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Sage SFL serial #'s
Post 27 Oct 2011, 11:37 • #1 
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Anyone know how these translate?
(D2223)
Thanks ...


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Sage SFL serial #'s
Post 27 Oct 2011, 13:17 • #2 
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No idea. I have never seen Sage serial numbers collated anywhere (glass or carbon). I also haven't seen enough Sage glass serial numbers to get any feel for the range of possibilities. For what it is worth my rod, an SFL580, is number D2118.

In reality, the serial number probably doesn't matter too much. The factory rods were only made for a limited time from the very late 70s to the early 80s. The value of your rod will be directly related to condition rather than the serial number.

Tom


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Sage SFL serial #'s
Post 27 Oct 2011, 13:43 • #3 
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Thanks Tom.
The D2223 serial# is a factory SLF 476 with the original sock and tube (Winslow Manufacturing Corp).
Rod/sock with stamped SLF 476 is "as new" condition.
Plastic tube with perfect decal and chained screw top has very minor wear for its years.


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Sage SFL serial #'s
Post 27 Oct 2011, 14:47 • #4 
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Location: harriman, tn
To my knowledge, SAGE started using serial numbers begining with the Letter A in the year 1980. The letter denotes the year the rod was made. Not sure if there is any sort of coding in the numbers that follow immediately after the Letter designator. In your case, if the rod had the name SAGE on the label, the letter "D" would indicate that the rod was manufactured in 1983.

Mikey


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Sage SFL serial #'s
Post 27 Oct 2011, 15:03 • #5 
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Thanks Mikey.

The rod states;
Sage 476 SFL 7'6 33/8oz
#4 LINE

I know that Sage started making the S-glass rods in 1978. I don't know when the ceased production of them to concentrate soley on graphite.
Perhaps they had no serial# on the first two years of builds. It would be interesting to know more.
Maybe someone will know if they still sold the "B" designated blanks after they stopped the factory wraps until their supply was finished.


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Sage SFL serial #'s
Post 28 Oct 2011, 03:35 • #6 
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Joined: 05/16/10
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Have you e-mailed Sage? They've been quite helpful with questions I've asked in the past.


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Sage SFL serial #'s
Post 28 Oct 2011, 04:59 • #7 
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I had an SFL 679 that I think had a similar serial number inked in small script in black above the cork. I believe Christian (chform) has it in Scandahoovia now. And I also recall reading on thsi board that Sage only made SFL rods for two or three years, roughly 1978-1980, then switched 100% to graphite.


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Sage SFL serial #'s
Post 28 Oct 2011, 08:37 • #8 
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My email from Sage after speaking with Steve Greist ...

"Hi Mark ,
It was interesting talking with you this morning and hearing about your SFL 476 rod. That is a true find and certainly comes from the early days of Sage-Winslow. I've attached PDF picture files from our 1983 Sage catalog which lists the rod you have. It is not offered in 1984. I'm dropping a note to Don Green to learn a little more about Winslow and glass fly rod production and the transition from Lafayette Rd to Day Rd. That occurred just a few years before I came on board. When you have a chance I'd appreciate seeing a picture of your rod and rod tube.
Steve"

Tom; Would it be OK to post the pdf here, or is there something about infringement concerns?


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Sage SFL serial #'s
Post 30 Oct 2011, 18:01 • #9 
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Is it safe to say the blanks do not have the serial number? As mine does not. Brian


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Sage SFL serial #'s
Post 10 Nov 2011, 17:46 • #10 
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sorry to repeat the question.. but I am still wondering ...


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Sage SFL serial #'s
Post 12 Nov 2011, 05:03 • #11 
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Brian Shaffer wrote:
sorry to repeat the question.. but I am still wondering ...

Still waiting to hear back from Steve. He is having someone search the Sage "archives" for more info.


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Sage SFL serial #'s
Post 12 Nov 2011, 08:39 • #12 
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I have a 9 weight, unbuilt blank. It does not have a serial number. Fenwick did not put serial numbers on their blanks. I would expect some of the practices to be the same with both companies because the same people were involved.

Tom

ablecane, I don't think there is an issue with posting the information from Sage, except we do not have a way to directly post PDF files. Send me a PM and we will figure out a way to get the file onto the forum. Also, if Steve Greist wants to participate on the forum, he is more than welcome.


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Sage SFL serial #'s
Post 13 Nov 2011, 02:06 • #13 
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Latest info;

"Every rod manufactured by Sage has a unique serial number. The letter indicates the year manufactured. The number is the sequential count thru production. The serial numbers started in 1980 with Sage. Serial number D2223 would have been produced in 1983. I have requested information from our log book archive so I can give you the actual date the blank went thru our factory. I'll send it along when/if I get it. Fenwick was purchased by Berkley (now Pure Fishing) in 1988 and moved their blank manufacturing from Bainbridge Island to the orient in the summer of 1989. Don Green owned the building and was leasing to Fenwick. When Fenwick vacated Sage moved into the facility."

