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

[Santiago]

Just won one of those rods that you bid on and don't expect to win within budget. The seller didn't mention the length but I recognised the ferrules as being exactly like a B. James MkIV, whether it's an Avon or a Carp I can't tell but from the photos I suspect it's a Carp. As you can see it also has a clear agate tip ring and a butt ring. And judging by the seller's description I don't think they know much about cane rods.



The original label P. Weekes is still intact. This is probably the tackle shop name. Possible connection to a Stacey Weekes, tackle dealer!!? Or P. Weekes could be the maker or the chap that dressed the rod?

Anyways, until it arrives it's not exactly clear what I have bought. But it does have a long handle etc, very much like a MKIV BJames. Yet, I'm not sure that they did kit rods, so it might be a JB Walker!!?? Southwell blank

Any input most welcome!

[John_Moore]

Don't know about that tip ring Santiago look's to of had a re-whip?
The brass ferrule looks like several I have seen on JB Walker rods.
I am sure I've seen a Peekes label like that one before but it was many years ago and my memories not what it was.
I don't think the cane looks dark enough for a Southwell blank unless it's poor lighting from the photo or the poor varnish finish?
I have a B James mkIV Avon with the same clear agate butt ring.
I can't see the tip ring properly to tell if it is clear agate.
The shoulder ferrule on the handle looks to be a JB Walker kit type, I got some the same as that one years ago with some rod rings, corks and other bits and pieces bought as JB Walker old stock.
Depending what you paid and if it's the right length could be a good buy?
You never know, clean it up and enjoy.
Good luck John.

[Santiago]

Cheers John, hopefully it's a good buy, I'll let you know when it arrives. It was about £60 including pp, so it'll be no great loss if its not what I thought. Looking at the tip ring again I tg your right, it's a replacement one.

[Dokterhoo]

Hi,
Interesting rod - As to Stacey Weekes connection, I'm afraid not. His business was handmade shoes which he always wore himself as a sort of advert. Indeed he would often be seen wearing one brown and one black shoe which always prompted questions and he was happy to explained why. His tackle dealing was a sideline of his avid collecting bug over many years.

My guess would be that the rod is nothing to do with B.James either, as both the ferrule and shoulder ferrule are not his style.
J.B.Walker rods use their own decals if made in house and no lable if from a kit, so that leaves my best guess as being made up by the tackle shop of P. Weekes either from their own or a bought in blank.

Hope this helps,

Dok

[Dokterhoo]

Hi again,
Had a look at my Aspidales Goldendale De-luxe which looked a reasonable match to your pics - Could it be??
Ferrule identical, Shoulder ferrule identical, Length 10'.

Taper as below:-

DISTANCE FROM
TIP INCHES/WIDTH ACROSS FLATS INCHES


2 -- .153
6 -- .162
12 -- .178
18 -- .199
24 -- .222
30 -- .237
36 -- .255
42 -- .294
48 -- .307
54 -- .330
60 -- .400 (Over Male ferrule)
66 -- .376
72 -- .391
78 -- .413
84 -- .419
90 -- .452

HANDLE 28”


Dok

[Santiago]

Cheers Dok, is the Aspindales an Avon?

Here's a the rod in full. As you can see it has no strange reel fittings like a golden Dale!

[Santiago]

I'll post better pics after I receive it.

[John_Moore]

I'd say you couldn't do wrong for £60.00 well done Santiago.
I'll keep watching for updates.
Best John.

[Santiago]

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.

[Olly]

Couldn't find a P Weekes or the shop Cunningham's W9 - although there is/was a Cunningham tackle dealers in Dublin. A London Branch?

The tip ring has been re-whipped and may not be original.

Not a Goldendale as no sliding reel seat, no white rubber button and no Aspindale name. I have several Goldendales all have the Aspindale name on but all slightly different.