AUCTION
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DECEMBER 9, 2024
Monday Session | Auction Starts at 9:0 0 am est
LOTS: 1,001 - 1,622
Items on Display Approximately 2 weeks prior to Auction Date.
Preview by Appointment Monday - Friday 9:00 am - 4:00 pm . Please call to schedule.
Auction Day Preview Begins at 8:00 am
∙ 20% BUYER’S PREMIUM ∙
PROVIDED CERTAIN CONDITIONS ARE MET
AUCTIONEERS: DIVISION CONSULTANTS:
Dan Morphy
Shaye Krispine
Angel Lopez
Eric Wagner
Scott Jedd
THE WAYNE & LORI EDENS FISHING LURE COLLECTION
There’s no such thing as someone who “used to go fishing” or who “tried it one time.” After a newly indoctrinated sportsman has experienced the pleasure of spending a day beside tranquil waters, immersed in the sounds of nature while waiting for the big one to bite, all they can think about from then on is when they’ll be able to return and do it again. They are, for lack of a better word, “hooked.” Sometimes, as in the case of retired insurance executive and lifetime fisherman Wayne Edens, that obsession also leads to an enjoyable new hobby: collecting antique and vintage lures, or “baits.”
Anyone who has witnessed Wayne’s incredible collection of nearly 37 years can attest that he doesn’t just talk the talk. In the world of antique lure collecting, he’s the kingfish.
Wayne became enamored with fishing while still a young boy, exploring the mostly freshwater lakes of his native Florida. Throughout his youth and into his adult life, fishing remained his favorite pastime. Then one day in 1988 he was invited to view a fellow fisherman and insurance client’s collection of 60 or so antique lures. With no inkling that it was going to happen, Wayne ended up leaving the client’s house with the whole collection, for which he paid $400. And that was the beginning. From that day forward, Wayne’s radar was set on tracking down antique lures, which he quite often acquired at auctions. He would go on to amass what is arguably the most comprehensive and historically important collection of its type ever to reach the public marketplace.
The Wayne Edens collection is, by anyone’s measure, astonishing. Within his blue-chip holdings are dozens of exquisitely rare special-order and one-of-a-kind lures, some in their original picture boxes. Many have never before been seen at auction. In addition to prized Heddons, there are rare productions by Immell Chippewa, Shakespeare, Haskell and scores of other top brands. There’s even a Smithsonian-worthy 100%-original Heddon “factory board” frog lure, one of eight hand-carved around 1898 by none other than James Heddon, founder of the Heddon Company.
On Monday, December 9th, it will be Morphy’s distinct honor to auction part one of the Wayne and Lori Edens collection of antique and vintage fishing lures (with parts two and three to follow in 2025). We hope you’ll join us at our Pennsylvania gallery for a great day of bidding, buying, and trading fish tales as we anticipate which lucky angler will reel in the catch of the day.
Dan Morphy Founder and President
1001 - SPECIAL ORDER HEDDON 139GRHT TORPEDO
4 - 3/8” Length. Color is black, with red head and tail in its correct Downleaping bass box dating to the mid-1920s. Both glass eyes are solid, and the bright and shiny hardware hint at the lure being unfished. The overall grade is Excellent Minus due to a few light age lines and tiny pointers. 1,000 - 1,500
1002 - HEDDON 153 DOWAGIAC UNDERWATER MINNOW BLUE BACK ALUMINUM
3 - 5/8” length. An incredibly beautiful color and in outstanding condition. Very clean all around and grading Excellent, this pre-1912 minnow has nameless props and shiny hardware, perfect glass eyes, full belly weight paint, and three sets of evenly matched hand-painted gill marks. Hard to imagine upgrading this stunner. 1,500 - 2,000
1003 - HEDDON 159F DOWAGIAC UNDERWATER MINNOW IN YELLOW WITH BLACK HEAD
4” length. A very rare color in general and extremely rare on a Heddon five hooker, this was never catalogued on a Heddon 150. This L-rig bait has solid glass eyes and grades Excellent Minus with a few scattered pointers and very light age lines. Its hardware is extra clean with no oxidation. 3,000 - 6,000
1004 - HEDDON “SCHMELTZER’S BASS” DOWAGIAC UNDERWATER MINNOW IN BOX
3” Length. A wonderful Trade Minnow retailed by Schmelzer Arms Co of Kansas City, MO, this is combo is striking for a number of reasons. The first thing one notices is the extraordinary condition of both the lure and the box, they are strong Excellent/Excellent Plus. The next thing that impresses is the highly unusual Green Crackleback finish extending all the way down the sides and converging to only expose a thin strip of the white belly paint. The bait employs the South Bend style blunted-tip props typically found on Heddon trade minnows but features two sets of hand painted gills as you’d find in the main line of Heddon baits. The glass eyes are perfect, the belly weight is completely sealed under the paint, and the hardware is nearly spotless. The #11-SB “Schmelzer’s BASS” box is clean, solid, crisp, and possibly the nicest known. 1,500 - 2,500
3” Length. Circa 1905 and featuring a nice two belly weight 3 hook minnow in very early Rainbow finish. The bait has brass hardware and nickel plated un-stamped props. Glass eyes are nice with possibly a minor factory blemish in the left one, and overall, this bait grades strong Very Good Plus. The correctly end-stamped wood box is the Type IV variety with the exclamation point after the word HUNG. The box has a small area on the bottom with heavy soiling and it grades about Excellent Minus condition with strong, legible print overall. 1,500 - 2,500
1005 - HEDDON 101 DOWAGIAC UNDERWATER MINNOW IN RAINBOW IN WOOD BOX
LOT - 1004
LOT - 1005
1006 - HEDDON 100 DOWAGIAC UNDERWATER MINNOW IN SPECIAL SOLID ORANGE
3” Length. An absolutely stunning and rare Heddon special order. This solid Excellent specimen boasts a lipstick-wet finish, flawless glass eyes, clean hardware, and a pair of red hand painted gills. Among the nicest Heddon minnows ever found and an instant centerpiece to any collection. 1,500 - 2,500
1007 - HEDDON 6509X ZARAGOSSA IN BLUE SCALE
4 - 1/4” Length. A collector favorite, the Zaragossa was introduced in 1920 and the wooden model ran in various iterations up until 1971. During that time, Blue Scale was never a cataloged color for this bait, and on the rare occurrence you do find one, they’re usually heavily fished. Not this one though; it only has a few age lines and pointers, and grades about Excellent Minus. It has solid glass eyes and the L-Rig hardware dates it to around the late 1920s. 1,500 - 3,000
1008 - EARLY HEDDON 300 DOWAGIAC SURFACE MINNOW IN GREEN CRACKLEBACK
3 - 3/4” Length. Manufactured around 1904, this very early Surface Minnow is in Very Good condition. The bait shows some varnish loss, has brass screw eyes and cup, perfect white iris / tiny pupil glass eyes, nameless props, and three gill marks at the mouth of the bait. 1,750 - 2,750
1009 - HEDDON 159PRH DOWAGIAC UNDERWATER MINNOW IN RED HEAD, SHINER SCALE
Grading Very Good Plus and appearing much nicer, this solid Orange Special has three sets of hand-painted gill marks and perfect glass eyes. It is 3 - 7/8” long and features c. 1920s L-rig hangers. A clear centerpiece to an advanced Heddon Dowagiac Minnow collection.
2,000 - 3,000
1010 - EXTREMELY RARE SPECIAL ORDER HEDDON 150 DOWAGIAC UNDERWATER MINNOW FINISHED IN ORANGE
Grading Very Good+ and appearing much nicer, this solid Orange Special has three sets of hand-painted gill marks and perfect glass eyes. It is 3 - 7/8” long and features c. 1920s L-rig hangers. A clear centerpiece to an advanced Heddon Dowagiac Minnow collection.
2,000 - 3,000
1011 - HEDDON 6503 ZARAGOSSA 3-HOOK IN ALUMINUM IN BOX
4” Length. An absolutely jaw-dropping combo. Billed as “The Florida Wonder”, this example is special both because of its three hooks instead of the standard two, but also because of its stunning, never-catalogued aluminum color. Stellar fully excellent condition, complimented by flawless glass eyes and housed in a correct-era Downleaping Bass box. Adding further mystery are the blue pencil end label markings “JIM W” on both sides. Who was Jim W.? Is he the person that special-ordered this bait? There are also some partially distinguishable markings on the box bottom along with a very nice period insert. 2,500 - 4,000
LOT - 1006
LOT - 1007
LOT - 1008
LOT - 1009
LOT - 1010
LOT - 1011
1012 - HEDDON 1309R BLACK SUCKER IN NATURAL SCALE
1920s-made example coming in an uncatalogued color. This bait has a pointed, marked front tube prop, heavy gauge L-rig hangers at the sides, paint mostly covering the belly weights, and solid glass eyes. It measures 5 - 3/4” long and grades Very Good. 3,000 - 8,000
1013 - HEDDON 8” 7609L MUSKY VAMP IN YELLOW PERCH SCALE IN BOX
An especially attractive example with heavy gold scales at the sides fading up to green scales towards the back. The right eye has a hairline, and the hardware is original and in super nice shape. This one certainly wasn’t fished much, if at all. The box is extra clean and solid with no readable end stamps. 3,500 - 5,500
1014 - HEDDON 300 DOWAGIAC SURFACE MINNOW IN RARE COPPER
3 - 3/4” length. Dating to 1904 and with all brass hardware, this beautiful minnow is painted in the high-demand copper finish. Condition is at least Excellent Minus. All-original hardware is clean, paint is chip-free with only scattered pointers and a few tiny rubs. White iris eyes are perfect, single belly weight with paint still adhered, and black gill marks at the mouth. One of the best-surviving specimens known. 5,000 - 10,000
1015 - STUNNING HEDDON MINNOW WITH EXPERIMENTAL FINISH FROM THE FACTORY BOARD
2 - 3/4” length. This c. 1904 or 05 bait utilizes the body of a Heddon 100 Dowagiac Minnow, but sports five hooks instead of the normal three. The side hooks are uniquely attached with handmade brass staples upon which hang non-nickelplated hooks. Deeply inset white iris glass eyes are perfect. The finish is nothing short of amazing: a white base with sapphire blue sides and back, having scattered red dots and teardrops that interact with the blue paint in such a way as to produce sort of a corona effect. Really one of the most visually striking lures in the collection. It is unique and commands a place of prominence in any collection. 5,000 - 15,000
1016 - EARLY HEDDON HIGH FOREHEAD #150 DOWAGIAC UNDERWATER MINNOW IN WOOD BOX
3 - 1/2” long. Lovely and desirable copper paint grades Excellent Minus, showing only a few small blemishes. Solid glass eyes and sweeping black gill marks extending to the 1st cups with all brass hardware and two belly weights all date this bait to 1905. Housed in a type IV wood box which was produced in the latter half of that year. The end panels are not marked, but the box is the correct era to match this bait. Super clean, high-end combos like this are rarely offered for sale and this is one of those rare opportunities to own the best of the best. 10,000 - 15,000
1017 - HEDDON 747 MINNOW IN GREEN CRACKLEBACK
8” Length. Sold through VL&A as the Dowagiac Mascallonge Minnow. Shown only in the 1917 VL&A catalog, this example is model number 7000 which corresponds to Green Crackleback. Just under 8” long and in much better condition than the vast majority of early Musky baits, this leviathan grades about Excellent-. Completely original and quite a rarity in such a high grade. 10,000 - 25,000
1018 - HEDDON SPECIAL ORDER 1309 FIVE-HOOK BLACK SUCKER
5 - 3/4” long. In spectacular white with Flitter finish. An absolute stunner, this ultra-rare bait stands apart not only for its unique five-hook configuration instead of the normal three, but also its saltwater color finish! Condition is Excellent Minus to Excellent, with just a few age lines and tiny nicks on this hefty four-belly weight bait. Both amber glass eyes are solid and the oversized hooks and hardware are clean and bright.
35,000 - 45,000
1019 - HEDDON 747 DOWAGIAC MUSKY MINNOW IN RAINBOW
At 8” long this imposing bait must have left an impressive wake in its path. Showing some wear from use, this six bellyweight beast is all original, grades Good or better, and still displays respectably. Nice, clear glass eyes. No name on the props, so its date of manufacture is pre-1912. 8,000 - 12,000
1020 - HEDDON 100 DOWAGIAC UNDERWATER MINNOW WITH RARE “SECOND” BOX
2 - 3/4” Length. Shown in The Heddon Legacy on page 78, this lot is described as “an effort by the company to market their slightly marred lures.” The entry goes on to date the combo to 1905 and states, “this is the only known example of this rare box.” The minnow is a two belly weight example with some minor wear and good glass eyes and it grades Excellent Minus. The box is solid with some minor staining. 5,000 - 8,000
LOT - 1019
LOT - 1020
- 1022
1021 - HEDDON 300 SURFACE DOWAGIAC MINNOW IN SPECIAL VICTORY RAINBOW FINISH
3 - 3/4” length. This patriotic minnow was offered following our victory in World War I. The contrasting red, white, and blue is a real eye-catcher. Very clean hardware, a single belly weight, and solid glass eyes. Some varnish loss, but the paint remains vibrant. Overall grade is at least Very Good Plus. 4,000 - 8,000
1022 - EXPERIMENTAL HEDDON UNDERWATER MINNOW
3” Length. Having a flattened, oval-shaped body and finished in unusual yellow with interspersed black and red dots, this striking bait originating from the Heddon Factory Archives dates to about 1905. Made well before the Dummy Double was introduced, you can see Heddon’s process of innovation at work here, with both side treble hooks having one hook point turned in on itself. Also not found on any of their production baits is the partially embedded, pinned ball belly weight. The minnow would run as photographed, despite the gill marks appearing on the forehead in this orientation, an indicator that it was used for research only. Both white iris glass eyes are solid and the condition is Very Good Plus, with a hint of oxidation and verdigris on the hardware. The feathered rear treble is showing wear from use. You can find more on this unique and important piece of fishing history in the Heddon Legacy book on page 178.
