This appears to be a description of a vintage bamboo fly rod with some interesting details. Here’s what I can gather:
Key Features:
– “Featherweight”: Likely a misspelling of “Featherweight” (intended to be “Featherweight”), indicating a very light rod designed for delicate fly fishing.
– 6-sided/hexagonal construction: Typical of quality bamboo rods, with six strips of bamboo glued together to form the blank.
– 8’0″ length: A versatile length suitable for medium-range fly fishing.
– “2 Tip”: Includes two tip sections (common for bamboo rods, as tips are fragile and having a spare extends the rod’s life).
– “Larry 1952”: Possibly the maker’s name (Larry) and year of manufacture (1952). Could be a custom or small-shop rod.
– Serial 0315716: Suggests it might be from a known maker or workshop that numbered their rods.
Potential Origins:
1. Custom/Small Builder: Many individual rodmakers produced bamboo rods mid-century. “Larry” could be the craftsman.
2. Production Rod: Less likely, as major brands (Heddon, Granger, Orvis) rarely marked rods with first names. Possible it’s a rare employee-signed rod.
3. Japanese Import: Some post-WWII Japanese rods were marked with Western names for export, but quality varies.
Next Steps for Research/Valuation:
– Check ferrules and hardware: Look for stamps (e.g., “Super Z”) or unique winding checks that might indicate a known maker.
– Examine wraps and guides: Hand-tied wraps (vs. machine-made) suggest custom work.
– Post photos on forums: The [Clark’s Classic Rod Forum](http://clarksclassicflyrodforum.com) or [The Classic Fly Rod Forum](https://fiberglassflyrodders.com) could help identify “Larry.”
– Condition matters: Value ($200–$2,000+) depends on maker, craftsmanship, and whether it’s fishable (no delamination, cracks, or loose ferrules).
Similar Rods:
– Heddon “Featherweight” models: Mass-produced but high-quality; if this is a one-off, it may be more valuable.
– Orvis Battenkill: Higher-end production rods, but typically marked clearly.
If you can share photos (especially close-ups of markings, ferrules, and grip), I might be able to offer more specifics!