Sewell N Dunton & Son 7.5 ft 6wt 2 tips

[coolhl7]

well, I bought my first bamboo rod and would like to know what it is worth and any advise on
what to do or not to do to it. Looks like the ferrules need some cleaning but nice and smooth and snug.
perfectly straight as I can tell.
cork was never cleaned or sanded. no work ever done on this rod at all.
was bought in early to mid 70's. not fished much at all according to original
owner who switched to Winston Boron and kept it stored since.
No dings or mold....
4.2 oz on my digital scale.
There is a much lighter 6.5 5wt for sale by owner I might pick depending on what you guys say about this rod.
thanks so much!!!!

[coolhl7]

I should add that it has not been fished since the mid 70's....
I did lawn cast it with a WF4 and it suited my casting stroke just fine since I am used to high end fast graphite rods.
I would imagine guys with a slower casting style may prefer a WF5 or DT6.....

[uniquafly]

Norm,

My Dunton is a two piece, 6’ rod with #161 written on the shaft. I’m guessing that it’s probably a 2 or 3wt. Very delicate rod. The grip is almost identical to your Dunton rod and has the silk thread wrap for a winding check. Very well made and a bargain for what I paid for it. As for value, factoring in the nightmare that the recent months have become, the uncertainty of the times and the complete collapse of value for certain bamboo rods, $150 to $200 would be about right. That’s how crazy the market for well made vintage bamboo has become, a $500, give or take, rod selling for $150 to $200. Sewell Dunton was not a big name maker but you can see the quality of their more expensive offerings. I think they are a great value for anyone wanting to experience bamboo for the first time.

[wrong66]

I would value it at more than that.

[uniquafly]

I would value it at more than that.

I agree but as stagnant as the used rod market is right now they’re just not moving at prices you would expect, specifically the Sewell N Dunton rods. Doesn’t look like the market will ever bounce back. The last couple of short Dunton rods I’ve seen on the big auction site sold way short of what I would have expected. Just my thoughts.

[uniquafly]

Here are some photos of the 6’, 2-2 Dunton rod I have. I have no idea if it has a model name, the only thing written on the shaft is #161. Lightly flamed cane and very fine tips.

[NewUtahCaneAngler]

I believe that the OP's rod is a higher grade than Uniquafly as it has more guides. Could it have been rewrapped & made into a better fishing rod? Of course. I have no idea as to value.

[Tommasini]

I'd say it's a $250 - $300 rod. Keep in mind, if you clean the tarnish off the male ferrules, the fit will be to loose.

[uniquafly]

The 1959 Sewell Dunton catalog listed the model 161 as weighing 2 11/20th ounces and priced at $42. That’s a very light rod.