Hi Coach,

The guides on older rods using silk lines are much smaller than todays standards, silk lines being about 1/2 to 2/3 the diameter of a modern line. Cortland makes a modern line called 'Sylk' that is suposed to mimic these charactoristics, or you can still purchase new silk lines from a french manufactor for around $150!

The red inserts in the guides are likely agate, a semi precious stone. These are used for wear resistance and to increase shooting distance.

I haven't seen fly rods with all insert style guides, is there a chance this is a bait or spin casting rod?