Steel fly rods

Years ago I saw on Craiglist $20 for 1940 Steel Fly rod.  I was interested and reached out to the gentlemen.  I said will you take $15 he said sure come on down and pick them up.  First I through "them" there is more than one I did not say that part out loud.
I headed over and sure enough there were 2 and I picked them up for $15.  Turns out the guy gave me the story.  His Dad bought the in 1941 and got a chance to fish them both once before leaving for WWII.  So these 2 rods (only one pictured) were fished and stored away.  
Before taking them I asked again are you sure you want to part with them both and if so for that price.  He said yep as I have the rod my Dad used most of his life but I think these are meant for you.  I was blown away and now I think I need to get them out just once then hang them up.  Do you have any old tackle with stories wrapped around them?

P.S. I just put a reel and line on and tested a few casts in the front yard. Dude that is quality craftsmanship. I need to put it on some summer bluegill just for fun.

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That is really cool. I’ve often wondered what a steel fly rod or bait casting rod would feel like.

Gadabout wrote:That is really cool.  I’ve often wondered what a steel fly rod or bait casting rod would feel like.

I have to say I was blown away when I did a few practice casts in the front yard. I have had a few fly rods over the years only one of higher quality so they all feel fine. But this one was just in a totally different category all its own. Great craftsmen ship.

I wish I could find more information on this 2 rods. I am looking all over the internet and nothing so far. The are Bristol [You must be registered and logged in to see this link.] no other markings. I am also looking to pick up a couple of 1940's Bristol Fly Reels as well just to complete the set.

Bristol is the only steel rod manufacturer I’ve heard of. I’d start by looking for Bristol catalogs on eBay.

Gadabout wrote:Bristol is the only steel rod manufacturer I’ve heard of.  I’d start by looking for Bristol catalogs on eBay.

Nothing so far but I will keep looking

I've never heard of steel flyrods. This reminds me in the early 70's I picked up a brass small bait casting rod at a garage sale in Dana Point Marina parking lot, probably made in the same era. I don't have it anymore & don't know anything about them.

I just saw this and you can download it,

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Dude that is great thanks for looking this up.

Great interesting info in that catalog! I'll give you list price for that flyrod, $3.50! Haha
I didn't know those inserts were made of Agate. I have a heavy saltwater bamboo rod from my grandpa that has to be 80-90+ years old. It has those Agate or some sort of jewelers stone inserts guides & they're on the top & bottom of the rod, I was told when the rod takes a set (warping) you mount the reel on the other side & use the other guides.
Thanks for posting that catalog!

Ha Ha Ha $3.50 not sure I am going to sell them but if I do I will let you Tunacat and we can talk price then.