Folks-A local secretary for a lawyer found out I built fishing rods. She called me yesterday and asked me if I would look at a rod that her dad left to her (this woman is about 65 Y/0). She brought it in today and it's a beauty. It is a 2-piece Orvis Bamboo Spinning rod about 6'8" used for trout in central NY streams. It has the original case, the original varnish, the original guides, and the original cork grip that is made with such quality cork that it has not one pit in it. It has a simple slip ring (Tennessee Handle) "reel seat)."
The model is called a "Manchester Vermont" and after talking to her I would guess that the rod was made no later than the mid-1940's. There is an original paper label on the original case with the specs-4 and 1/2 oz. and a serial number. She says she has called Orvis and they couldn't give her any information on a rod that age.
I told her I would post and try and find out something about this type rod and the approximate value (she is not interested in selling it). I have naturally never seen this type rod but it a joy to behold. Any help or thoughts would be appreciated. Thanks!

Try here:

[clarksclassicflyrodforum.yuku.com]

Although they mostly talk about fly fods, they occasionaly discuss other bamboo rods.

Chris Richer
Iroquois ON

Maybe try a Google Search with several different wordings Start with the make and model of the rod

Bill - willierods.com

I think that isn't the model. Orvis is located in Manchester, Vermont (IIRC).

Russ in Hollywood, FL.

Orvis is the maker of the rod

Bill - willierods.com

It's worth about $400 to $600 in that condition. Orvis always got a bad rap from many appraisers because their rods were resin impregnated. This made them a tad heavier than rods that were simply top coated with varnish, but it also made them a bit more durable and they almost never need refinishing.

Pretty good little rod when you come right down to it.

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check that @#$%& Site and see if there are any there Maybe you can make some money ??

Bill - willierods.com

Bill, did you not read the post by Mr. Spence? He knows it was built by Orvis and he clearly states it is not a rod for sale. He even states that Orvis has already been contacted. I believe he is hoping someone on this forum can help identify and value the rod for a friend.

It is all about how much some one will pay ___ value --- You may not think it is worth 5.00 but some one else may think it is worth 500.00 What ???

Bill - willierods.com

If she does not want to sell it and since it belonged to her father it is priceless.

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Super Tight Lines......Don

A while back I saw a film short where the people were using Orvis rods & reels , it was on the Turner movie channel . One of the featured rods was an Orvis spinning rod , used to take smallmouth from a river . The film was made in the late 40's - 50's . They also
showed the ever popular Orvis fly rod catching trout & salmon on the same trip . Larry

I saw one for sale on a bamboo aficionado site for $875.00