由 Charlie Walker It sounds like you’ve stumbled upon a fascinating piece of angling history! A four-piece, 36-inch bamboo fly rod from the 1912 Sears catalog would indeed be a rare and collectible item, especially if it comes in its original fitted velvet case. Here’s some context and potential value:
Key Details:
– Four-piece design: Unusual for the era, as many bamboo rods were two- or three-piece. A four-piece rod suggests portability, possibly for travel.
– 36-inch length: Very short by modern standards, likely designed for tight streams or as a “midge” rod for small fish.
– Velvet-lined case: Indicates a higher-end offering, possibly sold as a premium item in the Sears catalog.
– 1912 Sears catalog: Sears, Roebuck & Co. sold a wide range of affordable bamboo rods, often under house brands or made by major manufacturers (like Montague or Horrocks-Ibbotson).
Potential Value:
– Condition-dependent: If the rod is in fishable shape with intact ferrules, guides, and original wraps, it could be worth $200–$600+ to collectors.
– Velvet case adds value: Original cases (especially in good condition) are rare and desirable.
– Historical significance: Early 20th-century mass-produced bamboo rods are collectible, especially if tied to a known maker.
Research Tips:
1. Check for maker marks – Some Sears rods were rebranded from well-known manufacturers.
2. Look up the 1912 Sears catalog – Digital archives (like [Internet Archive](https://archive.org)) may have scans.
3. Consult bamboo rod experts – Forums like Clark’s Classic Fly Rod Forum or The Classic Fly Rod Forum can help identify it.
Would you like help finding comparable sales or identifying the maker? If you have photos, that would help greatly! 🎣