H. L. Leonard 8' 6" (3/2 w/nickel silver seat) identification

[bzbitnoff]

I have just acquired an H.L. Leonard 3 piece 2 tip fly rod. The reel seat is nickel silver. It is "May" stamped on the lower foot cover. The stamped tag is extremely hard to read. I have included photos of the rod and closeups of the reel seat. I am trying to learn more about the rod including possible age and worth and if there is any thing significant about the May stamp. I do have what I believe is the original metal tube. I have also included a copy of the brass top.

Also the finish is starting to soften in a couple of places. Is it of more value in the original state or would it be better to refinish it? Any help would be much appreciated.

thank you

[crowebeetle]

It does look like it is in rough shape. The one tip you show is short by about 3-4 inches. Is there a second tip? Have you the original tube, ID tag, and cloth sleeve? Photos of those would be helpful. I am not an expert so others will likely chime in with more cogent analyses and potential value.

[bzbitnoff]

I do have the original tube. There is a picture of the cap. There is no other information on the tube. I am quite sure the cloth sleeve is not original. I is dark brown with no information. I did notice that the tip is short. The other tip is broken but I am planning on splicing it. Do you have any idea about the age or model. I am hoping the metal reel seat will help identify it.

[crowebeetle]

The format of the Leonard stamp can give you a range of dates. They varied it over the years. Search on the information on the stamp.

[bzbitnoff]

Based on what I could find, the rod is pre-patent (1894 - 1922) I still have not found anything about the nickel silver reel seat or the "May" stamp. Does anyone have any suggestions of places to search. I have done a pretty exhaustive search on the internet. Also anybody have a guess of potential value?

[crowebeetle]

viewtopic.php?p=933512&hilit=leonard+bu ... ps#p933512 if you look on this thread you will find Leonard butt stamps. May is the owner. With 2 broken tips and varnish melt down, it is probably worth less than you hope for but I don't know the market for Leonards in this condition.

[MGrallert]

I had a prefire what I think was a model 51 with a metal seat. I haven't seen many. Maybe it was something one could order.

[MGrallert]

I forget what I sold it for honestly. It was complete bag tag and tube 3/2. Kinda wish I still had it.