. It was in a wooden case and came with 2 extra tips. The only markings I see are an oval decal that has a smow capped mountain. On top of the mountain it reads "NUMBER ONE" and along the bottom reads, "SPECIAL ROD". Any idea on how I might identify or date this rod? Thank you for any assistance you are able to provide me.
Regards,
Dave in Tacoma,Washington
AnswerDave,
The wooden case says Japanese to me, as well as the logo with the mountain- extra tips on these rods often allowed the rods to be used as both casting and switched to fly rods.
Originally sold by the thousands to GIs in a light long box with lures and huge flies . 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
Luck,
Mac
Please provide feedback, nominations are appreciated.
