Have a question about old fly rods and reels
I picked up a couple today at an estate sale. Paid $55.00 for both.
Bought them with the intention of redoing them, but after closer
inspection may not want to touch one of them. For fear of destroying something of value

So my questions are about worth and whether I would be making a mistake to
redo them. Also maybe about age as I collect old tackle and might be worth more as part of my collection.

Fist one: is in really good shape even though it is quit old in appearance.
It is a
(4 piece)
Wright & McGill
"Trailmaster" 7-1/2 ft.
No. 4TMF
Rod is chestnut brown yellow thread with light lime/green trim bands
Handle not even dirty (Looks like it was hardly used). reel threads up from
back by way of internal locking device ( No visible threads) Looks to be
Sterling silver. Furls also look sterling
Seat has their name and address stamped on it along with Patent # ( but can
not make out the number with out first cleaning off tarnish).
Has matching aluminum carrying tube with same labeling and rod sock.

Second one:
Probable won’t be able to help, but here goes
8-½ Dark brown
(2 piece)
Aluminum handle down locking, Aluminum furls Threads look to be white although dirty
No name on it
But here’s the interesting thing. (With the exception of one guide that
seems to have been repaired). The threads have never had any type of finish on them.
The tags ends have been pulled about 20 wraps under. And the thread appears
to be flat or at least looks flat. The rod is well used so must have
worked well with out any finish on them.

Also curious what the reels are worth:
1-Pfluger
MEDALIST
US made
No. 1495

2- is Gladding
South Bend
No. 1130
If you need any more info let know
Thanks for you help! I am pretty much ignorant when it come to old fly rods.

Steve, I assume that both of these rods are fiberglass? acting on that assumption you paid a decent price for them. The trailmaster would refinish up fine if you don't like the present colors and the same with the other one. Probably would not hurt the value of either as glass rods have not reached the prominance of bamboo. They have their real value in the use of them. As far as the reels the Pflueger would be worth considerably more if it is one of the old ones made in the 60s. I cannot say on the South Bend, but they were quite common.

Some additional info:
They are fiberglass
The Medalist has stamped on the side
"Made In
Akron. Ohio USA"
also has "Diamolite Line Gaurd" stamped on it.

Are old bamboo rods worth anyting. I got a friend who picked up 2 at an estate sale. The steel or aluminuium is partly rusted...My friend asked me what I thought not long ago. Who would you sell it to anyhow?

Jeffery:
Here is part of an email I got in responce to my question. Might help with yous
"If it's a bamboo rod, I would contact Golden Witch, one of the sponsors, they could help you determine it,s value".

The old Medalist reels made in USA ar selling on E bay at 40-50 dollars each if they are in good shape.

Thanks sam!
Any idea on the rod?