The Traditional Fisherman's Forum

Are Olivers rod marked Olivers rods "Special" made by Ted oliver. Only i've seen a few for sale lately been listed as Knebworth rods and priced accordingly.

PondLife wrote: ↑Thu Nov 17, 2022 3:43 pm Are Olivers rod marked Olivers rods "Special" made by Ted oliver. Only i've seen a few for sale lately been listed as Knebworth rods and priced accordingly.

I have owned one rod which had 'Special' printed in black in a small rectangular red box, above or below the usual Oliver's of Knebworth and 'guaranteed hand built' transfers. I have seen several others, but they are by no means common and usually command a high price if in good condition. There is or was an Oliver's rods, which Ted Oliver agreed to (long story), but they could not trade as Oliver's of Knebworth!

I've seen quite few Olivers Special rods of late. Mostly on Facebook and eBay and i was under the misapprehension that they were made after the Olivers Of knebworth rods. In fact i mistakenly put them down to Peter Johnson who as you probably know trades as Olivers rods. But after being corrected today i think but i'm not certain that they were built by Ted Oliver before the Knebworth rods. Annoying thing is i could have bought one but didn't because i thought they were inferior quality to the Knebworth rods.

PondLife wrote: ↑Thu Nov 17, 2022 8:44 pm I've seen quite few Olivers Special rods of late. Mostly on Facebook and eBay and i was under the misapprehension that they were made after the Olivers Of knebworth rods. In fact i mistakenly put them down to Peter Johnson who as you probably know trades as Olivers rods. But after being corrected today i think but i'm not certain that they were built by Ted Oliver before the Knebworth rods. Annoying thing is i could have bought one but didn't because i thought they were inferior quality to the Knebworth rods.

I wouldn't be too frustrated, you may have had a lucky escape! I have seen a few 'Oliver's of Knebworth' rods that didn't look right to me. Usually if a genuine of Oliver's of Knebworth rod is advertised, 'Special' or not, it will sell for a very good price. Having said that you sometimes come across a genuine one at a reasonable price, that is why I keep looking!

You're right i probably did have a lucky escape. I have heard of many a tale of suspect olivers over the years. looks like i will have to bide my time and wait for one from a trusted source to appear.

it was I that had the conversation with PondLife , and the "special" inside an inverted red and black horseshoe is a genuine Knebworth transfer .
when doubt was expressed i spoke to Pete Johnson , who i know quite well , and he confirmed the transfer(s) were kosher. they are early rods that do not have the "Knebworth" transfer.
having not seen any Oliver MKIVs for sale in ages , two appeared on an auction site from different sellers . one is in sore need of a resto and came for little money . the second is in much better condition needing just minor attention and unsurprisingly cost a few bob more (quite a few). .... so my mate and i have one each .
we seem to have hit a lucky streak recently , having also found two Ealing MKIVs. one is good , the other is superb still in it's original varnish, mine is the good one . both made at roughly the same time but quite obviously built by different hands.

there is still gold dust to be found - i am working on a glorious early'50s Wizard ,bought for the princely sum of ....£25

PondLife wrote: ↑Thu Nov 17, 2022 8:44 pm I've seen quite few Olivers Special rods of late. Mostly on Facebook and eBay and i was under the misapprehension that they were made after the Olivers Of knebworth rods. In fact i mistakenly put them down to Peter Johnson who as you probably know trades as Olivers rods. But after being corrected today i think but i'm not certain that they were built by Ted Oliver before the Knebworth rods. Annoying thing is i could have bought one but didn't because i thought they were inferior quality to the Knebworth rods.

sometimes you gotta back a hunch . I did and we have 2 Ollies