Must be a very good friend indeed! If I was very attached to a rare anything I wouldn't let anyone else use it. That's what happens with use and I don't think any are made to last forever though I have seen some that claimed to be "unbreakable" (and the Titanic was unsinkable!) Fiberglass tends to get brittle with age. that's why they use composites these days. I had an antique fishing pole, broke it in two a couple of weeks ago (I abused it horribly). Went to Wally World and bought a new one.

I wish you luck on your quest, but why not have a custom rod made for your friend? Even if you find an exact replacement it won't be his good old lucky pole will it? And we know how they break. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/cheers.gif" alt="" />