Craftversa

[Macko]

Noticed an original Craftversa sold on fleabay today, thought it might
have fetched more than it did.

ATB Macko

[Lea Dweller]

I looked at this, but it has indian ink writing on it suggesting that it has been "repaired" at some stage. It fetched over £300, so an expensive gamble for an un-named rod, but someone has gambled!

[Paul F]

I agree, no Milwards label or rod number, still with modern printing maybe it will turn up again fully restored complete with label

[Lea Dweller]

I agree, no Milwards label or rod number, still with modern printing maybe it will turn up again fully restored complete with label

It will be interesting to see if this happens Paul. I have seen similar situations where unnamed rods have undergone a "transformation" in both appearance and price!

[QuinetteCane]

Cor, just did a search for it and a second Craftversa came up as well fetched £850
Original state but very tired with the top section very bent, Wow.
I must change my search wording neither of them had come up on my radar.

[Lea Dweller]

Cor, just did a search for it and a second Craftversa came up as well fetched £850
Original state but very tired with the top section very bent, Wow.
I must change my search wording neither of them had come up on my radar.

It just goes to prove that some people are prepared to spend a lot of money for a "name" If someone is prepared to spend £850 for a "tired" original surely it would be better to spend a bit more for a new Craftversa from one of the top current makers?

[Macko]

Has anybody seen the OTHER Craftversa on fleabay

ATB Macko

[QuinetteCane]

I concur LD, the buyer is effectively buying a logo'd butt section, a new top
must be required as well as a rebuild, arguably hardly original when finished!
An AJD replica would be a far better investment if as a user and probably
less expensive.
On the other hand it will have a proper original decal, oooh botheration!

[PershoreHarrier]

I concur LD, the buyer is effectively buying a logo'd butt section, a new top
must be required as well as a rebuild, arguably hardly original when finished!
An AJD replica would be a far better investment if as a user and probably
less expensive.
On the other hand it will have a proper original decal, oooh botheration!

Not quite a 'Trigger's Broom' situation then but I get the drift. My original Craftversa came in well used condition and Andrew Davis kindly restored if for me using the original cane, ferrules, tip and butt rings. A new set of identical intermediate rings were added and the whippings/ ties were all replaced with matching thread. The cork handle was cleaned up and new varnish added to complete the job.

I guess it worked out at about the same price you would pay for a modern replica which indeed may and probably is a better rod overall. It is a matter I suppose of horses for courses. From a personal point of view whilst it is a decent rod I cannot quite see what the hype is all about to be honest.

[QuinetteCane]

I remember when cane became outmoded, the new materials became hyped
up more than a bit as having test curves unhindered by ferruled flatspots.
More a fashion of the time which persists a little still in my opinion.
I own a two piece Aero that got eulogised just a little on that JOC site.
That too has similar properties to a Craftversa, bending willingly under the corks.
However my Quinette mk7 is a three piece 11 footer which is the equal
(and more) of any of the 2 piece equivalents, but different.
It has tamed a 20Ib common, better that model than the other alternatives.
I like them all enough not to part with any of them.
They all get a turn on the bank giving a bit extra to any one outing.
The Venables effect on that particular rod mebbe, advertising sells was the operandi.