Unknown Bamboo Rod

[Ataraxia]

When I bought my property and the small cabin on it, the seller sold me all his treasures aswell... minus the few things he did take with him. Digging thru one of the box trucks I found this fly fishing rod . I took it to a local fly fishing dealer here in Alaska but he couldn't tell me much other than its bamboo, 1 of the tips showed use ( a slight curve but not bad) the other tip is in mint condition and its made very well. There is no maker on the rod or the tube. The aluminum tube has a few small dents but other wise has done its job protecting its cargo. Inside is a soft green cotton pouch with 3 segments. When I find a tape measure I can measure it, but currently I'm going to say that that it's around 8/9 feet long when the 2 parts are assembled. The 3 peices are around 4 feel long each. The only mark I did find is a 0119 on all 3 peices. I photographed the bottom because it seems to be missing something or maybe that's where the reel attaches? I would like to sell it so any info you can give me in this matter will help. Thank you for your time.

[BigTJ]

It looks like an EC Powell to me based on wraps, number of guides, ferrules, reel seat and grip. The rod tube and bag look about right too - my Powell bags don’t have the leather tab so not sure that right but it may be. It’s a bit of an odd duck with the all metal seat. Things that would help - measure the sections and the rod with a tape measure. Be exact and check the tips and butt are the same length. Two four foot sections are 8’, there is a difference between 8 and 9 feet so check that too . Most likely this is a 8 or 8.5 footer with 2 sections longer than 48”, with either being a desirable length rod. Also weigh is if you can - a postal scale or kitchen scale. It looks to me like a solid built rod but I’ve not seen one with the metal seat, possible it’s a later replacement, but there was a lot of variety in hardware over the years. A nice find for sure. The Powell experts on the board might be able to help with the numbering.

If everything check out the rod is worth a decent chunk it’s not your typical find and there is definitely a market out there of interested buyers.

John

[RMorrison]

It’s a Walton Powell rod. I own several from this era. They are Paradise era rods. Mine all have that nice slim EC style grip too. Correct bag and tube for what I have as well. Most don’t have his name as he was dodging the tax man at the time. The red witness marks are a latter edition. Otherwise sounds like a pretty nice 8’er. What else do you need?

[BigTJ]

Thanks Rich I learned something. I have an EC rod with red dots in the witness marks, good to know not original.

John

[Ataraxia]

It’s a Walton Powell rod. I own several from this era. They are Paradise era rods. Mine all have that nice slim EC style grip too. Correct bag and tube for what I have as well. Most don’t have his name as he was dodging the tax man at the time. The red witness marks are a latter edition. Otherwise sounds like a pretty nice 8’er. What else do you need?

I'm hoping to sell it, is there a good place to look up the worth of Walton Powell Rods? And very interesting information on it ^.^

[RMorrison]

Shoot me an email at rich@classicpowellrod.com. I’ll give you some better info. And probably make you an offer.