The Traditional Fisherman's Forum

Hello All,

We have a complete list of B James rods, my quest continues to find an example of each one. But, it would also be most interesting to know which of the early models were marketed under the "Built to Endure" logo...

Does anybody have a definitive list?

I’m no expert, but as far as I have been able to discover only the MKIV carp, MKIV avon and Avocet were marketed under the BTE logo in very small numbers. As for the MKIV I have read a maximum of 20-25. From which only 10 might have survived?!
Avocet I have no idea. My guess would be they are a little less rare. I have seen a few come up for sale for every MKIV.
Could be a coincidence tho.

Hi All,

Since my original query I've acquired a B James catalogue for rods under the Built to Endure logo. Quite a few, as follows:

MKiv Carp
Well I'm sure we all know the spec for this, but for the record:
10ft 2pc 1.5lb TC built cane throughout

MKiv Avon
10ft 2pc 1lb TC built cane throughout

Avocet
11ft3" 3pc whole cane butt, built cane middle and tip

MALLARD
Strong 12ft Medium Action Bottom Rod; 3pc built cane throughout

HERON
Strong 10ft6" Medium Action Bottom Rod; 3pc built cane throughout

SWALLOW
2 variants: Dry fly 9ft or wet fly 10ft
3pc built cane throughout

SWIFT
Standard Dry Fly Rod
2 variants: 8ft or 9ft
2pc built cane throughout

KINGFISHER
Fast Tip-action Roach Rod
4 variants: 10, 12, 13 & 14ft
3pc, Spanish reed butt and middle, spliced built cane tip

GREBE
8ft spinning or leger rod
2pc built cane
4 variants for 3,4,5 & 6lb BS line

SWAN
Pike Live Baiting rod
2pc built cane
2 variants: 7.5 & 8ft

CORMORANT
Sea Rod
5 variants: 7. 7.5, 8, 9 & 10ft
2pc single built cane
Further options of double or triple built available to order

So, that's ten models that we know of just from this list, plus a further thirteen sub-variants available! Blimey.

The catalogue does contain further details on each, I shan't bother posting a picture as they seem to disappear!

Tight lines all, J

****EDIT**** when originally making this post I mentioned the Avon as not having been included in this catalogue, however it transpires it is included after all, this not being clear originally due to some of the page being missing from the photocopy!

Hi,

Your catalogue sounds great and extremely rare, would it be possible to add pics on here for us fellow enthusuasts.

Many thanks,

Dok

I don't believe I've ever heard of an early B.James catalogue before! Great find, thank-you for sharing.

I think Mark ought to make this a sticky!

Or a separate ""Built to Endure"" heading in Traditional rods - rare as hens teeth.

Perhaps there are a few more lurking out there?

I believe there are 3 'Built to Endure' rods for sale on a well known vintage tackle dealer website at this moment so perhaps whilst few they are not exactly as rare as hens teeth.

Tested by Richard Walker himself according to this 1953 advert.

But perhaps the data is?

We have the image on here of a letter sent to Jim Bruce senior suggesting Dick would sign the first batch of rods if they brought them over to his house. Dick may have suggested this idea as he was quite adamant that Jim's writing was not up to scratch.

Just how many rods he did sign is uncertain but it's thought to be about 15.

Since that advert mentions the autographing and 'testing' it may date from that period, but using the word testing is a bit inaccurate.












Note how DW addresses Jim as 'Mr.James' :-)