Bought an older fiberglass Wright & McGill spinning rod last week and curiosity took over, so sharing several hours of internet research. Disclaimer: not claiming all info is 100% accurate, but tried to use reputable sites such as Orca, Fiberglass Flyrodders, etc.
1952ish is when Wright & McGill Co. started making fiberglass blanks. Prior to that, they made bamboo rods. In the early 1950s they made some squarish rods, which they called the material Nyla-glass, such as the "Favorite" Toughy model. Around 1953, Wright & McGill started using Trevarno glass blanks, made by Coast Manufacturing. These blanks, sometimes called tobacco glass, were used from 1953-1961. Other companies used Trevarno glass blanks as well. The 1962 Wright & McGill catalog features all yellow blanks, so looks like they stopped using Trevarno glass. In 1965, Wright & McGill started branding their rods as Eagle Claw rods and put the metal medallion/badge on the cork grip. So if it says Eagle Claw on the rod and/or has the medallion badge, it's 1965 or later. If the rod has mini ferrules then it's a 1970 or up rod. The mini ferrules are about half the length of the standard ferrules which are about 2.5" long. Mini ferrules were used on some models all the way to the end of U.S. rod production in 1981.
Feel free to correct any errors or add additional info. I was primarily researching spinning rods, so fly rod info may be different.
Great information, Rick —-
It is appreciated.
I use as a personal rod for the backcountry, a 4-section "tobacco" 6.5' in an aluminum case with a sock.
Having always enjoyed Fenwicks, the prices have skyrocketed recently.
The Wright-McGills are also getting much more expensive than even a couple of years ago —- but I get as many as possible, since they are a good recommendation for knowledgeable anglers —- and the glass blanks are both tough and forgiving. Picked up 4 good used ones last week for the upcoming sales.
Best Regards, Fred