I was given an Orivs split cane fly rod by a customer to try and find out more about it and a possble, ball park value. Is there a website for the 'cane guys that I can post some detailed information about this rod and get some feedback before he tries to sell it?

Just a few of the details, 8 1/2 foot, model "99" 2 pc, yes i said 2pc, rated for a line that is designated in letters, not numbers. Original bag and tube minus the screw top. Looks to me like it was NEVER used. And also looks like original condition. Serial number is 23,000 something.
thanks,
Buzz

Buzz,
Does it have both tips?

If it doesn't list a line number, then it was most likely made prior to or just around the time AFTMA created the modern fly line numbering system. My guess is that it's about 35 or more years old, and worth about $400 to $450. Maybe a little more depending on the line weight rating. A lighter line rating rod will bring a little more money than the heavyweights. And in bamboo, the shorter rods typically bring a little more money. Anything under 8' is in pretty high demand.

Orvis has made some exceptional bamboo rods over the years but they haven't appreciated like some other models have. Their "impregnated" finishing method causes many to assume that they're heavy, but the few I've ownded and cast didn't seem that much heavier than counterparts from other companies. A little, perhaps, but nothing at all objectionable. And they hold up very well.

I think the "99" predates the Madison and Battenkill models, but I'm not an expert on Orvis bamboo models.


..............

Use the address below to visit a site that will tell you when the rod was made. You will need to look for the serial number located near the ferrule. When I contacted Orvis about my '99' I was informed that the '99' was constructed as a two piece, one tip rod.

[mysite.verizon.net]

There are a couple of things you can do. First, email Orvis with the serial number. They will tell you exactly when it was made and which Orvis builder made it. There is a site where you can get more information, but I don't know if it's permissable to post links here so I will hold off on that until I hear otherwise. Based on the 23xxx serial number, I can tell you that it was made sometime in the late 1950s.

Thanks guys, I will check further.

Buzz,

On April 4, 1989 I contacted Chuck Stabolepszy at Orvis about my model '99', which I had purchased at an @#$%& for $150. He said it was worth $275-$350, and that the model 99 was manufactured between 1956 and 1959. Based upon the serial number (#22582), the rod likely was made '56-'57. The purchaser had never sent in the warrantee card. The rod was made with one tip. Regarding line weight, Chuck said the 1950's catalogs gave this information:

7' 6" Back then - DT6, Now - DT5
8' 0" Back then - DT7, Now - DT6
8' 6" Back then - DT7, Now - DT6

Jeff Shafer

P.S. I don't know if you're into the CCS, but I did three ERN/AA tests (the rod had a fair amount of set before I had Orvis do repairs to the rod this past Spring).

Guides down: ERN - 4.16, AA - 55
Guides up: ERN - 5.05, AA - 55
Guides 90 degrees: ERN - 4.60, AA - 55



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 07/29/2007 09:15AM by Jeff Shafer.

Thanks for all the input Jeff, much appreciated.
Buzz