I got an offer to buy an Allcock Balzer fly rod. I don't know anything about Allcock rods, nor does the seller, so we're trying to establish a reasonable price, and for me personal whether it's within my league trying to restore it.
this is the info i got:
It was a Balzer. The Allcock has no markings at all brass fittings for connecting the 2 pieces is I think pretty old. The end eye at the tip looks like it's lined with white porcelaine or glass?

With my reply:
I would appreciate some pictures of the Allcock rod. I don't know the
brand personally, allthough it's a wellknown brand. Is there any
information on the line weight on the rod (aftma or # 4, 5, 6...., if it's
an older rod HCH, HDH, IFI or something like that)? How many pieces is it?
The longer the more shipping will cost. I'm still looking for an aftma 4
rod (would have to check which older lettercombination that would be). So
if you have some more info (and price) i'm interested.

And the answer:
The Allcock is a 2 piece 7ft and weighs 200gms or 7 ounces? The cane/varnish is in excellent condition as are the labels: Allcocks Registered Trade Mark 63647 maybe there is an extra 1 at the end? H.W.Holland Ltd Bedford (the dealer). The lower cork handle has been attacked by something (mice?) on one side. The chrome reel fittings are good. There seem to be 2 guides missing. The tip guide is shiny white and seems like china or a type of glass? The bag is horrible, dirty and has some very small holes here and there. I have not cleaned it on purpose.

I also got some pics, will try and post them here, but they are a little big. What i saw was a good straight rod, nice blonde, well, as described. What i did find strange looking at the grip was that there's an equal amount of cork above and below the reel holder . The work what needs to be done would be replacing the guides and polishing the knob on the "fighting butt" (on a 7' rod)???

Anyone familiar with Allcock rods who could give some advice? Seller and i are on friendly terms, and just want this to be a fair deal for both of us.

Karel

All I can help with is that Allcock is an English rod made in Reddich Worcester.

The pictures:














Karel

Can't see any of the guides but the handle looks a lot like a spin rod.

Mike

I've been so focussed on that rod being a fly rod, it didn't even come to mind that a spin rod was also possible . But i suppose you're right

Karel

BTW Balzer was the brand of another rod, sold by the seller of this one. Found it strange that i couldn't find info on the net about an Allcock Balzer

Karel

I was at a buddy's house this evening, and spotted an old boo on his wall. It is an Allcock 9 ft 3/2 fly rod.

He is curious as to the value, but I am having no luck on the net with an approximate cost. It is not in great shape (it has electrical tape over the guide wraps!) but one tip is unbroken. It says 'made in England' on it and the label is perfect (I didn't notice a model name). The reel seat is cork with a down locking sliding ring.

I am guessing it is worth a bit more than your average American blue collar cane. Correct?

You might check eBay on "Allcock" and look what kind of prices are paid.

Karel

I've been poking around on there, but it seems they are not too common. I haven't seen one up for auction, yet.

Thought i'd seen one there, but you're right, they're not very common. This might be a good thing . When i got the offer to buy the Allcock, i also couldn't find one on eBay.

Karel

FYI

http://cgi.ebay.ca/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewIt...em=320300532761

Not in a great condition, but when Allcock really is a high value brand i would expect it to sell for more then $51.

Thanks for the link.

Karel

Dear Sir,

If you wish, contact Goldenwitchas they are experts in the field of bamboo rodmaking and restoration. They have excellent products and wonderful customer service.

Good Luck.


Charlie
tightlinerods@aol.com