I'm considering buying a restored 1950s cane rod. Although I haven't seen it yet, I assume that means at the least it's been re whipped and re-varnished.

Is it likely that it will have been completely taken apart and reglued, and is it likely that modern epoxies will have been used?

What diference would restoration normally make to a rod's value?

Am I right in thinking that if it's been restored with moden glues and/or varnishes that it will be better as a rod to use, rather than as just a collectors piece?

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Missing: presumed out to lunch.

Just whipped and varnished, not re-glued.

The value will be more dependent on the rod than than the finish: if it's collectible (like some of the Hardy's rods) re-finishing might add to the value if it has been done by someone with a good reputation. Bad finishers tend to round all the corners off.

In terms of use, I'm not sure the finish will make much difference to the action, but it would make it a little more weather-proof.

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Wanted: A polarised monocle.

Thanks. With an older rod for actually fishing with, the thing that would concren me would be the state of the old animal glues.

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Missing: presumed out to lunch.

Most of the old rods I've used don't seem to have a problem, and although I never used it, I used to have a c19 Hardy that didn't seem too bad on that front.

Then again my rods don't get to catch many fish, either..

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Wanted: A polarised monocle.

If you intend to use the rod AND before parting with the cash :-
1.Arrange to meet the seller on your fishing beat or his fishing beat
2.Let HIM demonstrate the rod to you first (at least 30 casts)
3.Then if it hasn't fallen apart try it out yourself!
4.If you are then happy - the choice is yours

Note: It is safer to buy one off somebody you know who uses the rod currently for fishing - Also question where has the rod been stored before hand ?- you do not want to buy a s/c rod that has been stored in a fully central heated property and dried out!

Good luck

Idris - you don't say whether or not you have used cane rods before. If not this is doubly good advice, you not only allow the current owner to have the rod fall apart but also have someone cast it who will be used to its idiosyncratic action.
I have 3 old cane rods and they each have very different characteristics - even more so than carbon rods of different sizes and weights.

GD

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We come from dust; we return to dust. I'm going to fish

Yes a prospective seller of a cane rod is likely to drive maybe a 100 miles to, for example and speaking illustatively, let some bearded tuna paste encrusted fantasist indulge his innermost urges, then say "oh I'll give it some thought".

You'd think anyone selling cane rods was a potential psycho murderer or somesuch.

Idris, if you are so traumatised at the thought of your lovely living reed disintegrating afore your eyes, buy a modern one.

If you need advice you are welcome to pm.

I've inherited about 25 cane rods (split and greenhart) and have fished with many of them over the last 30yrs. (Why I'm considering another is a long story.) I've not bought one myself before, and whilst I know a few things to look for I'm no expert.

Not so much traumatised at the thought of it falling apart, but potentially traumatised about wasting a load of cash.

Sadly not an option as it's getting sold at auction (not eBay).

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Missing: presumed out to lunch.

I'd say that the glue coming unstuck is possibly the least likely of the cash loss possibilities:

Loose ferrules possibly masked with sticky goo (ferrule to ferrule)

Tatty whippings

Un matched rings

Loose reel seat

Loose Ferrules - rod to ferrule

Hidden repairs

are in my opinion, and that of troutflyrod, the more likely.

Good luck with it.