3,000 - 6,000
1023 - HEDDON FIRST MODEL 1300 BLACK SUCKER 5 - 1/2” Length. A lovely example of one of Heddon’s most coveted lures, this circa 1911 bait shows light, evenly distributed wear, with a dark stripe running down the back and very subtle pink shading on its face and upper flanks. Its four belly weights are mostly still covered, and both glass eyes are perfect. It has an unmarked tube prop at the nose and it is rigged with oversized hooks and side hangers. Grading strong Very Good Plus, and bordering on Excellent Minus, this bait can be proudly displayed in either direction in your collection. 3,000 - 5,000
1024 - HEDDON EXPERIMENTAL UNDERWATER EXPERT WITH HANGING BELLY WEIGHT
Measuring a diminutive 1 - 1/4”, this smallest of Heddon Dowagiac Underwater Experts was never put into production. The bait is in remarkably nice shape, with just some tight age lines on the body. Nicely patinated hardware including all brass sweeping prop, shaft, and bearings. Box swivel at the line tie and with the coveted Heddon external weight still attached. 2,500 - 4,500
- 1026
LOT - 1027
1025 - HEDDON 700 SWAYBELLY MUSKY MINNOW IN GREEN CRACKLEBACK
5” Length. A nice example with three sets of hand-painted gill marks (they were also sometimes painted with red blush instead). The bait has some typical age lines and varnish flaking with a tiny bit of rust on the hooks. Four bellyweights and clear glass eyes, this bait grades between Very Good Plus and Excellent Minus. 2,000 - 4,000
1026 - HEDDON 3009B SPINDIVER IN FROG SPOT
4 - 1/4” length. A cataloged color from 1918 - 1923, this one shows varnish age lines but the paint is remarkably intact - better than most you find. Good glass eyes and relatively clean hardware earn this beauty a grade of at least Very Good Plus. 2,000 - 3,000
1027 - HEDDON 6509K ZARAGOSSA IN GOLDFISH SCALE
4 - 1/4” Length. A visual knockout, this bait combines top tier condition with a striking, super desirable color to make for a stunner of a bait. Clearly, this one didn’t do too much “walking the dog”, as it shows almost no signs of use. Solid Excellent condition, shiny hardware, and nice glass eyes. 1,500 - 3,000
1028 - HEDDON 100 DOWAGIAC UNDERWATER MINNOW IN AN UNUSUAL COLOR WITH INSERT & WOOD BOX
2 - 3/4” Length. This beautiful minnow is finished in what appears to be an intriguing early version of Rainbow. The red at the sides, is much higher and bolder than what you usually see. The bait itself is in solid Excellent condition with super clean all-nickel hardware, solid glass eyes, and a single belly weight. The pair of forward gill markings indicate this minnow was likely made around 1908. The box is a Type V variety and was used after 1907. It is solid and in extra nice condition and also grades Excellent. “The Why Of It” insert is about Very Good Plus and dates to 1906-07 and has one small tear and a little darkening at the edges, along with some darkening to the exposed front portion. 1,500 - 3,000
5 - 1/4” Length. Heddon’s first production decoy dating to 1913. This is the curved-tail variety with a single-line tie and the iconic bat-like side wings. This example grades Good, and its eyes are still blemish-free. 1,000 - 1,500 LOT - 1025
LOT - 1028
LOT - 1029
1029 - HEDDON BATWING ICE DECOY IN GREEN CRACKLEBACK
- 1030
1030 - HEDDON 302 SURFACE DOWAGIAC MINNOW IN SLATE
3 - 3/4” length. Amazing condition grading fully Excellent. Full paint on the belly weight, clean hardware, clear glass eyes, and in an uncatalogued color. A very high-end example of a 1910 era minnow. 1 1,000 - 1,500
1031 - HEDDON 302 HIGH FOREHEAD DOWAGIAC SURFACE MINNOW IN WHITE IN WOOD BOX
4” Length. Better color solid white 300 Surface with unmarked pointed props, solid amber glass eyes, and three long sweeping gill marks on either side. A couple chipped spots on the back resulting in a grade of Very Good Minus or better. The Type IV wood box is solid all around and correctly marked for the bait. 1,000 - 1,800
1032 - HEDDON 210S SURFACE DOWAGIAC IN STRAWBERRY SPOT
3 - 1/4” Length. Very rare and very nice special-order color on this 1920s-era bait. Highly collectible “S” color on this earlier L-Rig bait. Three screw marked collar, two spotless treble hooks, and a touch of soiling that may clean all combine for a grade of Excellent. 1,000 - 1,250
4 - 3/4” Length. Great-looking uncatalogued color bait grading Excellent. Flap rig hardware, green belly stencil, and solid glass eyes. Clean hardware and dating to around WWII. 750 - 1,000 LOT - 1031 LOT - 1032 LOT - 1033 LOT - 1034
- 1035
1033 - HEDDON 1300 BLACK SUCKER LURE
5 - 3/4” length. A nice example with most of the paint still on all five of its belly weights. At least Good Plus, it has scattered pointers and small chips, and there is some soiling that could clean off. Good glass eyes and correct, original hardware. 800 - 1,200
1034 - HEDDON WOOD BOX FOR 106 DOWAGIAC UNDERWATER MINNOW
Box: 6” Length. Type IV box only (no lure included) has very strong graphics, is solid, and marked for a 100 minnow in Gold. Clearly stamped on both ends, if you can match a minnow to this box, it will certainly add exponential value. 800 - 1,200
1035 - HEDDON 7309Z JOINTED VAMP IN RAINBOW SCALE
- 1036
LOT - 1038
1036 - 3 HEDDON GREEN SCALE 7500 VAMPS
Each 4 - 1/2” Length. Top lure is a 7509D Vampire with a “long drop variation” rear hanger circa 1922. This beautiful bait is very clean, has the paint off the belly weight, and has perfect glass eyes. Grade is Excellent Minus / Excellent. Middle lure is an uncatalogued 7509DRH Red Head Green Scale dating to the 1920s, with L-Rig hangers, a cracked right eye, and Very Good Plus paint. Bottom bait is a late 30s / early 40s 7509D Vamp with two-piece hardware, perfect glass eyes, and a slick, glossy finish. This one grades solid Excellent. 800 - 1,200
1037 - HEDDON BIG MARY IN GOLD
Measuring 3 - 7/8”, this is the No. 800 model made from 1927 to 1933 (1926 model is 3 - 1/2”). Finished in extremely attractive special-order color “Gold” is not often seen on earlier Heddon baits. L-Rig belly hanger is set between two belly weights, both retaining nearly all their paint. Its glass eyes are perfect and overall, this lure grades strong Very Good Plus. 600 - 800
1038 - HEDDON 119XWB RIVER RUNT IN WHITE & BLACK SHORE MINNOW
2 - 1/2” Length. A bait very popular with collectors, this finish was never offered in this color on a wood model as a standard color. 2 Piece Flap Rig date the bait to WWII and just before. Perfect glass eyes and bold red belly stencil, this uncatalogued Runt grades Very Good Plus.
500 - 700
- 1037
LOT - 1039
LOT - 1040
1039 - FACTORY ARCHIVES HEDDON 139N PAINTED EYE TORPEDO
4 - 1/8” length. Finished in Heddon’s eye catching Dace color, this unique bait was never drilled for eyes, having simply gold painted circles instead. This very lure appears in Heddon Legacy on page 134. The two-piece hardware dates the bait to the late 1930s through the 1940s and overall, it grades Excellent. 500 - 1,500
1040 - HEDDON FACTORY BOARD EXPERIMENTAL ROTARY LURE
3 - 1/2” Length. Varnished natural cedar body with a white stripe running down its back, it has a single forward-oriented, unmarked Heddon prop at the rear, while the front prop is an amalgamation of two unmarked Heddon prop blades sandwiched together and fixed to the front section. The body section has a belly weight behind the hook hanger aiding in keeping the bait balanced as the head rotates. A wonderful experimental piece that never made it to market.
750 - 1,500
LOT
LOT
1041 - TWO HEDDON “THE WHY OF IT” BOX INSERTS
5 - 1/4” X 3 - 3/4”. The one on the left is believed to be circa 1904, which would accompany a minnow packaged in a wooden, one-way slide -top box with “The New Dowagiac Minnow” printed on top. This insert is in Excellent condition. The one on the right is the last version, circa 1908-11. It’s got a few tears and a separation, with discoloration to the front mostly. 500 - 800
1042 - HEDDON 300 DOWAGIAC SURFACE MINNOW IN SOLID WHITE
3 - 1/2” length. Super clean example with a little bruising down the left flank. Both glass eyes have a barely noticeable hairline and hardware is very nice. Overall grade is strong Very Good Plus, and maybe slightly better. 400 - 800
1043 - 3 HEDDON 7400 BABY VAMPS
Each: 3 - 1/2” length. Top example is a 7409M Pike Scale with Toilet Seat Rig hangers and missing the right eye (left is solid). Middle lure is a 7400 in Green Crackleback, Red Eyes, a color available in the mid-1920s only as a special order. This bait grades Excellent Minus with a few age lines and solid glass eyes. Last, is a No-Lip 7409SS in Silver Scale which was catalogued from 1936-43. This bait grades Excellent Minus / Excellent with belly weight paint popped and minor age lines, has 2-piece hardware and problem-free glass eyes. 400 - 800
1044 - HEDDON 8509N BASSER IN CORRECT BOX
4” Length. 8500 Bassers were never catalogued in Red Dace Scale, and this is an exceptionally nice example with its correct box. Excellent-/ Excellent condition with light age lines and a small flake at the tail where the hardware is inserted. Clean hardware with glass eyes and “Heddon”-marked lip. The extra-nice Upleaping Bass box is solid Excellent and correctly marked on one end. 300 - 600
LOT - 1042
LOT - 1043
LOT - 1044
- 1047
1045 - HEDDON 8560 KING BASSER
6” Length. Salmon-specific color Shiner Scale with Red Gill and oversized teddy bear glass eyes, the left one having a hairline. String rig and original trailer thumbtack still intact, and paint flakes off the two belly weights. This example grades Excellent Minus. 300 - 600
1046 - ABBEY & IMBRIE GLOWBODY MINNOW WITH PICTURE BOX
3” version in outstanding Excellent Plus condition that comes with its correct picture box. End flaps are mostly missing, but box is still quite presentable. An example of a sought-after but tough-to-find lure having an even more rare and desirable box. 250 - 500
1047 - ABBEY & IMBRIE SALTWATER BIG JOE LURE IN BOX
Marked 60R&W. In the 1920s & 30s, Heddon produced a number of lures for Abbey & Imbrie to retail under their “Go Getters” line of baits. Here we have an unfished example with the cleanest hardware you’re likely to find. The bait measures 3 - 1/2” and has one belly weight and a transverse oriented side weight. Finished in white body, silver speckled, red head, occasionally referred to as the “Dedeaux” pattern. L-rig hardware, glass eyes with the left one having a hairline, and a bold red belly stencil. The box is super clean, in excellent condition, and is the earlier 2-piece cardboard variety. 150 - 300
2,000 - 4,000 LOT - 1045
- 1046
- 1048
1048 - 3 ROBERT M BAIRD LURES IN BOXES
Largest: 3” Length. Bob operated The Diamond Baird Lure Co. of Salt Lake City, UT up until his death in 2011. To quote Dean A. Smith’s article from Tackle Treasures, “Bob was one of the world’s foremost art glass restoration craftsmen… doing work for collectors, museums, chapels, and auction houses all over the world. Bob was also a skilled and diverse tackle maker, creating unique fly reels, lures, bamboo rods, and also leathering old creels. His work was top notch and he was The Man to seek if you had an old reel that needed restoration or a part made. On September 26, 2011, Bob passed away in his shop. The world lost a good man that day… a Vietnam veteran, a father, a friend, a confidant, an artisan, a fly fisherman… an immensely talented individual.” Included in this lot are 3 beautiful Baird baits all in wooden boxes, Bob’s prototype “Wounded Frog”, his “#1 Floating Frog”, and a stunning Spinner in the style of Chapman’s “Montreal” bait adorned with peacock feathers and embossed hieroglyphics on the blade.
1049 - BERT GOBLE BAIT IN BOX
3 - 3/4” Length. Manufactured in Germany and sold in Tulsa, Oklahoma, this circa mid-1920s bait is very tough to find, especially with its rare box. The lure is finished in silver scales with red details and it has nice glass eyes. There is a metal dive plate at the mouth and the hooks are rigged with screw eyes and a fat, oval-shaped belly cup. The lure grades Very Good. The box is solid and grades at least Very Good Plus. Under “Kind” it is hand marked “D. J.” and the color code is “L”. 300 - 400
1050 - THE CREEK CHUB ICE DECOY
3 - 1/2” Length. CCBCo’s only commercially made ice fishing decoy and one of this company’s most valuable items overall. For years it was speculated that these were made from no. 1500 Injured Minnow bodies, but it has been confirmed that, in fact, these are made from no. 2100 Fintail Shiner bodies. This combo is correct in every way, the decoy itself exactly matching the 3 - 1/2” Fintail’s dimensions, as well as the as the correct (2110) marked box with period insert. Strong condition, with only a little flaking on the inserted metal fins of this late 1920s fish decoy earns it an Excellent Minus grade. 2,000 - 4,000
1051 - CREEK CHUB NO 900 SPECIAL BABY PIKIE MINNOW IN CORRECT BOX
3 - 1/4” Length. Creek Chub specials were limited only to the fisherman’s imagination and as long as you ordered a dozen, they’d make you almost any pattern you could come up with. This bait is finished in sort of a bone or off-white color with a thick black racing stripe and eye shadow. It is on the thinner side, with double line ties suggesting a manufacture date sometime in the 1930s. A similar pattern is shown on a Tiny Tim in the Specials Section of Dr. Smith’s Blue Creek Chub Book on page 186. 750 - 1,500
1052 - CREEK CHUB SIDE HOOK SARASOTA IN SILVER FLASH
4 - 3/8” length. Special order made for Sutcliffe Co. of Louisville, KY. Finished in color number 18 Silver Flash, this example is very clean and grades Excellent. Solid glass eyes and bright, shiny hardware. Please refer to page 223 in Fred Sweeney’s new Creek Chub book for more info. 500 - 1,000
LOT - 1049
LOT - 1050
LOT - 1051
LOT - 1052
1053 - WILLIAM STUART & CO CONGRESS WOODEN MINNOW IN BOX 3 - 1/2” Length. One of the rarest early minnows you will ever see, precious few examples of William Stuart & Co.’s baits still exist today. Fortunately, included with this auction is an exceptionally rare box insert, detailing Stuart’s different models, colors, and configurations, and the importance of this document cannot be overstated. As a result, we can derive that the 3 5/8-inch bait included in this lot, painted in “green”, is model number 103-G. The box is a wooden, 2-way slide top with a handwritten capital “G” on one end. The lid advertises a “Congress” Wooden Minnow and states “Patent applied for”. We know that Stuart’s Eclipse patent dates to about 1905. The box’s condition is Very Good Plus to Excellent Minus and it is solid at all joints. The minnow has some flaking due to no primer coat under the green & white finish. Solid white glass eyes appear “stalky”, as they are mounted in shallow depressions in the wood body. Typical Stuart shallow aluminum cups and brass prop shafts supporting two unmarked, pointed, forward-oriented tube props. Two belly weights and three sets of very folky hand painted gill marks round out this extraordinary offering. 10,000 - 15,000
1054 - FOUR BROTHERS 5-HOOK NEVERFAIL MINNOW IN MAROON BOX
3 - 3/4” length. Easily one of the best-preserved combos in existence, the box grades solid Excellent and the minnow is bordering on immaculate. The bait is finished in color #68, “White Over All, Red Splash On Head”. Definitely unfished, and the absence of any age lines are an indicator this bait has spent most of its existence in a climate-stable environment. Unquestionably a top-tier example, and the best of the best compared with other Pflueger five-hook minnows. 1,500 - 2,500
1055 - FOUR BROTHERS NEVERFAIL 3-HOOK UNDERWATER MINNOW IN MAROON BOX
3 - 1/8” length. This early teens combo has everything going for it: Beautiful Rainbow paint, stellar solid Excellent condition with clear glass eyes, and a super nice, vibrant maroon box. 300 - 600
1056 - SAMUEL FRIEND 5-HOOK MINNOW
4” length. This extremely rare historic link in the evolution of the American wood minnow slots in around 1905. This Friend minnow comes with aluminum props, as opposed to its Pardee contemporary having German Silver props. The bait is brass wire rigged in both directions and finished in aluminum with the sweeping black back stripe. Bold red gill mark extending up into the back stripe and pristine egg yolk glass eyes. The bait shows very little wear, as evidenced by most or all of the red prop bearing paint still intact. One of the finest known.