No mention of the blanks being serialized.
The PDF Steve sent me shows the 1983 catalogue page with the price list for the glass rods. I have an email with his permission to share the information he has provided..
In 1983, the SFL 476 sold for $84 from the factory.


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Sage SFL serial #'s
Post 15 Nov 2011, 05:50 • #14 
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Image


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Re: Sage SFL serial #'s
Post 04 Mar 2020, 17:11 • #15 
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Did you ever find a current value on this rod? I've found one at a local antique shop that I've thought about buying but don't know how much would be too much...


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Re: Sage SFL serial #'s
Post 04 Mar 2020, 17:36 • #16 
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Joined: 10/06/14
Posts: 309
Location: US-MN
I have the SFL476 built on a blank, plus the SFL580 and SFL679 that are factory builds. I also had an SFL686 for a while that I sold for $285 a couple of years ago. That one was not a factory rod. I would think a factory-built rod would be worth more than that now, seeing that they rarely show up for sale...


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Re: Sage SFL serial #'s
Post 04 Mar 2020, 18:46 • #17 
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This is interesting. I have a mint unused unfished Sage SLF 679 3&5/8oz. for a #6 line. All original with the original bag and tube. The serial number in black hand scrip is D2254. I believed it was made in 1980 but this thread now informs me it was 1983. Thanx! Good to know. I will update my records.


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Re: Sage SFL serial #'s
Post 04 Mar 2020, 20:56 • #18 
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KrazyBlade wrote:
Did you ever find a current value on this rod? I've found one at a local antique shop that I've thought about buying but don't know how much would be too much...

Sage glass rods are like chicken's teeth. So few of them are on the market it is impossible to give a typical price. I've seen them sell up to the low 4 figures (it was a new old stock SFL 580). A well loved, but undamaged, Sage SFL 686 recently sold on eBay for $150 (someone got a good deal). The SFL 476 would probably get a higher price due to the line weight. So between $150 and $1000, depending on the rod model and the condition.

The right price for you is something that only you can determine. Consider how you would feel if someone else buys the rod at the current price before you do. Will you be irritated or relieved? If you bought the rod, and love the way it casts, is the condition good enough you would show it to everyone you fish with? Or, if you hate the way it casts, is the condition good enough to resell it? Don't wait too long to decide. These rods don't sit around for sale for long, unless the price is crazy high.


Tom


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Re: Sage SFL serial #'s
Post 04 Mar 2020, 23:04 • #19 
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Hey KrazyBlade,
I live in Oklahoma also. Just tell me where this antique shop is and I can go check it out for you. If I like it, you can then think about buying it from me. ;)

Larry


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Re: Sage SFL serial #'s
Post 05 Mar 2020, 07:04 • #20 
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FWIW, I still have the rod.
Whether or not it was foolish, I turned down an offer of $800 several years ago.


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Re: Sage SFL serial #'s
Post 07 Mar 2020, 17:03 • #21 
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Joined: 03/04/20
Posts: 4
Location: US-OK
I just went back and picked her up. I couldn’t let it go....

This thing is amazing! In better shape that I’d originally thought! I’m not sure a reel has ever touched the seat. Who knew I’d find THIS in little Newkirk, Oklahoma. I’m pretty stoked!!

Serial# B1943 SFL 476 7’ 6” #4. MINT

If I figure out how to post a picture, I’ll add a couple


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Re: Sage SFL serial #'s
Post 07 Mar 2020, 22:46 • #22 
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Joined: 01/26/07
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Location: Ada, Oklahoma
Great find KrazyBlade, but I'm shocked that you didn't let me get a look at it. :lol I've had the opportunity to cast a couple of those, and I don't think any of the current rods are any better than those Sage glass rods. I remember reading something last year that Sage was planning to bring back a glass rod series. Has aybody else heard anymore about that?

Larry


Last edited by Canoeman1947 on 08 Mar 2020, 09:48, edited 1 time in total.

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Re: Sage SFL serial #'s
Post 08 Mar 2020, 02:18 • #23 
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KrazyBlade wrote:
If I figure out how to post a picture, I’ll add a couple

On the left hand side of the posting window there is an Image Upload button. Click that and then the "+Add Files" button. The rest will make sense.

Good idea getting the rod sooner than later. Larry would have found that shop given enough time.


Tom


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Re: Sage SFL serial #'s
Post 09 Mar 2020, 07:08 • #24 
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Thank you!




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Re: Sage SFL serial #'s
Post 09 Mar 2020, 09:24 • #25 
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Joined: 11/09/10
Posts: 1355
Location: US-CA
Very nice.
Looks like the correct sock, maybe, too. Any printing on it?
Did it have a Sage tube?


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