Old rods Budgie/Chesters/Vagabond help

[JV44]

i have recently aquired the following rods froma family member just wondered if they are

[a] any good

worth anything...

Bruce and Walker hand built compound taper mkIV

Richard Walker avon by Hardy

House of Hardy Fibalite spinning rod

And a few Fly rods all around 7/8 # by Kunan and diawa and a few with no name

Any thoughts anyone Steve.

[Dick Dastardly]

Steve Hardy rods are always collectible (no matter if old or relatively new) Bruce and Walker are just as sought after but they are semi collectable in the older rods (more so Carp or Avon rods than there game rods) but the more recent ones (all types) are sought after because of functionality! So you wont go wrong with either of those two makes.

 

As with all tackle though it is not only rarity and condition that dictates the price but also the "competition" for them.

 

Kunan made/marketed some of the early "good Chinese" rods their match rods and fly rods were extremely good for the money but never really got the recognition they deserved due to being a new "name" and the rumours (true) of their far east manufacturer.

 

I still have a 10'AFTM 7-8 fly rod from them and its a good rod for heavier line work such as reservoirs.Other than the over fit wearing a bit lose its held up well with the use its had for over 20years!

 

If you wish to sell them, Ebay would be good as any for the collectible rods but I think you wouldnt get what they are worth for the Kunnan.

[watatoad]

A few Hardy Coarse fishing rod have been selling on ebay at very non exciting prices

 

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?Vie...atchlink:top:en

 

Sorry but I have been watching a few although some people put them on at over £200 they just don't sell I have recently bought a few and none made much.

 

I recently bought 7 never used rods Hardy and Bruce and Walker all handbuilt and had change of £200.

 

Best suggestion hang on to them, until the market picks up maybe next year, the game rods are unlikely to make much as there are quite a lot around, even the coarse rods won't get great money as there are more of them about than most people think.

 

EDIT:

Now someone will make me a lair and pay loads for one...hehehe

END EDIT:

Edited October 23, 2010 by watatoad

[Vagabond]

My advice is to refurbish them and fish with them !

 

You will soon find out if they are any good. Split-bamboo, even by "famous" makers, can vary enormously in performance.

 

If they prove no good for fishing, at least when refurbished they will look good on the wall. If you don't want them on your wall, then donate them to your local pub wall (in exchange for good ale of course)

[JV44]

My advice is to refurbish them and fish with them !

 

You will soon find out if they are any good. Split-bamboo, even by "famous" makers, can vary enormously in performance.

 

If they prove no good for fishing, at least when refurbished they will look good on the wall. If you don't want them on your wall, then donate them to your local pub wall (in exchange for good ale of course)

Thanks for the advice everyone and think i will hang onto them and try them out just to see what they are like and then maybe have a go at refurbing them Steve.

[watatoad]

Nothing like some photo's of refurbished rods followed by some more photo's of great fish you have caught with them to enhance their value.

[Perce66]

What a timely thread. I have recently been thinking about asking for opinions about a Jap Cane rod that I have owned since around 1958.

 

The rod was built by Don Neish (Dons of Edmonton) some time around 1955-6 whilst he was working at J. Pales Fishing Tackle Specialists 20 Station Road, Wood Green, London N22. The shop's logo is on the handle with the inscription “Custom built rods” and signed Don. It also has the title “Deluxe Jap Match” on the butt section.

 

It is 15 feet long in three sections made from Japanese cane with a 3 foot split cane tip spliced into the top section. It is beautifully built with very fine whippings at regular intervals and has a 2 foot long cork handle. The original rod bag is also present.

 

The rod is very much a 50's style match rod and has not been used for many years because it is actually quite a heavy beast. It has a broken Butt ring and both Brass ferrules have worked loose over time. The ferrules are easily re-glued and I have just acquired a matching butt ring.

 

The questions are:

 

1.Does the rod have any (historical ) value ?

2.If so how/where would it best be passed on to a new owner/collector?

3.Should I put on the new butt ring and perhaps affect any future valuation or should I leave it to a new owner? I have hand built several rods including one made from Spanish Reed.

 

Historical note.

 

Don Neish set up “Dons of Edmonton” in Fore Street, Edmonton around 1957 and it became a very good well renowned North London tackle shop with a second shop specialising in Sea fishing being set up on the other side of the road some years later. I was told recently that the shop finally closed the doors in 2008 after 50 years.

 

I first met Don whilst at school in Wood Green and spent many dinner hours rushing down to Pales to buy tackle etc. He sold me my first rod, an 11 foot split cane unfortunately not made by him.

After leaving school I went to work in Fore Street, Edmonton only to find that Don had very conveniently set up shop half a mile away.

 

Don also built a reputation as a very good rod builder and included Richard Walker and others as clients. The rod that I have must be a very early example of his work and I was told by my friend, who actually bought the rod around 1955-6, that Don said that it had taken 22 hours to build

 

Don also was a very fine fly fisherman and I understand that he was instrumental in setting up the Fly fishing tuition at Grafham Water. He must have set so many young and old anglers on the road to a lifetime hobby. Anyone know if he is still around?

 

Any thoughts about restoring the rod gratefully accepted.

 

Alan

[Dick Dastardly]

As I said before it very much depends on if a few people want it and how much they are prepared to go to!

