Thanks for all your comments chaps
However its made me think a bit harder
At first on reading the three replies about photos 4 and 6 being a different rod - I thought definitely no, but then on reading the next couple of replies it is obviously the before and after he did the rewhipping as indicated in points 1 and 2.
Hovis - you commented that it "still needs a little work to make it fishable" I don't really understand what needs to be done to make it fishable because on the basis of the description the only work required is points 4 and 5 which are purely cosmetic and will only affect the appearance of the rod - or am I missing something???
Unless someone is going to tell me it does need some specific work before it will be fishable I'm tempted to make an offer, as it appears that a B. James stepped-up MKIV quite rarely comes up for sale.
I've scanned through the vintage dealers lots over the last six months and the only one that came up was a second hand Paul Cook one for £695 ( excellent rods but way above my price). I've also checked Mullocks - including their auction that is on next weekend and none have been for sale.
Do good ones rarely come up for sale or is it just chance there have been none available in the last 6 months or so?
I've no intention of going to look at the rod and so I would be taking a gamble, although there is a 14 day returns policy so presumably if I wasn't happy I could send it straight back.
The only two cane rods I have were bought secondhand from Paul Cook (Scottie MKIV) and Mullocks (B.James MKIV Avon). Both are excellent rods, so buying without handling first doesn't concern me much.
I've used the MKIV from Paul Cook for six years - its been very heavily used, bashed about and left set-up for long periods - propped up against the garage wall, and 4 years ago the ferrule came off when I dismantled the rod so I just superglued it back on
![Scared :Scared:](./images/smilies/icon_scared.gif)
, but other than a very slight droop and showing signs of wear its been and still is a marvellous rod.
The B. James MKIV Avon has only been used for the last two years and not very often and it does now have a bit of significant droop - which wasn't there to start with - almost certainly my fault for leaving it set-up for a long time
![opps :oops:](./images/smilies/icon_oops.gif)
, but its still fine to fish with.
Both rods are now correctly hanging up in their bags in a cool, dark, dry environment.