G. BAKER....Ever heard of these? Help if possible please.

[Tonytoned]

Hello Everyone

Apologies from the original post.

I was bequeathed a pair of identical split cane Carp rods. There is no maker's name except for G. BAKER and were obviously made in 1961 (The year of my birth!) and 1962. They are both two piece and 10ft in length. Could they be custom built or has anyone heard of them. Here are some images of both of the said rods if it helps, more information can be given if needed.

Any help would be appreciated many thanks.


A possible four digit number








MK llll CARP


The second rod has G.B. on the back.


and MK lV CARP 1962 on the front.

[John Milford]

Interesting that it has the 'clock face' IIII version of the Roman numeral 4, rather than the more conventional IV.

Is there perhaps a clue there for our more knowledgeable cane buffs?

[Aitch]

Could it be a home built kit rod...?

[Liphook]

Fine looking rod! I'd say Aitch could well be correct. Looking at that cork it's certainly not seen much if any use in the intervening 63 years

[RBTraditional]

I’d say that they are a fine pair of JB Walker (Hythe, Kent) rods, bought as kits and self built from thereon. If that is the case, then you have acquired some very nice rods indeed, JBW cane was superb, light and crisp with a lovely through action. Dick Walker himself used their cane to make most of his rods so you’re in good company…

[Tonytoned]

Interesting that it has the 'clock face' IIII version of the Roman numeral 4, rather than the more conventional IV.

Is there perhaps a clue there for our more knowledgeable cane buffs?

Yes John thanks. I didn't notice that. I have a picture of the second rod which has IV on it, but with the initials G.B. on the the back and was made in 1962.

[Tonytoned]

Could it be a home built kit rod...?

I did think that.

[Tonytoned]

Fine looking rod! I'd say Aitch could well be correct. Looking at that cork it's certainly not seen much if any use in the intervening 63 years

Thanks Liphook. I have put a picture of the other rod on the post.

[Tonytoned]

I’d say that they are a fine pair of JB Walker (Hythe, Kent) rods, bought as kits and self built from thereon. If that is the case, then you have acquired some very nice rods indeed, JBW cane was superb, light and crisp with a lovely through action. Dick Walker himself used their cane to make most of his rods so you’re in good company…

Thank you RBT Traditional that is interesting. A picture of the other rod is now on the post

[RBTraditional]

I have a number of JBW rods, there’s not one alike, as individuals would have built them to suit their tastes. Some have winding checks others don’t… but one thing is mostly standard apart from the feel of the cane and that is the stand off butt ring supplied by JBW. It’s usually the giveaway…