The Traditional Fisherman's Forum

Today I picked up a B James Avocet, Ealing transfer, low diameter whole cane butt. It has a clear glass butt and tip with very small low bells rings. The rod is in good condition but there is very slight evidence - perhaps - of some delamination at the bottom of the mid-section. It has had some extra varnish applied at some time and some of the varnish has cracked over a few of the whippings. The arm on the tip ring has come unsoldered.

So, it needs a little work but really does look to be a gem. There is a slight stoop in the tip section. As the tip eye needs repairing or replacing - and another ring on the tip section is bent - my feeling is to turn the tip section over.

I have just put it together and it is fabulously well-balanced and light. The ferrules are beautiful and tight. It was stored for many many years…hanging in the wardrobe.

So, how lucky have I been, is this likely a Southwell and how much is it currently worth? Who might I send the rod to for the most sympathetic renovation?

Thanks in anticipation.

Super find Sir! Not too many of those knocking around Iwould guess.

Will look forward to seeing its light restoration and use. A good find Phil.

Excellent find there Phil

From the research I did when I looked into my early Avocet find, I would say you have a Version 3 dated 1954 - 56/7.

The ferrules should be of the un-spiked variety and if ever removed will be silvered underneath. The flared handle and flat 2 step collar are pure V3. The handle should be 24inches long. Normally whipped in green but not exclusively, it should feature graduated intermediates. The earlier V1 & V2 had the writing on a gold band but the V3 was the first to dispense with this and have the writing as we now consider to the the ‘default’ style for B James.

The good news is that this was the last version to be made before B. James bought in their own cane milling machine for making their own blanks so it will be made from bought in blanks from Southwell or J B Walker.

A very nice find! .Well done sir............

Yes well found Phil! Best of luck with the renovation

Thanks everyone! I’ve been in touch with Jonathan Ambrose Savory, whom I know has undertaken a lot of renovation work on B James rods, and we are going to meet up. I don’t think Jonathan is a member here?

I really enjoyed reading his article in Carpology about split cane rods.

https://www.carpology.net/article/featu ... ollecting/

Well done Phil, that is a great find! I hope that you get the restoration work done!

Lovely find Phil they do seem very desirable at the moment.