Anyone want an Avocet at stupid money!

[Paul F]

There are a couple of nice Avocets on e-bay at the moment.

See item No 261294144586, no reserve, the seller has displayed his telephone number for offer.

I contacted him to ask what he had in mind, £700 he said

What's happened in the world of Avocets, they are nice rods, but there are other makers just as good worth searching out.

or rather buy a tatty one, and restore it myself

[Nobby]

Been there, done that...and I'll happily take £700 for it


Actually I'd let it go for £180 truth be told.... it doesn't say B.James on it though.

[Bumble]

pafpuff I have a lovely original 1950 avocet original trumpet handle which was not cheap but if I was going to spend that kind of money I would wait for an Ogden Smith Arun which is an avocet in all but name but you get a guaranteed Southwell blank. One of the top 3 rods I have.
Bumble

[JerryC]

Surely yours is a Southwell blank Bumble, as far as I can remember all B James rods made up to the mid 50's (when they became 'automated') used Bob Southwell blanks.

[Nobby]

B.James put a lot of pressure on Southwell to produce blanks for them exclusively.

He refused, wanting to keep his eggs in several baskets, and B.James had to make their own.

Or if there was a rush on buy elsewhere.......


And there was a fair old rush from time to time...they sold 15,000 Mark IVs alone !

Consequently, I don't think you can ever say a certain rod is by Southwell without doubt.

And as to the hot node press story one hears so often.......I have it on good authority it's all hokum!
Knowing the source of that story........I wasn't surprised.

[The VFC]

Let me guess - it was a technique regularly used on Senior Wizards.....

[Nobby]

Funnily enough I've just had this pointed out to me:


http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/121179091219? ... 1436.l2649


Only ever seen one other. A special order perhaps?

[The VFC]

Not sure what you mean - the Gold Label for the SW is rarer than the green but not unique surely?

[Nobby]

Extra-long shive cork handle, Jim.

[The VFC]

Ooo - hadn't spotted that! I thought it was just the persepective on the photo.