Heddon Pal Mark III

So I was finally able to track down a Heddon fly rod for the collection.  I have been looking for a Heddon for a while now.  I discovered a Heddon Pal Mark III model 8405 fast tip on eBay that still had the original rod tube and rod bag with it.  It was in fantastic shape with very little use.  As a collector, I have started trying to acquire rods for my collection that still have their original tubes and bags.  This, of course, adds to the overall value of the rod but (of course) it also increases the sale price.  For me, I am very happy with my purchase of this rod.  Sadly, the tube was damaged in shipment since it is made of cardboard.  Its an easy fix as it just tore a bit in one place.  The rod itself is rated for 6/7 weight line.  It might have the most interesting set of guides I have ever seen on a rod.  They remind me of a clothes pin spring.  As if the guides weren't interesting enough, it has the most spectacular reel seat I have ever seen.  It is gold in color, unique in shape and spring loaded.  I had always thought that the Shakespeares were the only rods that had spring loaded reel seats.  Apparently, I was wrong.  It also has sizematic O-ring ferrules.  The Heddon decal is intact on the rod and most of the wording appears to be in cursive.  That is not something you normally see on rods.  This rod originally retailed for around thirty dollars.  I am not sure of the date of manufacture of this rod but it does appear in a 1966 catalog.  This is rod is simply gorgeous.  Not bad for 60 dollars including shipping.  Now my dilemma is whether I fish it or not given the fantastic condition it is in.  I don't know what I'll decide, but I am totally happy with this purchase.