D-MAC,
PM me and I'll ask some questions, and give some answers. Indsguiz
You can try Clarksclassicflyrodforum.yuku.com but it might take quite a while to get a response. And I'd beware of any quick offers to buy. When evaluating a rod there are just a few factors to consider. 1: Condition. ID the rod? Mint (rarely or never fished) Fishable (just what it means) Needs some work (re-wrapping) Needs repair 2: Length the shorter the rod the more valuable 6'6" is the gold standard as they get longer the value drops (generally) 3: The maker; a name brand rod by a famous maker will bring in a lot more money than a production rod from H&I or Monteague and a shop rod (one that was named by a local sporting goods store) is really cheap. Accessories: Rod case; #1 leather, #2 good wood, # 3 Aluminum tube (and even these vary) #4 sock #5 shaping form. #6 cheap balsa box (jap crap).
So you have said that your rod is a 7' 6" rod which puts it right on the edge of the mid length. It does have two tips but are all the pieces the same length (exactly within 1/4 inch). Does it need repair? What types of repair? Nickle-silver or brass, or steel ferrules. 2 piece or three piece?
It does have a tube. Does it have a sock? Does it have a form block? and finally how old is it. (can be determined by the reel seat and the size/type of the guides and stripping guide.)
Just off the top of my head I'd say you have a rod built for a 3 wt line. the next part is more difficult since I have no listing for a Cleveland Special in my books so that puts it as either a "shop rod" sold by a sporting goods store in the 30's>50's, OR a special rod built by a custom builder. The shop rod is cheap the custom is worth $$$.
So look at the bottom of the reel seat or the end cap for additional information. Look at the sock for a label. What color are the wraps.
I have information on a E. Cleveland who built custom rods in Mass. back in the 40's and some of his stuff is fairly rare. The X may actually be a # sign indicating line weight.
So without pictures or a bit of discussion that is about as far as I can take you.
Remember a really good bamboo rod can go into $400 to 1000 (+) but a shop rod rarely goes over $100, unless it is pristine.
post edited by indsguiz - 2008/11/16 20:57:35