wrote:

OK, that said, a few questions for Chuck: is this thing marked "6 wt."
or is it marked something like "HGH" in the old letter-diameter method,
how many total pieces, and what about any decals and inking on the rod?

It's a 3-piece with no decals, handlettered "#T80 - 8 - D or 6" and
"Deluxe". There may have been more markings at one time, but the finish
is spotty in that area.

I disagree. If the refurb work is reasonably done, it will not really
affect the value of such a rod enough to worry about. If this were an
historically-significant Payne 6-footer, I'd say leave it alone, but an
8-foot midweight Heddon in need of work isn't all that "collectable"
anyway, nor does it really have appreciable monetary value to lower
appreciably - IOW, unless you try to fix it with a rusty nailfile,
shipping twine, and Krylon, it'll be worth about the same fixed up as
untouched, and perhaps more if the work is done well and the rod is
"ready to fish." Most who would buy it would buy it to fix up and fish.

That's what I figured. If it was a 3 or 5 wt., I'd probably buy it
myself if he was willing to part with it. :-)


Chuck Vance