restore or not?

Mother · Post by **Mother** » Tue May 06, 2008 10:17 am

I have a question for you rod builders.

I have a 1930’s bamboo rod. It’s an old Shakespeare Diana 1232. I’ve been getting a bad itch to use it around the ponds at home for pan-fish.

I know it’s a collector’s item, but I’m not really a collector. It needs a few guides, and I’d like to re-do the cork grip.

My question is:

Should I just keep it locked up, leave it like it is, and ignore the itch like I’ve been doing for the last 4 years.

Or

Re-build it, and go hook some pig-gills on it? Does bamboo become brittle after so long?

Anyone interested in taking on the re-build job? And if so, any estimate on what a re-wrap, new guides and cork grip would set me back? (Nothing fancy).

Thanks

E.

Bayport_Bob · Post by **Bayport_Bob** » Tue May 06, 2008 1:24 pm

It's a tomatoe stake. Drop it off when your in the 'hood & I'll prop up a plant.

Mother · Post by **Mother** » Tue May 06, 2008 1:52 pm

Actually.. I plan on stopping by the hood soon to check out your progress on you know what..

dunfly · Post by **dunfly** » Wed May 07, 2008 7:58 am

Usually a Shakespeare bamboo rod is not worth a whole lot unless it is in excellent to mint condition. I would say restore it and use it. If it doesn't have any splits in it, there are several people on this board that have the skill to restore it.

BlueCrab · Post by **BlueCrab** » Wed May 07, 2008 10:27 am

dunfly wrote:Usually a Shakespeare bamboo rod is not worth a whole lot unless it is in excellent to mint condition. I would say restore it and use it. If it doesn't have any splits in it, there are several people on this board that have the skill to restore it.

I agree. If it is in need of guides/grip, it's value is lessoned further and unlike most antiques, restoring it will increase it's value (especially if the restorer is uses thread colors and wraps that mimic the original design and matches the grip). I love fishing classic rods because they are best enjoyed on the water, not in a glass case on the wall.

Here is a link where some folks can help you:

http://clarksclassicflyrodforum.yuku.com/

noles · Post by **noles** » Wed May 07, 2008 10:59 am

if you want to restore it, shoot me a PM.

ps

Mother · Post by **Mother** » Wed May 07, 2008 12:27 pm

Thanks for the replies. guys. I know it's not a precious antique, that's why I'd like to fish it.

Thanks, Noles. I'll send you one.