4,000 - 8,000
1057 - OUTSTANDING GREEN & WHITE LAKE GEORGE FLOATER
2 - 1/2” Length. One of the mintiest examples you’ll ever see, this unique bait features a cork ball attached to an armature and screw eyes reinforced with thumbtacks to control hook movement. Usually, these show some degree of having been used, but this 1912 Michigan-made bait stands out as being likely unfished. 1,500 - 2,000
1058 - LAKE GEORGE FLOATER IN RED AND WHITE
2 - 1/2” Length. Made in Michigan starting in 1912, these baits are usually found with significant wear. This example seems to have escaped most of it with tight agelines, a couple rubs and some soiling that might clean. A much better than average example. 500 - 1,000
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- 1059
- 1061
1059 - BERT GOBLE DOUBLE JOINTED CELLULOID WOOD BAIT IN BOX
5 - 1/2” Length. Of the two types of boxes, this is the harder to find of the two. On one end the box is marked “Cat. Nu. 3112 Size: large and Colour: A”. Graphics are vibrant and box bottom is stamped “Made In Germany”. The lure is one of the nicest ones known and would be extremely difficult to upgrade as other than a few age lines, this bait is mint. Perfect glass eyes and extra clean hardware. 1,000 - 1,600
1060 - HARDY BROTHERS 9” DIAMETER FORTUNA REEL
White metal with twin black handles, clean all around, and stamped “The Fortuna” on the back plate. Star drag and smooth, unaltered foot.
1,500 - 2,500
- 1060
- 1062
1061 - SHAKESPEARE NO 43 SUBMERGED WOODEN MINNOW IN GREENBACK IN PICTURE BOX
3 - 3/4” Length. Super tough pre-1910 combo with a maroon picture box correctly marked for the No 42 GW minnow that accompanies it. The box is solid, in good condition and carries the label that extends down one end carrying the model info. The 2-belly weight lure has B props, solid yellow glass eyes, 3 sets of gill marks, and grades Very Good. 1,500 - 2,000
1062 - GREEN & YELLOW BOX ONLY FOR SHAKESPEARE WOODEN MINNOW
5 - 1/4” x 2” x 1”. 1734 Wooden Minnow. Dating from approximately 1905 and utilizing the earlier numbering system, this box was intended to house a 3-hook minnow in Brown Back, Yellow Belly. The label is in decent condition with just a little paper loss near the top, and the label folds over the edge and extends down one box end. The green box is solid on all corners and is in a very unusual color for this time frame. 4,000 - 6,000
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1063 - THE SMITH MINNOW FROM THE HEDDON FACTORY BOARD
3 - 1/4” length. Charles H. Smith operated the LaGrange Bait Co. in Indiana making these baits around 1905. This exact minnow belonged to Will Heddon, who handmade his own version. This Minnow can clearly be seen in photos of the factory board and it is featured in The Heddon Legacy on page 177. This important bait features blemish-free milky glass eyes, brass screw eyes, un-plated hooks, and an ingenious mechanical tail. Two belly weights and with some wear from use, this bait grades Very Good Plus. 10,000 - 20,000
1064 - SHAKESPEARE NO. 64 FIVE HOOK RED MUSKY MINNOW WITH PICTURE BOX
Rare and beautiful 5 - 1/2” solid red Trolling Minnow with big, perfect, yellow glass eyes, Shakespeare “A” props, and the wire clip hook hanger system. Three sets of thin, black gill marks and two belly weights. This high forehead bait dates to about 1906 - 1907 and it comes with a slightly later, incredibly desirable Shakespeare Muscallonge Minnow picture box, c. 1908. The box itself is solid on all seams and corners, with some normal wear to the edges. The label extends down over one end flap to display size and model number, with “75” written in pencil under “Size”. These oversized baits are rarely ever seen, and putting a picture box of this era into your collection would be quite a rare and impressive accomplishment. 20,000 - 40,000
1065 - SHAKESPEARE RHODES MECHANICAL FROG WITH GREY CARDBOARD BOX
4” Length. Dating to about 1909, this bait and box are among the most prized by collectors. The bait is in Good condition with some even wear, and has the typical legs separated from the body; however, it still displays quite nicely. The Frog has the round-shaped belly weight. The box is a nice, solid example with bold graphics. 1,500 - 2,000
1066 - SHAKESPEARE NO 33 SUBMERGED WOODEN MINNOW IN GREENBACK, RED SIDES IN WOOD BOX
3” Length. A nice B-Prop example with extra clean hardware including the pointed props and the flat plate hanger. Nice paint with a ring around the belly weight, and some very minor varnish lines. Two hand painted gill marks and perfect glass eyes. Comes in a nice wooden box with scattered light staining and a tiny remnant of a paper end label. 1,000 - 1,500
1067 - SHAKESPEARE WORDEN BUCKTAIL REVOLUTION IN YELLOW WITH GOLD SPOTS
2” Length. A later model in outstanding condition in the desired yellow spotted finish, this bait dates to about 1909. 800 - 1,200
1068 - SHAKESPEARE NO. 44 SUBMERGED WOODEN MINNOW IN ALUMINUM
3 - 3/4” Length. Third generation pointed props and flat plate hangers date this great minnow to the late teens. Aluminum paint is very tough to find on these baits and this example is in much better condition than the average. Three sets of HPGM and nice glass eyes. 400 - 800
1069 - SHAKESPEARE NO 33 METALIZED UNDERWATER MINNOW
3 - 1/4” length. Not easy to find without cracks or splits to the metal “skin”. This example dates to the Teens with its B-style props and flat plate hook hangers. It has perfect glass eyes and grades about Excellent Minus. 250 - 500
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1070 - RED SHAKESPEARE UNDERWATER MINNOW WITH A-NOTCH PROPS
2 - 3/4” Length. C. 1907 three-hook, two belly weight
Submerged Wooden Minnow is finished in red, which may or may not be the original paint - it’s hard to tell. Aside from the finish issue, the lure looks to have all of its original hardware. 200 - 300
1071 - SHAKESPEARE NO. 44
SUBMERGED WOODEN MINNOW IN YELLOW PERCH
3 - 3/4”. Excellent Minus condition with three sets of HPGM, pointed props, flat plate hangers, and solid glass eyes. The bait was likely made around the late teens. 200 - 400
1072 - SHAKESPEARE NO. 44 MINNOW WITH A-NOTCH PROPS
3 - 3/4” Length. Super tough pre-1910 underwater minnow in solid red. There are several touch-ups around the bait. It is 3 - 3/4” long, has the wire clip hangers, rare A-Notch props, and the signature yellow hand-painted gills. The hardware is all very clean and looks to be original. 200 - 400
1073 - TWO SHAKESPEARE BAIT CASTING REELS IN BOXES
Each: 3” x 2 - 1/4” x 3 - 5/8”. Included is an Excellent 1962 SuperiorKalamazoo Jeweled, Level-Winding 1924 model with clicker, and coming its correct box. Also included is a Marhoff Patent Level-Winding reel No. 1964, model 1924, 100 Yds. This reel is also jeweled, is in Excellent condition, and comes with its correct marked box. Also included are the inserts pictured. 150 - 300
1074 - SHAKESPEARE WHIRLWIND SPINNER IN WHITE
1 - 1/4” Length. Making its debut circa 1910, these little ball-shaped baits are a favorite among collectors. All-white is slightly tougher to find than the red or yellow versions. This one grades Very Good with general wear from use. 100 - 250
LOT - 1072
1075 - SHAKESPEARE NO 33 SUBMERGED WOODEN MINNOW IN PIKE SCALE
3” length. Pointed props and flat plate hangers on this c. late 1910s lure. Sweeping gills extending into the cups and good glass eyes with an inclusion or two. Chocolate brown bars over cream-colored body finish with an overall grade of at least Good Plus. 75 - 150
1076 - SHAKESPEARE FINE FISHING TACKLE EMBOSSED SIGN
10 - 1/2” x 8 - 1/2”. Dating to just after WWII, this store counter advertising piece is made of a composite material and pressed to show a nice degree of textured detail. The fish even has a German amber glass eye mounted in its socket, and a spot in its mouth where the dealer would presumably mount one of Shakespeare’s fine baits of the era. Very Good Plus or better condition and would make an outstanding display in a sporting-themed room. 300 - 600
1077 - PFLUEGER KENT FLOATER IN MAROON BOX
2 - 1/8” x 1 - 1/4” x 1”. Raised eye with wedge belly model made 1916 - 1924 in Excellent Minus condition, and much cleaner than the usual examples you find. 1,800 - 2,500
1078 - LARGE PFLUEGER LUMINOUS CRYSTAL MINNOW
Measuring 2 - 1/8” long and introduced in 1881, this rare bait was the only glass lure marketed by E. F. Pflueger. This bait has been found in multiple configurations, and notably, this one has no forward prop or fly and is rigged with a feather-dressed rear double hook. Additionally, the line tie is fitted with what looks like a turn-of-the-century, fishermanadded, Allcock’s style removable single hook. Condition is Excellent-, give or take, with traces of the red detail originally applied to the eyes and dorsal fin. An excellent representative example of a much-desired early American bait. 1,500 - 2,000
1079 - PFLUEGER 2785 CATALINA MINNOW IN MAROON BOX
Debuting in 1914 and built for saltwater use, this heavily constructed lure 4.5” is a favorite among collectors. This Green Crackleback example is among the nicest known and grades Excellent with only some small paint interruptions around the belly weights. Perfect glass eyes with 3 sets of gill marks, a swept back Wizard-style rear prop, an enormous single rear hook, and an unusual brass wire keeled leader attachment. The box is marked for a No. 2769 Catalina in Green And Red Spotted. It’s solid on all corners and in Excellent Minus condition. 1,000 - 2,000
LOT - 1076
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1080 - PFLUEGER FIVE-HOOK TRORY MINNOW WITH MAROON BOX
4” Length. Incredibly rare by any measure, this example with the stockier body and thicker tail dates to about 1903 - 1904. Later versions of this five-hook model were a bit slimmer and the Trory was discontinued about 1906. This 4” lure debuted a little over a year after E.F. Pflueger passed away and Charles T. Pflueger took the reins of the company. The arrival of this new style Trory Minnow happened concurrently with the phase-out of the old three-hook model. The 1903 version still retains the squared Trory style props, but now features twisted wire hangers as opposed to the earlier through-body wrapped wire hook assembly. The condition of the minnow is at least Good Plus, possibly slightly higher. The yellow glass eyes are both solid. The accompanying box is completely unmarked and in Good or better condition, with a small tear on one side panel. About half a dozen examples are known in collections, despite them being produced for about five years. 15,000 - 25,000
LOT - 1081
1081 - PRISTINE PFLUEGER NEVERFAIL MINNOW IN BLUE BORDER BOX
3” Length. No upgrade ever necessary on this amazing combo. The minnow is mint and the correctly marked blue border box is solid all around with vibrant graphics. Among the best preserved Neverfail bait and box tandems in existence. 500 - 750
1082 - PFLUEGER GLOBE IN A RARE UNCATALOGED COLOR
2 - 3/4” Length. Referred to as “watermelon head / green body” and cited on page 176 of The Pflueger Book, the authors state that this color was made between 1914 and 1916, and that a five-hook Neverfail Underwater Minnow was found in the same color at the same time. Pflueger lures in special colors are far rarer than many other major makers of the time and this Excellent Minus bait should be considered a real prize. 500 - 1,000
1083 - PFLUEGER 5 HOOK SPOTTED NEVERFAIL MINNOW
3 - 3/4” Length. Nice 1910s - 1920s Model 3100 Underwater Minnow. In the desirable spotted color collectors have affectionately termed “Strawberry”, this is a nice example with a few scattered pointers and age lines and a little soiling, which should clean to an Excellent Minus grade. 300 - 500
1084 - PFLUEGER’S MONARCH MINNOW WOODEN BOX
Nice, solid condition 2-way slide-top wooden box. Marked for a 2169 five-hook 3 5/8-inch model, which is White Belly, Green Spots; a rare color on a Monarch. You can see the bait that should go in this box on page 150 of The Pflueger Book. 300 - 500
1085 - PFLUEGER MARVELUS WOODEN MINNOW IN PERCH IN BOX
3” Length. Marked “Yellow Perch” on one end flap, these over-labeled blue border boxes would have been used to supply to one of Pflueger’s retailers with their Trade Minnows. This particular box appears to be transitional and likely dates to the early 1920s, which coincides perfectly with the minnow it houses. The minnow is also transitional, still retaining the Neverfail hangers, but now having floppy instead of tube props. The minnow itself is absolutely mint, ant it would be impossible to ever upgrade it. 250 - 500
1086 - EARLY MAROON BOX FOR PLUEGER LASTWORD
4 - 3/4” x 1 - 1/2” x 7/8”. Tough, early box circa 1913. Solid on all corners with no issues. The minnow that fits inside will be polished copper on the convex side and polished nickel on the concave side. 50 - 100
1087 - PFLUEGER CATALINA STYLE MONARCH MINNOW
4 - 3/8” Length. You can find this exact bait pictured in The Pflueger Book on page 196, and the authors speculate that this was most likely an experimental lure. This unique minnow has an all-white finish with 3 hand painted gill marks on each side. Unmarked fore & aft Pflueger tube props, amber glass eyes (right has a hairline), and with the body never having been drilled for hook rigging other than at the rear. An exceptionally rare, early 1900s piece of Pflueger history. 1,000 - 2,000
1088 - CHARMER IN RED & WHITE
3 - 1/2” Length. In nicer condition than most Charmers, this circa 1910s example shows only slight wear. All white head with red barberpole tail and clean nickel hardware. Glass eyes are flawless, and this bait earns an overall grade of Excellent Minus / Excellent. 900 - 1,200
1089 - SPOTTED RED AND WHITE CHARMER
3 - 1/2” long with correct bowtie props and flawless white iris glass eyes. Condition is better than most you find, grading Very Good Plus or slightly better, with just a little soiling that could clean. 1,500 - 2,000
LOT - 1086
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1090 - MUSKY CHARMER IN GREY HEAD WITH RED SPOTTED WHITE TAIL
5” length. Made by The Charmer Minnow Co., Springfield, Missouri around 1910. This exact lure is pictured in Dudley Murphy’s Blue Book on page 180, where Dudley describes the tail finish being referred to as “soft spot” with the intention of the spots producing a barber pole spiral effect upon rotation. This rarity is still in great shape, grading somewhere between Very Good Plus and Excellent Minus. The grey head has just a couple minor chips and the tail shows typical age lines. Nice German Silver props and solid glass eyes. 10,000 - 15,000
- 1091
1091 - MUSKY CHARMER GREY HEAD RED TAIL
5” Charmers are super rare - here’s a nice example of one with a solid grey head and solid red tail. Condition is Good Plus with clear glass eyes and nice, original nickel-plated bowtie props. One of few produced by The Charmer Minnow Co. of Springfield, Missouri around 1910. 8,000 - 15,000
1092 - FAT BODY CHARMER IN RED AND WHITE
Sturdily-built, with much larger hooks than a standard Charmer, this 3 - 1/2 inch bait features nickel-plated hardware, solid white-iris glass eyes, and a white basecoat with a red barberpole tail section. The finish grades Very Good Plus with a bit of soiling and a hint of alligatoring at the tail. 1,250 - 1,500
1093 - RARE SPOTTED GREEN AND WHITE SURFACE CHARMER
3 - 1/2” Length. Bait shows quite nicely despite some of the paint crackling common among Charmers. A product of The Charmer Minnow Co. and dating to the 1910s, the surface version is less common than the underwater version, and the spotted tail section is much less common than the barberpole tail. The body is unweighted and has the correct nickel-silver rear prop. 700 - 1,000
1094 - CHARMER IN NATURAL WOOD
3 - 1/2” Length. Despite having lost its original finish, the natural wood is extremely attractive and shows nicely with its bright, clean hardware and solid glass eyes. 300 - 500
1095 - LOT OF PRINTED MATERIALS
Framed” 11” x 9”. Included are a framed Charmer Bait ad, calling it “The Bait That Fills The Stringer”, and showing the color combinations available. Next is a very tough circa 1920 South Bend “The Days Of Real Sport” seventh edition tackle catalog. Finally, there is a Pflueger All-In-One Minnow box insert, with directions on how to assemble it and showing the different colors available, and on the back side, advertising the Pflueger Supreme. All three pieces are in great condition, with only the un-framed items bearing any light wear, and with no rips or tears to any of the items. 300 - 600
4” Length. Sleek and shiny, this example is easily among the nicest known. Grading Excellent / Excellent Plus, this uniquely rigged 4-inch bait carries its own catalog number separate from the standard 1000. This bait is No 2509, has clean hardware, and perfect glass eyes. Upgrading this bait would be nearly impossible. 1,500 - 2,000 LOT - 1092
1096 - MOONLIGHT SINGLE HOOK PIKAROON IN PERCH
LOT - 1099
1097 - LOT OF 2: MOONLIGHT LADY BUG WIGGLERS
Each: 2 - 1/2” long. Sold by Moonlight starting in 1916 - 1917 and soon after also distributed by Shapleigh Hardware of St Louis, Missouri, these appealing little baits were given the model number 800. Top is color code 803 and bottom is color code 810. The Brown Bug grades Very Good and the Green Bug grades Good or better. 800 - 1,000
1098 - MOONLIGHT BAIT CO BABY SIZED FLOATING BAIT IN BOX
3 - 1/2” Length. A rare baby sized Self-Glowing Night Bait in the exceedingly rare circa 1920 box. Rounded collar, luminous body with red head, and two Bing’s Weedless hooks, this bait grades Very Good Plus. The box is solid on all corners, grades Very Good or better, and has a price of 75c hand written in pencil on the end label. 500 - 1,000
1099 - MOONLIGHT JOINTED PIKAROON IN YELLOW SPOTTED
4 1/4” Length. Rare 2000 Series bait coming in an uncatalogued color (Swartz p. 145). Condition on this popular model is solid Excellent with only some tight age lines and a tiny bit of soiling. The glass eyes are flawless. 400 - 700
1100 - MOONLIGHT POLLYWOG JUNIOR IN WHITE RED STRIPES
3 - 1/8” Length. . Catalog number 804 and produced by Silver Creek in the early 1920s and then Moonlight in 1924. Rigged with single hooks mounted on screw eyes and glass eyes, the left one being hairlined, this bait grades Very Good or better. 300 - 600
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1101 - MOONLIGHT JOINTED MUSKY PIKAROON IN GREEN SCALE
Called the “Musky Special” in the 1926 catalog, this color is model number 3103 and is one of only two catalogued colors. It’s 6 - 1/4” long and it’s rigged with heavy duty hardware. Both glass eyes are solid, there are some evenly distributed pointers and flakes so the bait displays nicely from any angle and the overall grade is Good.
