Homer Roach Pole 1887-1904

[Fredline]

I have just stolen this Homers of Forest Gate roach pole from a certain site for £30 and had every intention of giving it a full restoration, judging from the pictures the seller showed, until it popped through the letter box today. For at least 120 years old this 19'+, 7 piece item is a magnificent example of the pole makers art and will now be treated with the respect it deserves and I will only be preserving the integrity of the pole. It has a couple of issues, the caps are missing. No surprise there. The 2 tips sections are broken but will be an easy fix. The butt section has cracks at the ferrule end. Again quite a simple fix as the ferrules are lined. The wraps are black------------------or are they? No, they are in fact red and green but have darkened over the years, so black will be used to replace any that are missing. The butt cap carries the legend "W F Homer Maker 157 Forest Lane London E". Homers were at this address from 1887 until 1904 when they moved to 105 Woodgrange Road. To say I am pleased is an understatement.

I must learn to count one day. It is actually an 8 piece pole.

[Duckett]

What a wonderful find John. If anything could persuade me to take up pole fishing it would be my local maker!

Phil

[Lea Dweller]

Another great find John, I look forward to seeing it soon!

[PershoreHarrier]

Tremendous find indeed - bet that made your month never mind day. As a matter of interest do you know when Homers moved to Forest Gate - London E7 as I have one of their more modern rods.

They moved from 157 Forest Lane Forest Gate in 1904 to 105 Woodgrange Road and to 135 Woodgrange Road in 1945. They stayed there until they closed on the mid 1970's.

Thanks Fredline but being from the provinces I am not familiar with the suburbs of the capital - hence the daft question is Woodgrange Road located in Forest Gate E7? Thanks

Absolutely, it is one of the major roads in Forest Gate.

Thanks - your local knowledge is greatly appreciated.

[Wallys-Cast]

Nice find John, that'll keep you busy.

Wal.

[AshbyCut]

I was watching that ... but thought "that's a job for a younger man !!!"

Looking forward to seeing your progress.

[TraditionalAngling]

Will be a labour of love I Think !

[Liphook]

What a lovely bit of history

[Fredline]

There are a couple of reasons why this item sold very cheaply.
EricW did not bid, cheers Eric.
It was not listed very well and did not reach its full potential audience.
It was pick up only from Exeter.
It was stated as 5' 6" in length when in fact it was only 50". At 5' 6" it would have cost over £30 for pick up but at 50" and using Parcelforce Rewards4U which gives 15% off on every order I had it picked up from Exeter and delivered for £8.

[EricW]

A truly astute piece of work, Fredline. Well deserved.