Royal fishing rod on sale

A RARE fishing rod believed to be the last one ever made for Prince Albert will be auctioned this month – after being found in a warehouse of junk and old furniture.

The salmon pole, made in Edinburgh, has engraved silver fittings and amber glass roundels, and carries a silver plaque displaying the royal warrant.

Its date mark is 1861 – the year Queen Victoria’s husband died at the age of 42. Normally, a 19th century fishing rod fetches about £150, but this one is expected to go under the hammer for about £1,200.

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Nick Lambert, specialist auctioneer at auctioneers Tennant’s in Leyburn, North Yorkshire, said: “It’s a fantastic thing and you’ll never see another. This is not your average fishing rod.

“It’s just been languishing in a warehouse for 30 years.

“For all I know, this could be the last fishing rod Albert ever used – who’s to say he didn’t fish with it?”