300 - 600
1102 - MOONLIGHT MUSKY PIKAROON IN RED SIDES, BLACK EYES & BACK
5 - 1/4” Length. A very popular bait among collectors, this example is catalogued as number 904, Red Back. In Very Good or better condition this lure has nice glass eyes, some agelines and a few chis, and some soiling which might clean. 200 - 300
1103 - 3 - 1/2” BASS SIZE CHIPPEWA IN GREEN CRACKLEBACK RED SPOT
With only some tight agelines, this striking Chippewa’s colors are vibrant and clean. Perfect glass eyes, nearly perfectly painted center spinner, and full feathered trailing treble. Repainted. Bait grades Excellent- at a minimum, but probably more like full Excellent. 400 - 700
1104 - 5” MUSKY SIZE CHIPPEWA IN RED BACK ALUMINUM
Beautiful color and phenomenal condition. Grades Excellent and one of the nicest Chippewas you’ll ever see. Both glass eyes are perfect and the center spinner retains nearly all of its original paint. Hard to ever upgrade this one. 2,000 - 2,500
1105 - CHIPPEWA PIKE SIZE IN RAINBOW IN CORRECT BOX
Absolutely incredible combo featuring a 4 - 1/8” minnow with nearly flawless paint. Both white iris glass eyes are blemish-free, and spinner retains all of its original paint. Some very light oxidation over the hooks. The box is in Very Good or better condition with one of the flaps separated on 2 edges. The other end flap is marked P-55 RAINBOW PRICE 90c. A stellar bait in a very rare Blair, WI box. 4,000 - 6,000
1106 - 3” BASS SIZE CHIPPEWA IN WHITE
3” Length. This bait has solid glass eyes, about half of the feathers left on the trailing treble, and almost all of the paint still adhered to the central spinner. There is paint missing from the truss as usual and also a thin line of chipping running down the back seam. It grades around Good Plus. 400 - 700 LOT - 1102 LOT - 1103 LOT - 1104
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1107 - SHAPLEIGH HARDWARE THE CHIPPEWA PAPERWORK
3” x 5 - 1/2”. “Broken Luck? Not If You Have The Chippewa” foldout insert shows models and colors available. This piece is in great condition, with no tears, and dates to approximately 1914. 100 - 400
1108 - CLINTON WILT LITTLE WONDER IN ORANGE WITH GOLD GLITTER STRIPES
2 - 1/8” length. Not a feature you’re likely to find on a Clinton Wilt bait, this one has an amazing, special order gold glitter barberpole stripe, placing it among the rarest of all Little Wonders. It is in Excellent Minus condition, with only the slightest wear and exceptionally clean hardware. 1,000 - 3,000
1109 - CLINTON WILT CHAMPION IN ORANGE WITH GREEN STRIPE
3 - 1/4” length. No. 50 Champion Barberpole Bait made in Springfield, Missouri, c. 1912. Grading Very Good to Very Good Plus and showing some use, this lure is 100% original and displays well from all sides. 1,500 - 2,500
1110 - CLINTON WILT CHAMPION IN GOLD WITH MAROON STRIPE
Better color, better condition Missouri Barber pole Bait dating to 1912. Measuring 3 - 1/4” long, its paint showing little wear, and its hardware bright and shiny, this lure would have seen very little, if any, actual fishing action. 2,000 - 3,000
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1111 - CLINTON WILT LITTLE WONDER IN BOX
2” Length. Originally from the Bill Calhoun collection, this extraordinary Barberpole Bait comes in its historically important maroon box with introductory “PAT APPLIED FOR” paper label. Possibly the only known example of this box, it is nicely complimented with its equally stunning, unfished, matching Little Wonder bait. The bait has one age line but is otherwise factory fresh. The hardware is gleaming and the bucktail is full with no evidence of use. An incredible duo destined to be the centerpiece of any mature Missouri or Barberpole Bait collection. 15,000 - 25,000
LOT - 1112
- 1114
1112 - CLINTON WILT CHAMPION IN WHITE WITH RED STRIPE
3 - 1/8” length. Thought to have been Clinton-Wilt’s inaugural offering in 1912, this bait is believed to predate its brother, the “Little Wonder” by one year. Extremely sought-after by collectors, this bait features an unmarked pointed tube prop at the front, followed by a “cradle” apparatus which balances the bait as well as holds the two double hooks, and has the tri-blade prop at the tail. Finished in white with red barberpole, and grading Very Good Plus with minor wear to the paint and some light oxidation on the hardware. 1,500 - 2,500
1113 - CLINTON WILT LITTLE WONDER GOLD WITH GREEN STRIPES
2 - 1/8” length. At least Very Good Plus condition and very possibly Excellent Minus, the bait shows very little wear from use. The hardware is clean and the bucktail is full. A very nice example of a better color Barberpole bait. 1,000 - 2,000
1114 - CLINTON-WILT LITTLE WONDER IN RED WITH GLITTER STRIPES
2” Length. Model number 70 made initially in 1913, this excellent condition, all-original bait is in the much tougher glitter barberpole finish. Nice, full tied-hair treble, with a front assembly consisting of a heavier-gauge tube prop and counterbalancing weight, and its signature rear tri-blade prop. 1,000 - 2,000
1115 - CLINTON WILT CHAMPION IN BRONZE WITH GREEN STRIPES
A super color example in Excellent Minus condition with a hint of alligatoring and hook oxidation. Early 1910s bait measuring 3 - 3/4” long. 300 - 600
- 1113
LOT - 1115
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1116 - PAW PAW BULLHEAD IN FROG SPOT
4” Length. Catalogued as model number 3508, Frog Spot is a tougher color to find on these. Also coming with the bent-oval metal lip, the majority of Bullheads left the factory without them. Has one painted belly cup and one simple screw eye hanger on the belly, as it should, and two slightly recessed belly weights. Condition is Very Good / Very Good Plus and it will display well from either side. 150 - 400
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1117 - 3 PAW PAW LURES IN GREEN WITH GOLD DOTS
Largest” 4 - 1/2” Length. All three baits grade Excellent Minus to Excellent. Top is a full-size Pike Minnow, middle is a Young Wounded Minnow, bottom is a junior-sized Jointed Pike. All three baits have good painted tack eyes and date to the 1930s-40s. 150 - 300
1118 - PAW PAW BULLHEAD
Bullheads were made from 1928 until about 1937, and this example is likely from the 1930s after the company shortened the bait to 4”. It carries the bent oval dive lip (less common than the “no dive lip” variety). The color is not one that was a standard offering in the 1930s, this finish is an earlier one available in the Moonlight line, No. 3 Moss Back. Painted tack eyes show some flakes, single chin weight with all its paint still attached, and an overall grade of Very Good. 100 - 200
1119 - LOT OF 3 PAW PAW BAITS IN GREEN WITH GOLD DOTS
Each: 4 - 1/8” length. Two earlier Paw Paw Pike Minnows with the marked, integrated lips. Also included is a Flat Face Bass Seeker. All have painted tack eyes and they range in condition from Very Good Plus to Excellent Minus. 100 - 150
1120 - LOT OF 3 PAW PAW BAITS IN GREEN WITH GOLD DOTS
Largest” 4 - 3/8” Length. Including a Cup Face Bass Seeker, Flat Face Bass Seeker, and Pike Minnow. All with nice painted tack eyes these examples range in condition from Very Good to Excellent. The Cup Face Seeker belly hangers have been switched out to heavier gauge screw eyes at some point. 100 - 150
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1121 - 3 PAW PAW BOXES
Each: 5” x 2” x 1 - 1/4”. Two intro orange boxes and an early black& yellow box, all solid and grading Very Good Plus to Excellent. One orange box is marked 3502 which fits a Bullhead in Natural Brown color, also marked “PATENT APPLIED FOR”. The other orange box is not marked for a model or a color, and the yellow box seems to have some sort of retailer inventory number (184294). 100 - 200
1122 - FOUR PAW PAW LURES IN GREEN WITH GOLD DOTS
3 - 1/2” and 3” Length. All in one of Paw Paw’s most collectible colors. The Popper grades Very Good Plus / Excellent Minus and the River Rover, Old Faithful Jr., and Jointed Baby Pike all grade around Excellent. 75 - 125
1123 - HARRIS REEL CO COMPACT ROD / REEL COMBO IN BOX
Patented in 1903, issued number 739784 on Sept. 22, this invention of William Harris and Henry Case of Gloversville, NY was sold to anglers minus a rod, having a friction fit tube at the “nose” that could be configured for different size rod ferrules. Measuring 11 1/2” from the rubber butt cap to the end of the extension tube, this matte finish reel has working click and drag switches, and a tiny folding handle with grasp that “hides” in the tubular body when not in use. Condition is about Excellent Minus with one scratch around the neck, and a lightly soiled rubber butt cap. The rare 2pc picture box is fragile, with a top minus the end flaps, with one bottom flap separated. 1,500 - 2,000
1124 - SEAMASTER CORP FLY FISHING TARPON REEL
New In Box with leather case and inserts. Faceplate is 5” in diameter. Spool width is 1 - 1/16”. 1,000 - 1,500
1125 - BONSAI SKELETON WITH FLYROD LURES
Root: 14” x 8” x 10”. Paying homage to those trees that hang over our favorite fishing spots and claim many of our favorite lures, this whimsical old bonsai skeleton has collected a Heddon Pop Eye Frog, as well as several Flyrod Punkinseeds and even a few Carl Christiansen baits. All baits appear to be in Excellent condition. 300 - 600
LOT - 1121
LOT - 1122
LOT - 1123
LOT - 1124
LOT - 1125
1126 - FISHING RELATED JEWELRY
Included is a man’s ring displaying the upleaping bass / banner logo from the post WWII era, with “10” in a red circle presumably indicating years of employment, and clearly marked “14K” on the inside of the band. There is a Shakespeare “GOOD LUCK” watch fob and chain depicting a fish among horseshoes, four leaf clovers, and a wishbone. Lastly there is a pair of ABU cufflinks in the shape of fishing reels with the anchors clearly marked “PAT. 2920363”. 300 - 600
1127 - PENN 14/0 SENATOR BIG GAME REEL
7” x 5 - 1/4” x 7”. This huge reel has seen some use and has some pitting to the polished nickel surfaces. Reel functions as intended including clicker, disengage, and drag. 150 - 300
1128 - TAXIDERMY BEETLES IN SHADOW BOX
8” x 6” x 1 - 3/4”. Including nine different mounted specimens, and showing off some of nature’s more beautiful colors and more interesting forms. Represented are Longhorn Beetles, Rhinoceros Beetles, a very colorful Cicada, and others. 50 - 150
1129 - THREE RARE FLYROD LURES
Largest” 2” Length. Top lure is a very tough Lauby Crappie Minnow in Black Scales With White Belly and seldom-seen rhinestone eyes, with through-wire and coiled at the line tie. Lower left is an extremely rare factory prototype Heddon Fly Rod Spoon-Y Fish. You can find references to this bait in The Heddon Legacy on page 174 and Old Flyrod Lures 2nd edition on page 105. Lower right is a Heddon 759P wooden River Runtie in Shiner Scale missing the lip (possibly factory-intentional), and with a paint disturbance at the tail, net grade Good Plus. You can see this exact lure in The Heddon Legacy on page 170. 400 - 800
1130 - SOUTH BEND FISH DECOY IN RED HEAD ALUMINUM
Appearing to be the example from Terry Wong’s South Bend book on page 54, this extremely rare decoy was only produced for one year, in 1923. Measuring 5” long and with amber glass eyes (having an imperfection in the left eye), It’s also got four belly weights and carries the stamp “SUB STD” on the belly. 2,000 - 3,000
LOT - 1126
LOT - 1127
LOT - 1128
LOT - 1129
LOT - 1130
1131 - SOUTH BEND VACUUM BAIT IN RED SPOTTED IN BOX
Gorgeous color, Excellent- condition, and a solid intro box all help make this one of the better Vacuum Bait combos you’ll see. End stamp color code is “3” which is correct for this finish. Also included is the very rare Vacuum Bait insert in excellent condition. Only made 1921-23. 1,500 - 2,000
1132 - SOUTH BEND 945 MIN-BUCK MINNOW IN SIENNA CRACKLEBACK IN BOX WITH INSERT
3 - 1/2” Length. Dating to the 1910s this early-form Underwater Minnow has the thinner profile, slightly raised at the first set of hooks. Condition is around Very Good, glass eyes are perfect. Not much left of the bucktail, but it appears to be original which is what makes this model 945 instead of model 905. Box is in Good or better condition and comes with a nice, clean Selected Game-Fish Lures insert. 500 - 750
1133 - SOUTH BEND 902 WEEDLESS UNDERWATER MINNOW IN WHITE WITH CORRECT INTRO BOX
3” Length. This super scarce bait had a production run of only 8 years from 1914 - 1921. The minnow measures 3” long and comes correctly equipped with two factory-installed, long shank Bing’s weedless hooks. The blunt-tipped, marked props will further refine the production date to 1920 - 1921. Condition of the bait is Very Good to Very Good Plus with solid glass eyes, a bit of varnish flaking, and some oxidation, which is mostly on the front prop. 300 - 600
1134 - SOUTH BEND 902 WEEDLESS UNDERWATER MINNOW
3” Length. Quite an early bait in the South Bend line and dating to about 1914. This example is one of the nicer ones you’ll find with impeccable paint and hardware. It has marked, pointed props, 2 very nice Bing’s Weedless hooks, a single belly weight still with 99% of the paint, and clear milky iris eyes. Finding an upgrade would be extremely difficult. 300 - 600
LOT - 1131
LOT - 1132
LOT - 1133
LOT - 1134
LOT - 1135
LOT - 1136
1135 - TWO SOUTH BEND 962 MIDGET SURF ORENOS WITH BING’S WEEDLESS HOOKS
Each: 2 - 7/8” Length. Both in Excellent condition with only minor age lines and carrying the optional Bingenheimer weedless hooks. Green Crackleback example has the distinctive braced hardware, in use only from 1927-29 and has perfect glass eyes. Green Scale example is also from circa 1920s and has solid glass eyes. 200 - 400
1136 - SOUTH BEND MINNOWS WITH BING’S WEEDLESS HOOKS
Largest: 4 - 1/2” length. Upper lure is an earlier No 913 Side-Hook Panetella in White with Red Tips finish. It’s in nicer condition than most earlier South Bend Minnows you find with marked blunt-tip props, solid glass eyes, some tight age lines, and grading Excellent. The lower lure is a very tough to find No 921 Floating Minnow in Rainbow. It’s got solid white iris glass eyes, unmarked, pointed props, one belly weight missing paint, and another sliver off left side. This example grades Very Good to Very Good Plus. 150 - 300
1137 - SOUTH BEND 925 WEEDLESS MIDGET WOODPECKER IN LUMINOUS RED HEAD
