I have a closet full of great old bamboo rods, most higher grade Heddons. Have several Presidents, a model 60, and even a model 65 (which might be the only example of that model in existence). Became attracted to them in the 70's and found quite a few. Travelled to Dowagiac, Michigan and befriended Bernard Hill, the retired rod foreman at the Heddon factory. He gave me several tools he used building rods, etc. This was in a time hardly anyone paid attention to cane rods. Today I hardly ever get them out, preferring my old Sage graphite that I don't have to worry about. Time is fast approaching I need to let someone else cherish them....
There was just a thread on 16ga.com (of all places) about checkering which moved from cutting diamonds on wood to fly rods with checkered wood grips, including someone else's Heddon #65 stopping by to pose for the camera.
http://16ga.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=19889&start=15Rare, but not unique.
Me, I like my early Heddon #13 w/ brook trout decal, Art Weiler's rendition of a Garrison 202E, and a Payne 209. And then there's another rod from Art which hasn't even felt line - his repro of a Dickerson 7613. And my late Uncle's bamboo Heddon trade rod left to me. And a couple blue collar cane rods in various stages of coming back to life, if, as and when I get to work on them.
You should also stop by the Classic Flyrod Forum, linked above. Great place.
