Martin James Match Rod

[Rotrax]

Some years ago I took an old motorcycling friend fishing. He had never caught a pike and this was on his bucket list.

We achieved it during our first session on the Thames, in Benson Weirpool. About 12 lbs, he was well pleased!

A few weeks later he turned up with a rod and reel, the kit he had as a boy in the early 1950's. He gifted them to me.

A Youngs Rapidex, working order, gentily shabby but solid and a 15 foot Martin James Spanish Reed/spliced in split cane tip match rod in its original bag.

Edward Barder supplied me with new rings and whipping silk. I shall make a start soon.

Not very suitable for big stuff I imagine, Reed had a suspect reputation when I was a boy.

In its favour is it is very straight, no defects easily visible bar dull brass fittings and a perished rubber button.

Any idea on post renovation value? It is not a rod I am likely to use so if it is of interest perhaps it should be offered to a collector.

Not the Rapidex though - I like that!

[Santiago]

Possibly in the £50 to £100 bracket I would imagine, depending on the quality of the refurb. I'm not being over generous in my estimation so expect more!