3 - 1/4” length. Great example for display with none of the usual chipping, except for a tiny bit around the painted cup. Some light age lines. Rust-free Bing’s Weedless hooks, this bait grades Excellent minus. 100 - 300
LOT - 1137
1138 - WONDERFUL MUSKY SIZED RHODES PERFECT CASTING MINNOW
Featuring a vibrant hand-painted finish of yellow sides, red belly, and a light green back with dark green scales, it has unique, rigid through-wire rigging, similar to how Shakespeare Revolutions fit the forward part of the shaft into one end of a box swivel for the line tie. On most other examples, you will find either a screw eye or a formed wire line tie. At the back end, you’ll find a pre-patent bowtie prop with a signature external belly weight hanging underneath. One of the most interesting features of this extremely rare bait is the pair of diving planes mounted up front on either side of its head, unseen on any other examples we are aware of. To top it off, the standard size Perfect Casting Minnow is 4” long, and this one dwarfs the standard size, coming in at a full 6 - 1/2” long! Condition is Excellent on this much sought-after 1903 bait. 20,000 - 30,000
1139 - RHODES 3-HOOK KALAMAZOO STRING MINNOW
3 - 3/4” Length. Produced by Kalamazoo Fishing Tackle Mfg around 1903 and featuring nice egg yolk yellow glass eyes and PAT’S PNDG props. Model number 2 with five hooks, a slotted back allowing access to the string, and the brass tube extension at the rear. Two belly weights, three pairs of hand-painted gills, and five treble hooks, the four at the sides being factory-clipped into doubles. A wonderful early minnow seldom available for sale. 5,000 - 8,000
LOT - 1138
LOT - 1139
1140 - RHODES MECHANICAL FROG IN RESTORED BOX
4” Length. Circa 1905 combo has the tough tan/buff colored box which has split repairs, along with a Good condition example of the Frog. As is common with these baits, the legs have separated from the body and there is one missing hook point off the belly double hook. 1,000 - 2,000
1141 - RHODES MECHANICAL SWIMMING FROG BOX INSERT
5” x 11”. Dating from about 1906, this rare and desirable box paperwork is in excellent condition. It advertises Shakespeare’s Wooden Minnows, the Revolution & Evolution, and several reels. 500 - 1,000
1142 - 3 RUSTY JESSEE KILLER BAITS ALL NEW IN THE BOX
Largest: 3 - 1/2” Length. Three very popular models including a Wigglefish, a Florida Shiner, and a Pier Bait. All 3 baits are painted by Rusty himself, and all come in Excellent condition Killer Baits boxes. 150 - 300
1143 - 2 RUSTY JESSEE FIVE HOOK UNDERWATER MINNOWS NEW IN BOXES
Each: 4” Length. Both baits are New-In-Box and have perfect glass eyes. The circa 2019 minnow on the left is number 43 out of 50 made in Creek Chub Mullet color, and the one on the right is the 2017 National Special in a wild Purple Scale, Orange Lightning color, and is numbered 5 of 20 made. 150 - 300
LOT - 1140
LOT - 1141
LOT - 1142
LOT - 1143
1144 - GERSTNER & SONS WOODEN FISHING LURE CHEST
46” Tall. An amazing piece consisting of four stacked sections. Top section is like a tackle box, or tool chest and features seven drawers plus internal storage. Middle section has 5 drawers while bottom section has 3 large drawers. Bottom piece is a sturdy stand with a shelf. A very stylish way to display your finer pieces. This is not a standard shippable item and will require 3rd party shipping or pickup arrangements to be made. 1,500 - 3,000
1145 - LARGE WOODEN DISPLAY CASE
36” x 24” x 4”. Excellent condition. This is not a standard shippable item and will require 3rd party shipping or pickup arrangements to be made. 100 - 150
1146 - LARGE WOODEN DISPLAY CASE
36” x 24” x 4”. Excellent condition. 100 - 150
1147 - LARGE OAK DISPLAY CASE WITH KEY, EXCELLENT CONDITION
36” x 24” x 4”. Excellent condition. This is not a standard shippable item and will require 3rd party shipping or pickup arrangements to be made. 50 - 100
1148 - MEDIUM SIZE CHERRY DISPLAY CASE
18” x 12” x 3 - 1/4”. Excellent condition. 50 - 100
1149 - MEDIUM SIZE CHERRY DISPLAY CASE
18” x 12” x 3 - 3 1/4”. Excellent condition. 50 - 100
LOT - 1144
- 1150
-
1150 - SMALL WOODEN DISPLAY CASE
10” x 5” x 3 - 1/4”. Excellent condition. 50 - 75
1151 - MEDIUM WOODEN DISPLAY CASE
24” x 18” x 3 - 1/4”. Excellent condition. 50 - 100
1152 - SMALL WOODEN DISPLAY CASE
10” x 5” x 3 - 1/4”. Excellent condition. 50 - 75
1153 - SPEER FROG LURE GREEN WITH YELLOW MOTTLED BACK
3 - 1/2” Length. Unmistakable in form and having a folky, yet functional shape, this rare glass eyed frog is attributed to carver Cleve Speer, living in Ohio in the 1920s. Having the bent corner Trory style front prop and a couple of uniquely shaped belly weights, this attractive bait is loaded with eye appeal. 500 - 1,000
1154 - SPEER FROG LURE IN GREEN BACK WITH BLACK SPOTS AND YELLOW BELLY
Contrasting paint and a white metal, bent-corner Trory style prop set this one apart. This 4 - 1/4” Frog carries a long rectangular belly weight, followed by a comparatively tiny, rounded belly weight on its underside. 500 - 1,000
1155 - SPEER FROG LURE IN GREEN BACK WITH YELLOW BELLY
Folky paint and evenly distributed, honest wear from use on this great Frog. It measures 4” long, has dark glass eyes, the distinctive bent-corner prop, and a long rectangular belly weight. Thought to be made in OH in the 1920s. 500 - 1,000
LOT
LOT - 1151
LOT
1152 LOT - 1153
LOT - 1154 LOT - 1155
LOT - 1158
1156 - CLEVE SPEER FROG LURE IN SILVER
4 - 1/4” Length. An outstanding example in a fantastic color, this circa 1920s Ohio bait has a nice, more refined finish than Speer’s earlier work. Long, rectangular belly weight and pointed prop at the nose, and most notably the hand painted red smile all give this wonderful bait its charm and character. 500 - 1,000
1157 - CLEVE SPEER BABY FROG LURE IN GOLD
Measuring a diminutive 3”, this little Frog has big appeal and an extra wide profile looking top down. Nice gold paint overall with Speer’s trademark hand painted red smile, dark stalk-mounted glass eyes, and the long, thin rectangular lead strip on the belly. It has a remnant piece of early fishing line still attached to the line tie, upon which rides Speer’s hand-made Trory style bent-corner prop. 500 - 1,000
1158 - SPRINGFIELD NOVELTY REEL LURE IN GOLD WITH RED STRIPE
2” Length. A solid example with even wear, this bait has the typical squared nose weight, and wire wrapped front double hook. It grades between Good Plus and Very Good Minus. 100 - 200
1159 - STALEY-JOHNSON MFG CO TWIN MINN IN GREENBACK SILVER SCALE IN BOX WITH INSERT
3” Length. Produced in Ft. Wayne, IN beginning just after WWII, the pair of minnow bodies attached to an anodized metal frame is a favorite among collectors. This example is finished in a teal green with silver scales and grades fully Excellent. It comes in a Gold Band Lures box marked S-119 on one end. The box is solid on all corners, grades Excellent-, and comes with a pair of really tough to find inserts, both in excellent condition. 150 - 300
LOT - 1157
LOT - 1159
LOT - 1160
1160 - STALEY-JOHNSON MFG CO TWIN MIN IN PERCH SCALE IN BOX
2 - 3/4” Length. Featuring a solid Excellent minnow coming in a nice box marked F-105. The box is solid on all corners and has just a bit of fading at the one end and the lure is Excellent with a bit of toning to the metal frame. 150 - 300
LOT - 1161
LOT - 1163
LOT - 1165
1161 - BUD STEWART SNAKE
Highly desirable 13” bait comprised of 7 sections and tail. Bud carved many forms of critter but the Snake is one of the rarest. The bait is unrigged for hooks, which probably helped it keep its pristine condition, had ominous red eyes, and is autographed by Bud on its right cheek. There are at least 10 belly weights across 5 sections. 300 - 500
1162 - HEDDON 139K TORPEDO IN GOLDFISH SCALE
4 - 3/8” Length. An extra clean example in excellent condition. This L-rigged 1920s bait has perfect glass eyes, brilliant hardware, and some very tight agelines. 500 - 750
1163 - HEDDON 120 TORPEDO SPECIAL
3 - 1/2” length. This extraordinary bait comes in an amazing special-order color… White With Silver Scales Over Brown Back, Red Sides, And Silver Belly. Clearly from a particular fisherman’s imagination, one wonders what type of baitfish this was meant to imitate. Very little wear from use, this Excellent Minus / Excellent special bait boasts clean hardware, flawless glass eyes, and flap rig hardware used the decade preceding the war. 500 - 1,000
LOT - 1162
LOT - 1164
LOT - 1166
1164 - HEDDON SS8509PLXR “SILVER SALMON” RIGGED BASSER
4” Length. Silver Salmon Bassers were cataloged with the “SS” prefix denoting the special string rigging; otherwise, the body shape and size matches the standard 8500 from the 1930s. These baits are not often found, as they were made for a very specific market in the PNW. This example will grade Good Plus. It’s seen some use with hook oxidation and likely fisherman-replaced string rig. Corrosion on the lip, age lines, and hairlines in the left eye. Still a very tough bait to find in respectable condition. 500 - 750
1165 - HEDDON BASSER 8509K GOLDFISH SCALE LURE
4” Length. Early version “Head-On” Basser in nice condition but with a couple small possible touchups in the mouth area. Net grade is Very Good to Very Good Plus. Both glass eyes are solid and the hardware is very clean. The Downleaping Bass box is the “mis-spelling variety” (marked is’nt), and is correctly stamped 8509K Basser in red ink at both ends. 500 - 1,000
1166 - HEDDON 8509K “HEAD-ON” BASSER IN GOLDFISH SCALE
4 - 1/4” Length. A beautiful example of an introductory 8500 Basser. This example carries the early nameplate, slimmer, more tapered body, and the circa 1922 cup rig. Some minor imperfections but in overall really nice shape, this bait grades somewhere between Very Good Plus and Excellent Minus. The bait is all-original and the glass eyes are problem-free. 500 - 1,000
LOT - 1169
1167 - HEDDON 7509V VAMP IN ORANGE WITH BLACK SPOTS
4 - 1/2” Length. Very Good Plus condition with solid glass eyes and light wear from use. Hardware showing some rusting and one barb missing from center treble. Bait displays well from either direction. 750 - 1,500
1168 - HEDDON 157 DOWAGIAC UNDERWATER MINNOW IN SIENNA CRACKLEBACK
3 - 3/4” Length. Nice mid-teens Fat Bodied minnow with cup rig and the name on the props. Very desirable color and not much wear aside from the age lines. Right-forward hook is missing one barb and glass eyes are perfect. Grade is Very Good Plus, perhaps slightly better. 750 - 1,000
1169 - HEDDON 1500S DUMMY DOUBLE MINNOW IN STRAWBERRY SPOT WITH FOOTBALL RIG
3 - 1/4” Length. This special hook hanger assembly was only made in 1913 and dropped the next year due to manufacturing costs. The football-shaped side hangers mounted over a staple were intended to present the “Dummy” hooks proud of the body while still maintaining semi-weedlessness. The hardware on this bait is super clean and the paint grades about Excellent Minus with some age lines and minor varnish flakes. Both glass eyes are perfect and the paint is still almost completely intact on the wedge-shaped belly weight. 1,000 - 1,500
1170 - HEDDON 133 TORPEDO IN ALUMINUM
4 - 1/8” length. A visually stunning bait, coming in uncatalogued Aluminum finish, and having developed a pleasing and mellow green cast with age. With the belly weight paint flaked this bait grades in the Excellent Minus range or slightly better, aside from that the glass eyes are perfect and the hardware is super shiny and clean. 1,000 - 1,500
LOT - 1168
LOT - 1170
LOT - 1171
1171 - HEDDON 109K 3-HOOK DOWAGIAC UNDERWATER MINNOW IN GOLDFISH SCALE
3” Length. Extraordinary condition 1920s bait with perfect glass eyes. Bright and shiny original hardware. Outstanding example of one of Heddon’s most popular colors. 1,000 - 1,500
1172 - HEDDON 1300 THIN BODY BLACK SUCKER
According to the authors of The Heddon Legacy, there are only a “couple” examples in this form known to exist. They go on to state that this thin-bodied version is thought to be the very first version of the Black Sucker. This one is 5 - 1/2” long and features a cup-rigged belly treble set among five belly weights, and the rear hanger is simple screw eye. Marked front tube prop and perfect glass eyes. Finished in the “Sucker” pattern, the white belly turns to more of a bone color along the sides, then fades to olive on the back. The light silvery sheen along the sides makes it unique and overall, it grades strong Very Good Plus or perhaps slightly better. 10,000 - 15,000
1173 - HEDDON 2 HOOK RIMLESS CUP SLOPENOSE WITH BLACK PICTURE BOX
4 - 1/4” Length. One of the rarest and most coveted pieces in this incredible collection. Dating to the first five or six weeks of Heddon production in early 1902, according to the owners of The Heddon Museum, there are currently three known examples of this introductory black box with silver printing. The box itself shows some even wear on the edges with one detached corner on the lid. The correct “chalky” white paint on the bait itself is showing wear as expected, as these very first baits came from the factory without varnish. You can clearly see the hand-painted, friction-fit, red-painted aluminum collar has been locked in place for over 120 years. Brass ties, tail cap, and most importantly rimless belly cup. It is reported that less than a dozen of these earliest Rimless Cup Slopenoses exist in collections today. The historical importance of this lot cannot be overstated, as precious few examples from Heddon’s earliest days have survived. 20,000 - 30,000
1174 - BEYOND RARE HEDDON 747 IN BLENDED RED & PURPLE
A massive 7 - 3/4” long and not found in any standard catalog by Heddon, this was only offered by VL&A as the Dowagiac Mascallonge Minnow. The bait was only pictured for one year in VL&A’s 1917 catalog, and the fisherman could order the 7000 in Green Crackleback or the 7001 in Rainbow. The example shown here is a very special lure in an uncatalogued special-order color. Brilliant red fading to purple along the back, clearly a unique color no doubt conjured up for unique fishing conditions. This King of Heddon Minnows grades an uncleaned Excellent Minus. Precious few 747s are known to exist and this is among the finest condition examples in what is certainly one of the most coveted colors.
