1930S USA ABBEY & IMBRIE CHUBB MONTAGUE 8′ 1／2 FT BAMBOO FLY ROD FOR RESTORE
It sounds like you have a vintage Abbey & Imrie Chubb Montague 8′ 6″ bamboo fly rod from the 1930s that you’re looking to restore. This is a classic piece of fly-fishing history, and restoring it properly can bring it back to its former glory. Here’s a guide to help you with the process:
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1. Assess the Rod’s Condition
– Check for damage: Look for cracks, delamination, missing guides, loose ferrules, or broken tips.
– Evaluate the wraps: Original silk thread wraps may be frayed or missing.
– Inspect the varnish: Old varnish may be cracked or discolored.
– Test the ferrules: Ensure they fit snugly and aren’t corroded.
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2. Gather Restoration Supplies
– Bamboo rod repair tools: Razor blades, fine sandpaper (400-1000 grit), masking tape.
– Thread & adhesive: Silk or nylon thread (color-matched), rod-building epoxy or Pliobond.
– Varnish: Traditional spar varnish (e.g., Birchwood-Casey Tru-Oil or Helmsman Spar Urethane).
– Ferrules & guides: Replacements if needed (check for period-correct hardware).
– Cork grip & reel seat: Clean or replace if deteriorated.
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3. Step-by-Step Restoration
A. Stripping the Old Finish
– Carefully remove old varnish with fine steel wool or a chemical stripper (citrus-based is gentle).
– Sand lightly with 400-600 grit to smooth the bamboo without removing cane material.
B. Repairing Cracks or Splits
– If the bamboo is split, use thin cyanoacrylate (CA) glue to stabilize.
– For delamination, apply slow-cure epoxy and clamp sections gently.
C. Rewrapping Guides
– Remove old thread wraps carefully.
– Rewrap guides using a rod-wrapping jig (or manual tension) with silk/nylon thread.
– Secure wraps with color-preserving epoxy or varnish.
D. Refinishing the Rod
– Apply multiple thin coats of spar varnish (3-5 coats, sanding lightly between coats).
– Allow full curing (days to weeks) before handling.
E. Ferrules & Hardware
– Clean metal parts with fine steel wool or metal polish.
– If ferrules are loose, apply ferrule cement or beeswax for a snug fit.
F. Grip & Reel Seat
– Clean cork with a mild soap solution; sand lightly if needed.
– If replacing, ensure the new grip matches the original taper.
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4. Preservation Tips
– Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight.
– Avoid excessive humidity to prevent bamboo swelling.
– Use a rod tube for protection.
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5. Professional Help (If Needed)
If the rod has significant damage (e.g., broken sections, missing parts), consider consulting a vintage bamboo rod restorer like:
– The Fly Rod Shop (VT)
– Art’s Rod Restoration (OR)
– South Creek Ltd (CO)
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6. Historical Context
– Abbey & Imrie was a NYC tackle retailer (active early 1900s–1930s).
– Montague Rod & Reel Co. (MA) mass-produced trade rods like this for retailers.
– Chubb/Montague rods are collectible but not ultra-rare (value: $200–$600 restored).
Would you like help identifying specific markings or appraising its value? If so, share photos or details of any labels, stamps, or unique features!
(Note: If you’re unsure about DIY, practice on a cheaper rod first—bamboo restoration requires patience!)