Bamboo Rod

[eskimo]

I recently discovered an old bamboo rod that belonged to my grandfather. (It probably hasn't been fished in over 40 years!) It's a Shakespeare Paragon series and according to the Shakespeare website, it was made in 1936.
It's in good shape except two of the rod guides are broken. I would love to fish it but it need to get repaired. I live in Savannah. Any ideas? Can I do this myself or should I let an expert repair it?
Also any clue on value? I would never sell it for obvious reasons but I would rather know what I am dealing with before I spend repair money. Thanks Eskimo

[JODY]

I have a guide to antique and collectable fishing rods which lists values. Unfortunately the "Paragon" series is not listed. Check for a series number on the rod, as several Shakespeare rods are designated by numbers (1233, 1300, 1333, 1360, etc.).
Values are listed according to rod condition as poor/fair, good/very good, and ex/mint. Shakespeares most valuable bamboo rod lists at $100/$295/$475 and the least valuable at $20/$65/$115. As for the guides, any rod builder could replace them. Tim at River Services does good work and I'm sure there are others. It actually isn't that hard to do yourself if you get proper instructions. I guess you would want to match the existing wraps as closely as possible. Hope this helps.

[Tentwing]

Eskimo,

Without actually looking at the rod,It's hard for me to tell much about it.

Heres what I can tell you.A 1936 Shakespeare Paragon was model # 1304. It originally sold for $12.00. It had a downlocking real seat ,and a half wells grip.It had an agate striper, and usaully had blued nickel silver ferrules.It was made by Montague for Shakespeare. Montague stopped making them in 1939, and Shakespeare dicontinued the line prior to WW-2.

I'm a sucker for restoring things to original specefications. Mike Longuil is the best Historian/restorationist I know who doesn't charge a fortune.Try his web site. www.cyburban.com/~bamboomike (http://www.cyburban.com/~bamboomike)

Hope some of this helps,...Tentwing