35,000 - 50,000
1175 - ONE OF THE 8 JAMES HEDDON HAND-CARVED FROGS
3” Length. James Heddon hand-carved these Frogs in 1898 and all eight hung prominently on The Factory Board until the 1970s. The example being auctioned here is clearly visible and identifiable in the photos of the Factory Board both before and after it was rearranged. This particular Frog is further set apart by being one of only two from the group with a belly slot and having the hook eye pinned inside. The other belly-slot Frog from The Board has wrappings around its body and this example does not, thereby making it uniquely distinguished and easy to pick out in Board photos. Originally obtained from the Heddon Factory in June 1978 by Dudley Murphy, its pedigree is laid out in Harbin’s book Heddon Historical Footprints on page 236.01, and this very Frog is shown in Dudley Murphy’s “Blue Book” on page 26. A few of these original hand-carved baits have changed hands privately over the years, but the last verified occurrence of a Factory Board Frog selling at a public auction was a phone bid sale in July 1985! The lure itself measures 3” long and features a single hook tied to each rear leg, with its oversized black bead eyes really bringing it to life. This is a very rare opportunity to acquire one of - if not THE most - iconic artificial baits in existence. Its status among collectible lures ranks at the very top, and its historical importance cannot be overstated. 30,000 - 80,000
1176 - HEDDON UNDERWATER EXPERT WITH HANGING BELLY WEIGHT
3 - 1/4” Length. Appearing in The Heddon Legacy at the top of page 66, the book highlights some of this bait’s more historically important characteristics. Heddon felt that the external hanging belly weight was a superior bait feature in that it could be adjusted; however, this feature was gone on this model by 1903, just one year later. This belly weight appears original and is a treasure in itself. Also, the factory prop is the earliest found on Underwater Experts, with a rounded tip, bowtie-shaped appearance as opposed to the long, sweeping props produced later that year. Indeed it is likely this bait was produced in the first couple months of Heddon production in 1902. Gold-washed caps and cups with brass hangers and line tie. The hooks appear original and the paint is Good Plus or better. We know that at the moment, this bait is 122 years old, and The Legacy book estimates this is one of only three known examples. 10,000 - 15,000
1177 - HEDDON BABY SLOPENOSE
Ultra-rare 3” Baby Dowagiac Perfect Surface Casting Bait, coming in at a full 1 - 1/4” shorter than the standard Slopenose. Featuring the hand-painted, friction-fit collar with gold washed hardware you’d also see on its bigger brother of the same era. Some light soiling and a bit of the typical collar flaking, but otherwise this bait is in superb condition, the white and blue areas being completely intact. Chances to own such a historic and remarkable bait are rare. 7,500 - 10,000
LOT - 1178
1178 - HEDDON HIGH FOREHEAD 301 DOWAGIAC SURFACE MINNOW IN RAINBOW 4” length. C.1905 with brass belly cup and one belly weight. Blemish-free glass eyes and three sets of nicely hand-painted gill marks. Lure will display nicely from either side. It has some varnish flaking, a bit of soiling that could clean, and a little verdigris on the nameless props. The bait’s overall grade is Very Good to Very Good Plus. 1,000 - 1,500
LOT - 1179
1179 - HEDDON 7500YB VAMP IN BUMBLE BEE 4 - 1/2” Length. Nice never-cataloged example with five thick stripes. Very Good Plus or slightly better condition, with solid glass eyes and clean hardware. 1,000 - 4,000
1180 - HEDDON 702 THREE HOOK DOWAGIAC MUSKY MINNOW IN RED EYES & TAIL FINISH
Measuring 4 - 3/4”, this all-original bait dates to the 1910s. Signed props, oversize nickel plate hooks with cup rig hardware, and glass eyes (left is cracked). Paint shows age lines and a couple spots with minor chipping, so it grades around Very Good Plus. 1,500 - 3,000
1181 - HEDDON 7503 VAMP IN EXCEEDINGLY RARE ALUMINUM FINISH
4 - 1/2” Length. Grading solid Very Good with general wear from use, this 1920s L-rigged example has clear glass eyes and nice original hardware. No doubt one of the most desirable Vamp Specials. 1,000 - 1,500
1182 - HEDDON 102 DOWAGIAC UNDERWATER MINNOW IN PINE TREE BOX
3” Length. The “Left-Leaping Bass” or “Pine Tree” box was only used in 1912 and is one of the rarest Heddon boxes to find. Interestingly, of the Heddon boxes depicting a fish, this is the only one with no lure in its mouth. This box is in nice, solid, Very Good or better condition, and is correctly marked 102 on both ends, which corresponds with the minnow’s White Body, Red Eyes, Slate Back coloring. The Minnow is in Excellent Minus condition with solid glass eyes, cup rig, unmarked props, and a single belly weight. 2,000 - 3,000
1183 - THE FACTORY BOARD HEDDON CHEATER DECOY IN SIENNA CRACKLEBACK
5 - 5/8” Length. Appearing in the “Factory Archive Baits & Prototypes” section of the Heddon Legacy book at the top of page 180, this unique bait has four belly weights arranged very closely together directly under the line tie, which are positioned forward on the body so as to balance its swimming action. Forked inserted tail shows evidence of having been painted at one time and both glass eyes are solid. The cup rig hangers offer a clue as to when this interesting experimental bait was manufactured - likely sometime in the teens. 5,000 - 8,000
LOT - 1180
LOT - 1182
1184 - HEDDON
4 - 1/4” Length. Made from 1918 to 1927 but never catalogued in this color. This example is quite nice and heavily glittered, with only a few spots with wear or varnish flakes. Carrying a marked front prop and its signature broad diving lip, the bait also boasts L-rig belly hangers and perfect glass eyes. This bait grades at least Very Good Plus, possibly higher. 2,000 - 3,000
1185 - HEDDON
3 - 5/8” length. A stellar combo featuring a cup rig 150 Dowagiac Underwater Minnow done in Green Fancy Back but with a vibrant red belly. Bait comes with its c. 1912 white border Downleaping bass box, stamped “150” and hand marked with an “R” on both ends. Box advertises Heddon’s new feature of stamping “Heddon’s Dowagiac” on the spinners. Condition is Excellent Minus with some tiny varnish imperfections and a hint of oxidation on the hooks. Both amber glass eyes are blemish free. 5,000 - 8,000
LOT - 1184
3009 SPINDIVER IN SILVER FLITTER
LOT - 1185
150R RED BELLY SPECIAL DOWAGIAC MINNOW IN WHITE BORDER BOX
1186 - HEDDON 700 SWAYBELLY MUSKY MINNOW IN RAINBOW WITH BOX
4 - 1/2” Length. Dating to 1912 and coming in its oversized Downleaping Bass box, this chunky bait grades Excellent Minus. A few age lines and small varnish flakes and a tiny bit of hook oxidation. Left side hook has a split loop and could be a replacement, which can easily be restored. Nice, clear glass eyes and marked props. Four belly weights retaining all paint aside for some slight outlining. Extremely rare oversized white border / red double pinstripe box dates to 1912 only. Although there are traces of the model number stamp on both ends, only “70?” can be legibly read on one end. 4,000 - 10,000
1187 - HEDDON WILDER-DILG 12 PACK WITH 12 BAITS IN PICTURE BOXES
8” x 5” x 1 - 7/8”. An amazing complete set with ALL of the portrait boxes with their correct baits, and rarely ever offered for public sale. This lot includes the original dealer case introducing “The New WILDER-DILG LURE”, housing all 12 different picture boxes. Boxes are all nice and grade Very Good to Excellent and all but a couple include their inserts. Each bait looks to be in Excellent condition making this one of, if not THE nicest one ever offered for sale. 4,000 - 8,000
LOT - 1186
LOT - 1187
1188 - HEDDON 2-HOOK SLOPENOSE WITH BOX
4 - 1/4” Length. This Dowagiac Perfect Surface Casting Bait and its box are in a remarkable state of preservation, and this exact combo can be seen in The Heddon Legacy book on page 67. Gold-washed cup and tail cap with red hand-painted friction-fit collar. Missing only a few flakes from the collar, the bait grades at least Excellent Minus, leaning towards Excellent. The box dates to 1902 - 1903. An important piece of early Heddon history that would be extremely difficult to ever upgrade. 5,000 - 10,000
1189 - HEDDON 700 MUSKY MINNOW IN A PERCH VARIATION
5” Length. This exact lure is featured in The Heddon Legacy on page 86. Considered by the authors to be in such a “wild, uncatalogued, and unheard-of color” that it was “too unique to value” at the time. The pattern is described as “a yellow body with a peach-colored back and rose-colored ribs”. Originating from the Heddon archives, this sway-bellied, five bellyweight Musky Minnow grades Excellent Minus and has bright, unfished hardware with pristine glass eyes. A highlight of the collection and a genuine historical treasure. 5,000 - 15,000
1190 - PAIR OF EXPERIMENTAL HEDDON ZARAGOSSA LURES
Largest: 4 - 3/4” length. Both finished in Green Scale, neither of these baits saw commercial production. Two similar examples of the Musky size are shown in The Heddon Legacy on page 127 and on page 167 this very example of the Flyrod Sized Zaragossa is pictured. The authors felt that both baits were too rare and unique to value at the time the book was written. Both baits grade in the Very Good to Very Good Plus range. The 2 - 1/2” Flyrod size has painted eyes and simple screw eye hardware while the larger one has perfect amber glass eyes with a heavy-duty toilet seat hanger on the belly. 3,500 - 5,500
1191 - HEDDON 7500YS VAMPIRE IN YELLOW, GOLD SPOTS
4 - 1/2” Length. Having characteristics between a Type 3 and Type 4 Vampire as described in David Sawyer’s book The Heddon Vamp, this extremely rare special-order bait is the “long face” variety, with the connected forward L-Rig / middle lip tab, belly weight inserted behind the middle hook, and having a “short drop” rear hanger. All of this points to a production date of around 1923. Only a few Vampires are known in this color, this example grading Excellent Minus with age lines, clear glass eyes, and better than average hardware. 3,000 - 4,000
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1192 - HEDDON 450 KILLER IN WHITE IN WAVY BORDER PICTURE BOX
2 - 1/2” Length. The wavy border box dates to c. 1905. The box is solid and correctly marked White No 400 at both ends. The no. 400 would only have the front prop, and the bait included has two props, effectively making it a model 450. The graphics are bold and remarkably strong for it being so early and rare. Nice condition 450 Killer has a bit of varnish loss; however, the paint remains almost completely intact. Two belly weights and clean hardware on the Very Good Plus or better bait. 3,000 - 4,000
1193 - HEDDON 152 DOWAGIAC MINNOW WITH RED CHEEKS IN BOX
3 - 3/4” length. Very unusual solid white with bright red blushing cheeks and 3 sets of hand painted gill marks. Lure has very tight varnish crazing but is otherwise in outstanding condition and grades about Excellent Minus. Both amber glass eyes are clear and solid. The tall “Stamped on Spinners” red border box, ink-stamped 152 on both ends, dates this combo to 1912-15. Rounding out this impressive package is a nice condition introductory flyer for the 1600 & 1700 Wigglers which was produced in 1915. 2,500 - 3,500
3 - 1/2” Length. One of the best surviving introductory model Heddon 150s known, this minnow has brass screw eyes, cups, and prop bearings with perfect white iris glass eyes. Finished in the early shade of light-green with the tight crackleback pattern and three belly weights. Three sets of sweeping gill marks on this beautiful Excellent bait. 2,500 - 4,500
1195 - FOUR SALTWATER RIGGED C8500 HEDDON BASSERS
