I've done some minor cane repairs and refinished some old montagues, done a few on blanks etc so a friend who runa a local flyshop called me when a kid came by wanting guides,new and seat etc on an "old junk y square bamboo somebody gave him". i picked it up, checked it out, and it's hardly junk-it's a model 40 Edwards Quadrate w/all original hardware except a couple snakes-cane is in great shape,ferrules tight,varnish 70%and could probably be brought back to near-new by somebody more schooled in cane work.I've checked around and it's worth about $2000 restored.any tips on cleaning it up etc-would it be better to revarnish original wraps and try to match them or rewrap with close as i can on guides only and leave the trim wraps on butt section etc?the rod appears to have been given to him by his grandfather, and i would love to give it back to him in great shape and then tell him what it's worth-i don't think he has a clue!

go to this website and the folks who post their will know exactly what you need to do. they will know
all about the edwards and restorations. [p205.ezboard.com]. you will have to register to post but that website is the definitive source.

Golden Witch which is a sponcer on this site. Thay do a lot of bamboo
Good Wraps Bob

Brownell makes some polishes which will tend to re-liquify old varnish and cause it to reflow. Depending on what's wrong with the varnish now, this could be all that's needed.

Unless you plan to do a full on restoration, I'd stick with just replacing those wraps that need replacing. The think about full restorations is this - bad or mediocre restorations reduce the value of the rod. A very good restoration, however, will bring the rod up to top dollar. How do you tell the difference? If you can tell that it's been restored, it's one of the former. If you can't tell; if you think you may be looking at a very good condition original, then it's the latter.

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thanks for the replies-i may bring it by for you to check it out.