A question - Antique 1952 Sakura split cane fly rod

by Peter
(Geelong, Victoria, Australia)

1952 Sakura split cane fly rod

I have a question someone might be so kind as to assist me with.

My Uncle served in the Royal Australian Navy during the Korean war aboard the Aircraft carrier HMAS Sydney.

At the end of the war his ship spent some time in Japan on rest and recreation leave. During that time he bought gifts for his family back home in Warrnambool, Victoria Australia. His Brother, my Father had three small children. - I was four in 1952. - he came home with lots of toys, the likes of which we never saw here in Australia so we were the envy of all the neighbourhood kids. Among the gifts he bought back for my parents was a split cane fly fishing rod set. My father passed away a month ago and going through his things we discovered that set. I remember Dad showing it to us as kids, but it was always put back in the wardrobe in his room. It was so finely and perfectly crafted that Dad couldn't bring himself to use it. he kept it and admired it but to this day it has never been out of the box. It is a 1952 Sakura split cane fly rod in an original silk lined box and is intact including the flies and lures that came with it. It has never been used.

There is no reel with it, the set only consisted of the rod set itself.

My question is, does this set have any value to collectors and would it be possible to put some sort of approximate value on it?

If this is of interest to anyone or perhaps can put me in touch with anyone who is, I can be contacted via this site

Kind regards

Peter

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A question - Antique 1952 Sakura split cane fly rod

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Mar 28, 2010

i feel you
by: Anonymous

I have acquired the exact rod set and am yet to find anybody who knows anything about it. I found mine hidden in the walls of my shed when I moved into my home. Ever since I have done nothing but wonder what its worth. Will anyone ever answer our calls. I wouldn't trust just one persons opinion on it though because one mans junk is another mans treasure.

Dec 13, 2009

Japanese fly rod
by: Anonymous

These rods ( the ones I have seen ) are for collectors of bamboo items and are of no use to fishermen as they are so cheaply constructed as to be useless. For fishermen they are an artifact, but of no value.

Sep 22, 2009

What a fascinating background story to your question
by: Caroline

Hi Peter

Thank you for posting your question to my site. I found the background story absolutely fascinating... and a little sad. I do hope you get a response as I am sure the rod will be valuable to a collector, I know they sometimes fetch a substantial sum.

If you would like to post a photo of the split cane rod here feel free to submit via the same form. Alternatively, if you contact me through my contact page including your email I can arrange to add your photo for you. I have also posted a note to my home page linking to your story.

All the best, Caroline

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