 

Some collectors really specialise and it wouldnt surprise me if there are some out there that your rod will really appeal to.Big thing is bringing your rod to these peoples attention!

 

Also as I said before Ebay is as good a bet as any these days simply due to the massive "audience". However it is worth doing some research (as indeed you are!) as if it is of any historical interest then a specialist auction may be better. A look at some of the many "tackle collector" books/Internet sites plus a search to find auctioneers who hold specialist auctions wouldnt be wasted time and you might enjoy it.

 

Collectible rods though are no where near as valuable as collectible reels.Even their top prices reflect this.

 

As for refurbishment this is another very subjective thing.Some collectors like things left totally original (even down to wear,damage and dirt) others prefer correctly restored examples. A difficult one as you wont be able to please all potential buyers.

[watatoad]

What a timely thread. I have recently been thinking about asking for opinions about a Jap Cane rod that I have owned since around 1958.

 

The rod was built by Don Neish (Dons of Edmonton) some time around 1955-6 whilst he was working at J. Pales Fishing Tackle Specialists 20 Station Road, Wood Green, London N22. The shop's logo is on the handle with the inscription “Custom built rods” and signed Don. It also has the title “Deluxe Jap Match” on the butt section.

 

It is 15 feet long in three sections made from Japanese cane with a 3 foot split cane tip spliced into the top section. It is beautifully built with very fine whippings at regular intervals and has a 2 foot long cork handle. The original rod bag is also present.

 

The rod is very much a 50's style match rod and has not been used for many years because it is actually quite a heavy beast. It has a broken Butt ring and both Brass ferrules have worked loose over time. The ferrules are easily re-glued and I have just acquired a matching butt ring.

 

The questions are:

 

1.Does the rod have any (historical ) value ?

2.If so how/where would it best be passed on to a new owner/collector?

3.Should I put on the new butt ring and perhaps affect any future valuation or should I leave it to a new owner? I have hand built several rods including one made from Spanish Reed.

 

Historical note.

 

Don Neish set up “Dons of Edmonton” in Fore Street, Edmonton around 1957 and it became a very good well renowned North London tackle shop with a second shop specialising in Sea fishing being set up on the other side of the road some years later. I was told recently that the shop finally closed the doors in 2008 after 50 years.

 

I first met Don whilst at school in Wood Green and spent many dinner hours rushing down to Pales to buy tackle etc. He sold me my first rod, an 11 foot split cane unfortunately not made by him.

After leaving school I went to work in Fore Street, Edmonton only to find that Don had very conveniently set up shop half a mile away.

 

Don also built a reputation as a very good rod builder and included Richard Walker and others as clients. The rod that I have must be a very early example of his work and I was told by my friend, who actually bought the rod around 1955-6, that Don said that it had taken 22 hours to build

 

Don also was a very fine fly fisherman and I understand that he was instrumental in setting up the Fly fishing tuition at Grafham Water. He must have set so many young and old anglers on the road to a lifetime hobby. Anyone know if he is still around?

 

Any thoughts about restoring the rod gratefully accepted.

 

Alan

 

Like a trip down memory lane I remember Don and the starting of Don's Tackle shop, rather a long time ago, I have no idea if he is still around but I hope he is.

 

Some odd cane rods are making a little money but nothing like their owners want them to be worth...blame it on the recession and older peoples need for a little extra money for luxuries like shelter, food and heating or the real extravagant luxury of warm clothing and decent waterproof shoes. So many older anglers are forced into selling their memory aids to a great sessions fishing and their childhood or early adulthood treasures.

 

Although Don was well known and respected by many how much his rods are worth is like asking the length of a ball of string (one without a label). You might get lucky you may be unlucky. Perhaps there are others who have a better idea.

Edited October 24, 2010 by watatoad

[Vagabond]

Don Neish set up "Dons of Edmonton" in Fore Street, Edmonton around 1957 and it became a very good well renowned North London tackle shop with a second shop specialising in Sea fishing being set up on the other side of the road some years later. I was told recently that the shop finally closed the doors in 2008 after 50 years.

 

I first met Don whilst at school in Wood Green ........After leaving school I went to work in Fore Street, Edmonton only to find that Don had very conveniently set up shop half a mile away.

 

Welcome to AN

 

Then in addition to knowing Don, you may well know my old fishing mate Pete Grundle, who used to work in Don's shop some Saturdays. Easily recognised, 6'3" with hollow legs.

 

I remember one trip to Ormesby Broad with Pete.

3.00 am Full English Breakfast at home in East Sussex - drove to Seven Sisters

4.50 am Pete had a second Full English waiting - ate that and set out for East Anglia

7.00 am stopped at a greasy spoon lorry drivers' "Caff" for third (Pete's second) F.E.B

8.45 am Arrived at Eel's Foot Inn, Ormesby Broad. My 4th and Pete's 3rd FEB

 

....caught a few pike over the weekend - ate some huge meals, and Pete never stopped complaining that I had started out with one more breakfast than him

 

Had a few trips to Ireland also, and he used to come down to mine for commando trouting on the High Weald.

 

I have lost touch. Do you know if Pete is still around. ? You might also know Alan Veare

 

That rod certainly has historical interest - rather than just re-glue the ferrules, put on a few turns of fine silk so the ferrules are a tight push (or light drive) fit over them. Matching the whipping for the butt ring might be a problem, make sure you use real silk.