The Traditional Fisherman's Forum

Looks like the last version of the MK4 normally the stepped up versions are marked SU.
Do you have a measurement of the width of the tip?

Harry H

Thank you

I 'll measure it and post back.

The odd thing is the decal says Mk IV but not Avon, Carp or SU.

NiceRoach wrote: ↑Tue Sep 26, 2017 6:28 pm Harry H

Thank you

I 'll measure it and post back.

The odd thing is the decal says Mk IV but not Avon, Carp or SU.

The Avon and S/U both had either Avon or S/U transfers on them but the Carp just had Mk1v. No Carp transfer.

Ljm183

Ahhh........thanks that explains that bit.

Best

I'm no expert on B. James but from what I've noticed I'd say this is standard later production model. The S/U has this as a decal if I remember rightly.

The handle shape on yours is the later pattern and I believe they began to increase the rod strength and presumably to compensate for the less good material they had to work with. One of the best MkIV B. James I've handled was very similar looking to yours and it was a superbly taught piece of cane. Other than the missing alloy end and button the rod to be in excellent condition.

Beresford

Thank you for taking the time to reply.

Its good to get feedback on photos and I'm sourcing a replacement end cap and button. The pictures don't do the rod justice and I'm a very lucky guy to have it, at the moment. Despite the missing button, I don't think this rod has been used and it came from a collection of tackle in similar condition, all dotted from 1950's up to the 90's.

The B.James still has varnish on the guides which suggests that it has been varnished again since new.

Best
Regards

Hi Mark
Don't know if you want to add this one to the list?

I have a B James Spanish reed butt, whole cane spliced mid section and two tips one whole cane with spliced split cane which makes the rod 12'8" and the other tip is full split cane which makes the rod 12'6" when put together, both the split canes sections are very dark so I would guess made by Mr Southwell.
The labels are fully intact reading Kingfish not Kingfisher, above the Built to Endure diamond.
The butt ring is white creamy agate along with the two tip rings.
The rod may have been made to order I don't know.
Butt 57" middle 56 3/4" spliced tip 40" split cane tip 38"
Regards John.

I seem to remember a rod called The Beane, presumably with a link to RW , I think it was a lightweight Avon type

while internet searching B James rods I came across a very useful copy of an advert or may have been a catalogue listing many B James rods with picture and descriptions; unfortunately I didnt bookmark it, does anybody have a link to this ?
many thanks

I suspect its in this section somewhere and with a little digging you're surely to find it!