Possible B. James/JB Walker MKIV Avon kit rod?

[Santiago]

Cheers Olly, last night I found a Mullocks' reference to a Weekes & Sons tackle maker/shop in Dublin. Apparently there tackle is quite rare.

[Olly]

I would, and wouldn't, thank me - I was the under-bidder and pulled out at £50! Looks a nice rod. Enjoy!

Top section 61": butt 61.5in - per the seller.

[Old Man River]

Found a B James MkIV carp photo for comparison. It's the one with the longer handle. So it looks like mine is probably an Avon kit rod, at best guess.

Santiago, where did the info that the top photo is a B.James come from ? It is interesting as I have an identical rod that I am led to believe came from Gerrys of Wimbledon many years ago, its a bit of a mystery rod to me, but if I could place it accuratley as a B James it would be good .

OMR.

[Olly]

Gerry's of Wimbledon did have rods made by them as well for them, - even carbon ones I think, before they closed their doors.

[Pallenpool]

I think it is a kit rod made for/by a retailer - the provenance for the Irish establishment is compelling whatever - it is based on a MKIV and looking at the corkage it’s an Avon. Top eye definitely an addition - JB Walker also provided eyes, whips, and ferrules of differing aesthetics - as has been mentioned I too have seen this type of ferrule on a JB kit. So more than likely that was the source for the components - put it another way a fair few MKIV copies were assembled around JB Walker kits. As for a Southwall blank forget that - unless concrete evidence for this is available - I am not sure who Gerrys used for there rod making or components.

Below are B James Avon eyes and ferrule - you will note the differences to your rod.

[Santiago]

Cheers, the comparison B James MkIV carp rod is a photo lifted from ebay, with decal on etc.

Until it arrives I'll go with the idea it's a MkIV avon kit rod, possibly made up in Dublin.

The Southwell mention was kind of a joke! as indicated in the original post.

[Pallenpool]

I know it was tongue in cheek Santiago - but everyone seems to have a Southwell blank but in reality how would one know - I am fortunate enough to have early ‘Ealing’ MKIV’s and although it’s tempting to use the Southwell name as an embellishment to the rods - I simply couldn’t. The only rods I do know that are made by him are the ‘Captains’. Whatever your rod is - it was a very shrewd buy if you ask me and is a rarity for sure - I am also hopeful it will be a joy to use.

[Fredline]

Whoever made it or wherever it came from, you have bought yourself a gem for that money. It looks all original to me. Well done.

[Santiago]

Cheers PP. You are of course quite correct about the use of the Southwell name, and I only mentioned it as a joke because of a few recent posts that were a wee over heated. Just me pouring oil on the simmering fire!

Cheers Fred line. I'll have to restore it well.

[Olly]

I have several Avon canes - Sharpe's, B James, Aspindale, Chapman, Allcocks, etc. No Southwell's or Hardy's though!
Initially it looks more carpy than Avon. Can only tell with it in your hand with a lead on the end! It is an usual and unmolested rod whatever.