Each: 4” length. Starting with the C8509L in Perch Scale grading solid Excellent, it has perfect glass eyes and oversized L-Rig hangers. Next is an uncatalogued 8509JRH in Red Head, Frog Scale in Excellent Minus condition with solid glass eyes and oversized saltwater L-Rig hangers. Lower left is an uncatalogued C8509PAS in Pacific Allen Stripey example with heavy duty toilet seat hangers and perfect glass eyes which grades an amazing Excellent Plus. Finally, the lower left example is a C8509D Green Scale with perfect glass eyes, saltwater L-Rig hangers and grades Excellent Minus / Excellent. 2,000 - 3,500
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1194 - HEDDON 3 BELLY WEIGHT 150 DOWAGIAC UNDERWATER MINNOW IN GREEN CRACKLEBACK C 1904
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1196 - HEDDON 1809D SPECIAL FLIPPER IN BOX
An extraordinary pairing, the Flipper being extra-thick and fully 4” long, this bait was made special for bigger fish. With clear glass eyes and just a few pointers and lines, the lure itself grades Excellent-. The front whisper prop has come loose from its tube mooring, but this is possibly repairable, or at the very least easily replaceable. The box is in great condition and it is clearly marked “1809D Spe” on one end. Yes, the Crab Wiggler used model number 1800, but D (Green Scale) was a catalogued color, so an 1809D Crab box is not likely to have “Spe” on it. The 1800 Crab Wiggler was discontinued in 1929, so there is some possibility Heddon used the newly vacated 1800 model number somewhere around 1930 for the special-order Musky Flipper. 2,000 - 5,000
1197 - HEDDON 7309Z 2-HOOK JOINTED VAMP IN RAINBOW SCALE
4 - 1/2” Length. Special order two-hook Jointed Vamp coming in a never-cataloged color for this bait. The factory never drilled the forward body section for its second hook, thus resulting in this bait’s slender, elongated appearance. The highly prized Rainbow Scale finish is very nice, with only a few small flakes along the back. Hardware, including the oversized hooks, is ultra clean, and both glass eyes are flawless. 1,500 - 2,500
1198 - HEDDON 7509K VAMP IN GOLDFISH
4 - 1/2” Length A fantastic example in an uncatalogued color, the paint is Excellent with just a couple age lines. The glass eyes are solid and the hardware is all original with a bit of oxidation. Underlying orange flanks, gold scales, and olive eye shadow make this one of Heddon’s most appealing paint schemes. 1,500 - 2,000
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1199 - HEDDON VAMP 7509BB MEADOW FROG SPECIAL
4” Length. This color is quite scarce on the later surface rigged mid-century Vamps, but it is extremely rare on this c. 1920s L-rigged Vamp. Yellowish / bone base coat with black Frog Spots make for a striking pattern. Solid glass eyes, no belly stamp, and rear belly weight date this bait to the latter 1920s, and can be considered Type 6 according to Sawyer’s book. 1,000 - 1,500
1200 - PAIR OF UNRIGGED HEDDON 1300 BLACK SUCKER LURE BODIES
Each: 5 - 3/4” Length. Neither having ever been drilled for belly or side hooks, the top example comes in Black Sucker finish while the bottom example is unpainted. Both are missing part of the bottom tail fin and both still sport all 4 belly weights. The top has glass eyes, one is hairlined, one is cracked. The unpainted bait has “1300” etched into its left flank, Heddon’s model number for this minnow. 1,500 - 2,500
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1201 - HEDDON 4-POINT ICE DECOY IN WHITE WITH RED EYES
Measuring 5 - 1/4” long, this rare classic has solid amber glass eyes and the inchworm-style line tie. It grades Excellent Minus with clean, marked fins and completely intact belly paint. 1,000 - 2,000
1202 - HEDDON 7509PLB BLUE PEARL VAMP IN BOX
4 - 1/2” Length. Absolutely a stunning color on this c. late 1930s to early 1940s Vamp, with iridescent pearl colored body and visually appealing pink and blue spots. Housed in its correct Brush box with insert, this beauty has some of the normal age lines you see on pearlized paint jobs. It has solid glass eyes and grades about Excellent Minus to Excellent. 1,000 - 1,500
1203 - EXTREMELY NICE HEDDON 6509J ZARAGOSSA IN FROG SCALE
4” Length. In one of Heddon’s most popularly collected finishes, this example in Frog Scale ranks among the best preserved you’ll ever find. Solid Excellent condition, clear glass eyes, and in the earlier body style, you’d be hard-pressed to ever find a better example. 1,000 - 1,500
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- 1206
1204 - HEDDON 309P SURFACE DOWAGIAC MINNOW IN SHINER SCALE
3 - 3/4” length. An amazing minnow in stellar condition coming in an uncatalogued color. Minty hardware, perfect glass eyes, and a lipstick glossy finish, it would be impossible to ever upgrade this example. 1,000 - 2,000
1205 - HEDDON 300 SURFACE DOWAGIAC MINNOW IN CARNIVAL SPOTTED
3 - 3/4” length. Even though this c. 1940 lure is pictured in the catalog with two hooks, the line “Regularly furnished with 3 Trebles” was added to explain this new configuration. Of the six catalog-listed colors, Orange with Black & Red Spots is not one of them, resulting in this rarity. The lure is very clean, grading Excellent Minus with great hardware and solid glass eyes. 1,000 - 1,750
1206 - HEDDON 150S DOWAGIAC UNDERWATER MINNOW IN STRAWBERRY SPOT
3 - 3/4” length. Tough thin-body example showing just a few scattered pointes and age lines, with clean hardware and perfect glass eyes. Spotted is neither a catalogued nor a common color on a 150, and this example grades between Very Good Plus and Excellent Minus. 1,000 - 1,500 LOT - 1202
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1207 - HEDDON 129X BABY TORPEDO IN BLUE SCALE
3 - 3/8” length. A catalogued color only from 1926 through 1929, this particular example has the red chin blush which isn’t always found on Heddon Blue Scale baits. Condition is approaching Excellent Minus with super clean hardware, a hairlined left glass eye, and some tiny nicks and tight agelines. 1,000 - 1,250
1208 - HEDDON HIGH FOREHEAD 302 SURFACE DOWAGIAC MINNOW
3 - 3/4” Length. In rare White with correctly marked circa 1905 wood box, this exceptional combo is very early and in super condition. The minnow grades about Excellent- with light agelines and some soiling. Clear, solid glass eyes with unmarked pointed props, sweeping red gills, and a single belly weight. The box is extra nice, solid all around, and is the Type IV exclamation point variety. 1,500 - 3,000
1209 - HEDDON KF9759YBS KINGFISH VAMP SPOOK IN BUMBLE BEE
4 - 1/2” Length An early “Spook” (plastic) saltwater bait marketed by Heddon around 1934. The Kingfish version shown here has an angled metal sleeve in the middle of the bait to “center the strike”. Yellow Black Stripe - or “Bumblebee” as collectors call it - is not a cataloged color on the Kingfish Vamp. One of the cleanest examples you’ll find, it has nice, molded, gold painted eyes, excellent paint, and good condition metal parts. 750 - 1,000
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1210 - HEDDON 150 DOWAGIAC UNDERWATER TRADE MINNOW IN WILBOURNE SPECIAL
3 - 3/8” length. Nice condition early minnow, grading strong Very Good Plus, bordering on Excellent Minus. Two sets of gill marks and the unmarked South Bend-shaped props are correct on this Heddon-made minnow intended for a retail partner. Perfect glass eyes on this rare color bait. 750 - 1,000
1211
3 - 3/4” length. With green scales instead of the usual gold ones, this early 1930s beauty is a real standout. Very clean hardware, including the side toilet seat rig which was only used for a short time. Solid glass eyes, green belly stencil, and paint still fully attached to belly weight. There can’t be too many of these out there, especially in grade Excellent Minus like this one. 1,000 - 2,000
1212 - HEDDON 152 DOWAGIAC UNDERWATER MINNOW IN SLATE WITH RED EYES
3 - 3/4” Length. A very nice pre-1912 minnow with unmarked props, sparklingly clean hardware, perfect glass eyes, a single belly weight with all the paint still attached, three sets of hand painted gills, and the very desirable Slate paint job with extensive eye blush covering its entire face. An outstanding example in solid Excellent condition. 750 - 1,000
- HEDDON 159K DOWAGIAC UNDERWATER MINNOW IN GOLDFISH SCALE
- 1214
1213 - THREE HEDDON 7500 VAMPS
Each: 4 - 1/2” Length. The top bait is an uncatalogued 7509 White Body Silver Specks example with L-Rig Hook hangers and perfect glass eyes. This bait grades solid Excellent. The middle bait is a nice, extremely rare version of 7509R Natural Scale, with bright green scales (shown in Sawyer’s book on page 108). It has a hairline in the left eye, some corrosion to the hooks, and grades Very Good Plus. The bottom bait is a really beautiful 7309R Jointed Vamp in Natural Scale. It has pristine hardware and eyes, dates to the 1920s, and grades Excellent Plus. 600 - 1,000
1214 - HEDDON 7309H JOINTED VAMP IN RED SCALE
4 - 1/2” Length. In Good Plus to Very Good Minus condition, with a hairline in the left eye, and clean hardware. Red Scale is not a cataloged color for this L-Rig lure. 500 - 700
1215 - HEDDON 5000 TADPOLLY IN PEARL WITH A RARE BOX
3 - 3/4” length. Extremely rare uncatalogued color on a 5000 Tadpolly. The bait grades Very Good Plus, with a blemish on the left eye and a little bit of chipping to the paint. Also included is a nice Upleaping Bass box, marked “159 P RH” on both ends, which should house a five-hook Dowagiac Underwater Minnow in Red Head, Shiner Scale, which is a very rare uncatalogued color on a Heddon Underwater Minnow. 500 - 1,000
1216 - HEDDON 8500 BASSER IN GREEN CRACKLEBACK
4” Length. Coming in an uncatalogued color, this particular example is unusual in that the crackle pattern extends well below the mid-point of the bait. 400 - 700
1217 - HEDDON 1605 DEEP DIVING WIGGLER IN TALL BOX
4” Length. Dating from 1915, the Wiggler is very nice, and grades Excellent Minus to Excellent. A few minor varnish flakes, inchworm line tie, and extra clean hardware. The tall box is somewhat hard to find and this one is in nice condition. 400 - 800
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- 1216
- 1217
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1218 - HEDDON 7301 AND 7309DRH JOINTED VAMPS
Each: 4 - 3/8” length. Red Head, Green Scale is a very rare color to find on any Vamp. The bait presented here is circa 1920s with L-rig hangers and solid glass eyes, grading Good Plus to Very Good Minus. Its lot mate is a very nice Jointed Vamp in Rainbow, also dating to the 20s with good glass eyes, and in Excellent condition with some tight age lines and very clean hardware. 350 - 700
1219 - BING’S WEEDLESS NEMAHBIN MINNOW IN METALIZED GOLD
3” Length. Almost never seen with the gold metalized finish, this rarity still retains nearly all of its metallic golden skin. Two bellyweight model with all three weedless hooks completely intact and both yellow glass eyes appearing unblemished. Front prop has become unmoored from its tube base. A tough bait to grade, but at least Good to as high as Very Good. 2,000 - 3,000
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1220 - BING’S GOLD NEMAHBIN MINNOW IN PICTURE BOX
3” Length. One of the most collected miscellaneous makers, A.F. Bingenheimer operated out of Milwaukee, Wisconsin starting in about 1904 - 1905. His Weedless Nemahbin Minnow is his most sought-after bait, and finding one in its picture box is almost unheard of. Coming in unusual All-Gold pattern and with two bellyweights - some only have one - this prized classic grades Very Good Plus to Excellent Minus, with a hint of bubbling at the nose, possible hairline in left eye, thin longitudinal split at the bellyweights, and tiny traces of rust on the hardware. The incredibly rare box is in about Very Good Plus condition and is correctly marked “GOLD WEEDLESS” on one end.
