help with estate

[Karel]

OK, this might be in the wrong forum but I will give it a shot.

A friend's dad passed away in January, he was an avid fly fisherman in Maine. My friend is going to put up his dad's stuff for an auction in upstate NY and he passed the list of items on to me (below) asking me if any of it is "any good". Well, I don't know what used tackle is going for, but there are a few known names there, including bamboo rods and various reels. If anybody knows what those items might go for, it would help my friend tremendously to be able to establish a reasonable asking price.

As much as I thought to ask for the one or other item for myself, I suggested my friend to donate the proceeds to his dad's fishing club's education or kid's department or to donate the proceeds to his dad's TU chapter (which I think he's going for).

Here is the list, let me know what you guys think.

BTW- I am not putting this up for sale myself, am not a dealer/spammer or anything the like nor will I have any financial benefit in the auction/sale. I am just doing a favor to my friend so he knows what to expect.

Thanks, K

OK, here's the list:

Montague bamboo 75 wt salt water; butt joint and two tips

Bristol - Horton Comapnay - says Edward Bristol F12 - 9. 4 pieces, bamboo

Orvis Battenkill 2 piece bamboo

2 rods in one case - Howard Wonder rod by Sha
kespeare, 2 pieces. Other is a P and K Royal fiberglass

Orvis Powerflex Line HCF 2piece. Fiberglass

Bamboo EF 187 3 pieces

Cross Rod and Tackle - The Cross Rod. 4 pieces, bamboo

Goodwin Granger Co, Denver, Bamboo. 2 pieces. Granger Favorite

Diamondback graphite LLBean. 8678. 3 pieces

Sage Model GFL 690 RP graphite

Siloflex Magnum Pt 200 Costa Mesa. CA. 2 piece fiberglass

Actionrod graphite model 4389

LL Bean 8 1/2 Double L graphite 2 piece


21 REELS
10 are Pflueger with various model numbers
5 are Hardy Brothers England
I is Heddon Imperial
I is JW Young and Sons
I is Lawson
I is Orvis Battenkill
I is Kalamazoo Tackle CO
1 is Ocean City

 

[tompg]

this forum may be a better resource:

The Classic Fly Rod Forum - Message Board Yuku

 

[JeffK]

You have a set of decent rods there, and a few the market shows no love to.

It is very hard to make an assessment though since condition is everything. I would go to the classic rod forum for the bamboo rods and the fiberglass flyfishing forum for the fiberglass rods. Some of those bamboo rods could be worth in the $600 to $800 range if in great shape. The Montague saltwater rod will get little love. Most antique dealers think every bamboo rod is a treasure, but most average rods command average prices.

You didn't add length and weight in many of your descriptions. Most bamboo rods were 9' or so back in the day. The ones that command the most money today are those that are 8' or shorter with the shorter the better. Todays anglers value the lighter rods more. The 9' standard at the height of the bamboo era is a little heavy for most people today.

When posting on another site take plenty of pictures since condition is everything. Take an overall picture to show overall condition, that the pieces are the proper length and that all the pieces are there (all rod pieces, bag, and tube with cap). For example, the 2 and 3 piece bamboo rods concern me. The standard cane rod put-up was a three piece rod with a spare tip for a total of 4 pieces. Orvis did make impregnated 2 piece rods w/o a spare tip (especially in shorter lengths) so it may be OK, but the Granger likely had 4 pieces originally. A rod w/o the extra tip will fish just fine, but the collector value is shot. Good pictures go a long way towards clearing up that issue. Read the instructions for posting requests for appraisals and follow them. The experts on the other sites will likely blow you off unless you do your part. Then take close ups highlighting the reel seat, grip, ferrules, and signature wraps/labeling. The more work you do the better response you will recieve. The more mystery involved the lower people will bid.

Lang's is another option in upstate NY. They are probably the leading auctioneer of fishing collectibles, but they do take a cut.

Finally, there is Ebay. Once again what you put into it is what you get out. Good pictures and accurate description go a long way towards getting the best price. Any questions about what the rod is or what condition it is in relate to lower prices.

IMHO, steer clear of TU auctions if you are looking to get the best price. People at them are generally looking to pick stuff up cheap. By using Lang's or Ebay you are more likely to find more than one person who wants a rod and can bid it up.

 

[Broadheadscreek]

Karel you also mention 5 Hardy reels depending on what model and condition will bring good money. As JeffK stated there is no way of telling with a picture and some names and sizes.

 

[Karel]

Thanks so much for the feedback. I will make sure to pass this on to my friend. Not sure if he'll be able to do pics etc. since his dad's estate is in Maine and he is living in LA.

Really appreicate your comments.

K

 

[Trouser Trout]

Just a thought, but maybe you could have your friend ship you everything that he has, bring it to a local shop, have it fairly appraised and ship it back to him, and let him sell it on ebay with the knowledge of what it is worth. From what i can tell he has some pretty nice stuff which would be well worth the shipping hassle, just a thought. Good Luck!!

 

[bigjohn]

My VFW would be happy to get them to the wounded troops and get you a tax donation letter....