Identify Your Chrome-Plated Tubular Steel Fishing Rod - Brand & Model

Question
I have a round tubular steel, graduated 5 1/2 ft. chrome finished casting rod. Has aluminum colored steel wraps on 4 guides and a tip. I have several handles for steel rods , cork with chucks but don't know which one goes with rod in question. One handle is black (?) plastic, with Champion written on reel seat. There are no markings on rod. I would like to know make of rod as I am giving it to a friend to display in his cottage in UP of Michigan. If you have any idea what make rod would be or where I could go to find it I would greatly appreciate it. Rod was my Father's and I'm guessing he purchased it sometime in the late 30's or 40's in Ohio or Indiana. The reel he used was a Pflueger Summit and no doubt purchased around that same time?
Thank you for your help.
R.A. Gross

Answer
Hi Richard,

Many of the steel rods had steel wire wraps.  In that length, Orchard Industries of Detroit, Michigan, made a casting rod with a fancy bakelite handle...bakelite is a very early plastic. That is a possibility for something purchased in Ohio or Indiana.

Other maker of steel rods around that time frame include, Horton Manufacturing (Bristol); American Fork and Hoe, Gephart Manufacturing (also in the mid-west) and Union Hardware.

I would guess it is likely an Orchard Industries rod with the bakelite handle.

That is strictly a guess...

Thanks,  Joe