5,000 - 15,000
1221 - BING’S SURFACE NEMAHBIN MINNOW
3 - 3/4” Length. A very early example dating to 1910 or earlier. Clean hardware including the Bing’s weedless hooks, and the large white iris glass eyes are clear. A single belly weight, three sets of gill marks and the paint grades Very Good to Very Good Plus. 300 - 600
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1222 - PAIR OF UNUSUAL WOODEN MINNOWS
Top bait is attributed to A. F. Bingenheimer of Milwaukee, WI as a Bing’s Luminous Surface Minnow. This bait measures 2.75” long, has some paint flakes, a single belly weight, and an unmarked, front pointed prop. The bottom lure is a Shakespeare Rhodes Torpedo measuring 3”. It’s got flat plate side hook hangers and an unmarked pointed prop. Both baits grade about Good Plus. 150 - 300
1223 - BITE EM BATE SALES CO REVOLVING BAIT IN PICTURE BOX
3” Length. One of the better colors, an aluminum body with slant dipped red nose and gold tail. Some age lines and a few pointers. Hardware is really clean and the bait displays well from any angle. The bait comes in a very rare picture box with a “T-514” end stamp. Boxes from this 1920s Fort Wayne, Indiana company are highly prized and hard to come by. 750 - 1,000
1224 - PAIR OF BITE EM BATE SALES REVOLVING LURES
Each 3” Length. Made in Ft. Wayne, Indiana in the 1920s, this pair demonstrates the different means of attaching the hooks used by the company. Both lures make use of a wire armature attached to the front & back axis points, which allows the body to rotate through the water due to the groves in the face. On the top example, the hooks are held in place inside coiled loops in the armature by the use of a pair of flexible wire clips. On the bottom bait, there are pins soldered into place. Both arrangements allow for the fisherman to change out broken hooks. Top lure is Excellent Minus / Excellent and bottom lure grades Excellent / Excellent Plus. 200 - 400
1225 - BITE EM BATE SALES REVOLVING LURE
2 - 3/4” Length. In the desirable black with white nose and copper tail finish, this bait is also in Excellent condition. Fully excellent with just a few age lines. Made in Fort Wayne, Indiana in the early 1920s. 125 - 250
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1226 - CLARK MAKE EM BITE IN GREEN WITH BOX
2 - 3/4” length. An incredible set in excellent condition including a No. 15 Green Crackleback bait with its crisp “Patented” marked box and a minty insert. These baits were introduced around 1930, and the patent was granted in 1932. Production was quite short for them resulting in very few examples of this caliber having ever been found. 2,500 - 4,000
1227 - CLARK BROTHERS MAKE EM BITE BAIT BOX AND PAPERWORK ONLY
Box: 4” x 1 - 1/2” x 1”. Nice, crisp box and insert marked for the rare Make ‘Em Bite Bait in Red Head Black Body. Clark Brothers operated in La Porte, Indiana in the 1920s, and their nearly 100 year old fishing baits are in high demand with the collectors of today. 200 - 500
1228 - JAN CUMMINGS FAIRFORM BAIT WORKS FLY ROD SAVAGE SHRIMP FOUR PACK
8” x 3” x 1 - 1/2”. Absolutely gorgeous set of Jan’s diminutive Savage Shrimp, displaying 4 different stunning and unique colors. All four are new in the box, and come with the dealer case as well. 3,000 - 6,000
1229 - JAN CUMMINGS SAVAGE SHRIMP IN BOCA PASS SPECIAL NEW IN BOX
6” Length. “Designed for Florida Bay and Coastal Tarpon”. Jan’s creations are beloved by collectors and his quality paint and workmanship are unequalled. Savage Shrimp are among Jan’s most popular designs and this one is New In Box. 1,000 - 1,500
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1230 - JAN CUMMINGS SAVAGE SHRIMP IN SARASOTA SHINER NEW IN BOX
4 - 1/4” Length. “A Topwater And Diving Bait In One”. Jan’s creations are beloved by collectors and his quality paint and workmanship are unequalled. Savage Shrimp are among Jan’s most popular designs and this one is New In Box. 1,000 - 1,500
1231 - JAN CUMMINGS TYPE II FAIRFORM FROG NEW IN BOX
5 - 1/2” Length. Jan’s creations are beloved by collectors and his quality paint and workmanship are unequalled. This Type II Fairform Frog is in Strawberry Spot and is new in its “Strictly Hand Made” box. 750 - 1,250
1232 - DETROIT BAIT MFG CO NORTH CHANNEL MINNOW IN BOX
3 - 1/2” Length. Unequaled condition on this combo: the minnow looks unfished, with its metal parts showing very little if any oxidizing, and bearing none of the hook wear circles normally associated with these baits. Blemish-free gold sparkle glass eyes, three upward sweeping hand-painted gill marks, and plainly stamped “NORTH CHANNEL” down the right side. The minnow itself is quite a prize, but the box is an absolute treasure. Only a handful of these are known and this example could quite possibly be the nicest one out there. 3,500 - 5,500
1233 - DETROIT WIGGLETAIL IN UNMARKED WOODEN BOX
2 - 1/2” Length. With only a handful of these known, this lure can be counted among the rarest of the rare. Only advertised in 1912, The Wiggle Tail Minnow Company seems to have mainly done its business by mail order, charging $1 postpaid for one of these more than 110 years ago. There are only a small handful of these Wiggle Tails accounted for, and this being the only one with a box associated with it; however, it is not currently possible to determine whether or not the manufacturer actually used these boxes to ship their minnows. This box is in quite nice condition, but it is not marked in any way. The bait itself utilizes an unmarked, Shakespeare-style rear-oriented prop for its forward propeller, and it has protruding white iris glass eyes, as the body was not drilled for any sockets. White or possibly once luminous paint shows some flaking, indicating there was not likely a primer coat of paint used at the factory. Moonlight-style side hook hangers and its signature aluminum “Always In Motion” tail carrying the third hook. An enormously significant bait. 3,000 - 5,000
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1234 - RARE DETROIT BAIT MFG CO. BABY NORTH CHANNEL MINNOW
2 - 3/4” length. Showing very little - if any - signs of use, when you do see these rare little baits they have signature aluminum cut-out front and back props, pointed at both ends. It looks like the brass through wire is original and factory tied. Whether or not props were ever installed on this little 3” minnow will forever remain a mystery. Every other feature of the bait is factory correct, from its gold glitter glass eyes and its box swivel to the complex green back with shaded sides paint pattern sprinkled with multicolor glitter. Condition is Excellent and it measures 3” nose to tail. 300 - 750
1235 - JIM DONALY SPINNERED REDFIN FLOATER IN BOX
2 - 3/4” Length. Very tough to find in a higher grade such as this example and coming in its Redfin Brand box. The bait is very clean with bright & shiny hardware, and appears unfished. The unique Donaly marked aluminum prop is tarnish-free. One of the nicest examples to ever come to auction. 500 - 750
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1236 - EDGREN MEDIUM SIZE TROLLING MINNOW IN CORRECT PICTURE BOX WITH INSERT
2 - 1/4” Length. A factory fresh example coming in its factory repurposed picture box along with the rare, correct insert. The bait is solid excellent, and the box started out intended to house a large size minnow, but after the factory move from Wells St to Oakdale Ave, this box was updated to correctly reflect its contents, the medium sized Edgren Spinning Minnow shown here. 150 - 300
1237 - ENTERPRISE MFG CO THE “PFLUEGER-SURPRISE” MINNOW IN GREEN CRACKLEBACK IN CORRECT MAROON BOX
4 - 1/4” Length. Super nice early example of a “hole eye” Surprise Minnow. Very clean all around with a little light soiling that can possibly be removed. Shiny hardware and varnish is still glossy. Correct maroon box is also solid and in Excellent Minus condition. 300 - 600
1238 - OUTSTANDING EARLIEST MODEL ENTERPRISE MFG CO. TRORY MINNOW
Measuring 4 - 1/8” long, this exceedingly important bait is considered to be America’s first manufactured wooden minnow. This example would have been brought to market around 1899 and is in remarkable condition, considering it recently turned 125 years old! Featuring large, blemish-free milky white glass eyes, original wire-tied side hooks, and an early gut leader, it also retains its signature squared props with upturned corners and red glass prop bearings. The bait is finished in the desirable white belly with reddish sides, dark back, and those beautiful golden side stripes. A highly distinguished example of the inaugural factory-produced American wooden minnow. 20,000 - 30,000
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1239 - F.L.B. FLOOD FLORIDA SHINNER IN BOX WITH INSERT
5 - 3/4” Length. One of the more sought-after Florida baits, Flood operated out of Frostproof in the late 1920s. Quite a beautiful pattern with an off-white belly, scratch-coated brown back, with gold scales and a gold head. Mid body fins are cut metal and tail fin is hand shaped. Painted tack eyes with a flake off the right one. “PAT APP’D FOR” printed along the right side. Crisp, excellent condition box with correct insert. 500 - 1,000
1240 - HEDDON 114 RIVER RUNT IN SOLID RED
2 - 1/2” length. Late 1930s to early 1940s-era Flap Rig River Runt was catalogued in red, but they are scarce. This example grades Very Good to Very Good Plus with some general paint wear, bold black belly stencil, and good glass eyes. 300 - 600
1241 - O.C. SCHAEFFER TURBULENT SURFACE LURE IN WHITE DOTTED IN BOX
3” Length. Finding a Schaeffer Turbulent in mint condition can be a tall order, but look no further. This pristine example is almost exactly as it left the Racine, WI factory 90 years ago. This model is a floater, as denoted on the box top, and has a round-shaped head with two inversely-angled trailing sections that rotate. The crisp box is also nearly mint, as is the rare insert advertising the “Luminous Diver”. 500 - 750
1242 - O.C. SCHAEFFER TURBULENT TIGER IN BLACK DOTTED IN CORRECT PICTURE
BOX
2 - 1/2” Length. Super condition and correctly matched to its rare picture box, Oscar Schaefer made these baits in the 1940s in his basement workshop in Racine, WI. They were never sold through distribution, rather he made and sold them all by himself. Bob Slade, who wrote the book on Wisconsin lures calls the Turbulents “rare” and their boxes “very rare”. This bait is in excellent condition and the box should grade somewhere between Very Good Plus and Excellent Minus. 300 - 500
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1243 - O.C. SCHAEFFER’S TURBULENT DIVER IN RED & YELLOW
3” Length. This is the bait shown in Schaeffer’s original patent of 1947. Very Good Plus condition with general light wear overall and could benefit from a cleaning. 250 - 500
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1244 - O.C. SCHAEFFER’S TURBULENT DIVER IN BLACK & WHITE
3” Length. In much better condition than the average Turbulent, this post WWII bait has clean hardware with just a few nicks here and there. Grade is Excellent Minus. 250 - 500
1245 - O.C. SCHAEFFER’S TURBULENT TIGER IN RED & WHITE
3” Length. A Very Good Plus / Excellent Minus example with factory paint still mostly covering the line tie, indicating it likely wasn’t fished much. 250 - 500
1246 - O.C. SCHAEFFER’S TURBULENT TIGER IN GREEN SPOTTED
3” Length. Excellent condition and still with a lipstick sheen. Some very light agelines, a nice light patina on the hardware, and most of the line tie with its original paint indicating very little use. Made just after WWII in Racine, WI. 250 - 500
1247 - O.C. SCHAEFFER’S TURBULENT DIVER IN BLACK & YELLOW
3” Length. Quite well preserved, this 1947 patent model only shows a couple agelines and tiny flakes. With a grade of solid Excellent, the hardware shows the mellow patina you’d expect to find on a well-cared-for Turbulent. 250 - 500
1248 - O.C. SCHAEFFER’S TURBULENT WITCH IN BLACK SPOTTED
1 - 3/4” Length. One of the rarer forms among Oscar Schaeffer’s creations is this small, one-piece diver that came in 3 sizes. The color is Black with Red Dots Inside White Dots and these were made only one year, in 1949, according to Slade’s Encyclopedia. This one grades Very Good / Very Good Plus and they are not often found. 100 - 200
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1249 - WILLIAM STUART 5 HOOK ECLIPSE MINNOW IN WHITE
3 - 5/8” length. Seldom-seen Underwater Minnow made in Canton, Ohio around 1905. Stuart Minnows are set apart by their aluminum side cups and front-oriented props at both ends. This example has amazing solid glass eyes the color of an orange peel. With three sets of gill marks alternating between red and yellow, two belly weights and a body length of 3 - 5/8”, the bait grades between Good Plus and Very Good Minus. A rare chance to own an important miscellaneous minnow you hardly ever see come up for sale. 1,500 - 2,500
1250 - SUPERSTRIKE SHRIMP PICTURE BOX
5” x 2” x 1”. According to Stuart’s Florida Makers Volume 4, the earliest box shows patent pending. The 2nd style box is said to have been made after the patent was issued in 1929, and that box is reported to carry the St. Augustine address as well as an Anastasia, FL P.O. box. This example does carry the patent and date; however, it is not marked for any particular model, nor does it carry any address. Therefore, this box is believed to be an intermediary to box styles 1 and 2 described in Stuarts’ book. This rare box is solid on all edges and corners, shows just a little tackle box wear, and grades Very Good Plus or better. 3,000 - 5,000
1251 - 3 - 1/2” SUPERSTRIKE SHRIMP
Described as model number 10 and “extremely rare” in volume 4, page 843 of Florida Lure Makers And Their Lures. The story goes that in the 1920s in St. Augustine, FL, a man was testing his bicycle driven “airplane”, which was clad in celluloid “feathers” and somehow the airplane became wrecked. Local dentist H.C. Farrin bought the wreckage and turned these celluloid feathers into Superstrike Shrimp. This #10 Shrimp is in Very Good+ condition with 6 body sections (the 2nd and 6th sections missing pieces), black glass hat pin eyes, and the optional single Tarpon hook. 400 - 1,000
- 1250
- 1252
- 1253
1252 - 5 - 1/2” SUPERSTRIKE SHRIMP
5 - 1/2” Length. Model number 1, described as “scarce”, having 9 body sections (all intact), and opting for the single large Tarpon hook. Black glass hat pin eyes are flawless. This great looking Florida bait grades about Excellent Minus. 400 - 1,000
1253 - FIVE” SUPERSTRIKE SHRIMP
5” Length. This Eight-section Shrimp is probably model number 1 or 2 (slight differences in weight). Complete with all its sections and painted in “Natural” finish. Hat Pin eyes are perfect and overall, the lure grades Excellent. 400 - 1,000 LOT - 1249
1254 - INCREDIBLE COLLECTION OF RAY
THOMPSON SILK-WRAPPED FISHING TOOLS & LURES
In the same style as one might find a fine bamboo rod, this set of 6 lures and 5 tools has all been given the same treatment of meticulously wrapping multicolored strands of silk in evenly spaced increments around the wooden parts, then sealing the work with varnish. Ray’s attention to detail is truly impressive and the story behind this set is an interesting one. Born in 1887, Ray lived in Park Rapids, MN and he was a barber and did odd jobs there. According to the Tonelli book, Ray would get himself arrested for poaching during the coldest winter months so he could spend them in the county jail living rent-free. It is believed that while he was locked up in the early 30s, Ray made these little works of art, as well as many other similar pieces. Ray died in 1966. The tools in the set include spreaders, disgorgers, and a flashlight. Of the lures featured, all date to the early 30s or before. Included are a Musky Vamp, Creek Chub Pikie Minnow with double line tie, an early South Bend Pike Oreno with the shovel lip, a Keeling Tom, and two Heddon Tadpollys with the early apple shaped dive lips.
4,000 - 6,000
1255 - THOREN MINNOW CHASER IN BOX WITH INSERT
5 - 3/4” Length. Made by A.H. Thoren of Chicago, IL, this solid excellent example features a green scale minnow chasing an aluminum-colored baitfish. Both bodies appear unfished, with all 4 tack eyes in great shape and the metal parts all appearing clean & bright. The box is correctly marked “SCALE”, and the set includes a crisp copy of the elusive box insert. 750 - 1,250
1256 - THREE RIVERS WOODEN MINNOW IN BOX
3 - 3/4” Length. An exceedingly rare and historically important combo. The full story between the Detroit Bait Co, makers of the North Channel Minnow, and W. A. Abel’s Delevan Minnow has yet to be fully illuminated, but the nearly identical construction of both minnows leaves little question about a link between the two. This particular bait is found much less frequently than the North Channel, and this one is in phenomenal condition. Brass wired-through in both directions, Wizard-style tube props, and those signature glass eyes filled with gold flakes. Three sets of hand painted gills, and two belly weights still retaining most of their paint. Very few of these boxes have survived, and this example is solid all around and showing just a bit of water staining. It is believed that Abel sold the “Three Rivers” Minnow just after the turn of the century. 2,500 - 3,500
LOT - 1254
LOT - 1255
LOT - 1256
1257 - ZACHARY TURNER’S CASTING BAIT IN FROG-BACK WITH RARE PICTURE BOX
An amazing combination bait kit dating back to 1904. Turner’s idea was to have a bait that was convertible from a surface bait to an underwater lure as fishing conditions might dictate. This set is complete with the elusive removable belly weight, ultra-rare picture box, and box inserts affixed to the top and bottom sections. The underside of the bottom section with instructions is completely intact and readable. The bait, reportedly made of broomstick wood, measures 4 - 1/4” long, features the unique Turner reinforced props, and the hand-painted frog finish grades about Excellent Minus. One of the most desired miscellaneous bait and box combos of all time. 10,000 - 20,000
LOT - 1260
LOT - 1262
1258 - EARLY UNKNOWN MAKER CARVED TAIL WOODEN MINNOW
3 - 3/4” Length. Flattened sides with a belly weight to help keep it upright, and fitted with a 1903 patent Worden prop. The bait utilizes formed brass through wire in both directions to hold the hooks and line. Piercing red glass eyes are flawless. Carved wooden tail similar to several other minnows done by turn of the century makers. Very early gold body paint with hand painted red and black accents rounds out this tremendous example, probably dating to 1910 or earlier.
1,500 - 2,500
1259 - EARLY UNKNOWN 5 HOOK MUSKY MINNOW
Measuring 5 - 1/4” long, and likely dating to pre-1910, this unattributed bait figures to be an important piece in the history of early American wooden minnows. Most noticeable are the Ypsilanti Minnow style props riding on brass wire eyes and adorned with the same type of brass ring bearings you find on early Expert minnows. The side hooks are attached by through looped brass wires, both of which are well-executed, patinaed, and seemingly original to the lure. Both eyes are constructed from driving brass brads through domed brass washers. It has a long, recessed strip of lead running along the belly. The paint finish is a pure delight with a white belly and fully green back, and decorated with thickly applied red gills, lateral line, and spots. A wonderful early bait deserving of a respected place in your collection.
1,500 - 3,000
LOT - 1259
LOT - 1261
LOT - 1263
1260 - EARLY UNKNOWN 5 HOOK UNDERWATER MINNOW
Discovered originally among a large field find of predominantly pre-1900 Pflueger metal lures, this great early minnow seems to be either inspired – or takes its inspiration from – the Pflueger Wizard and/or The North Channel Minnow. There was another matching lure in the original find, so this bait has its twin out there somewhere. Brass wired through in both directions with a red glass bead spacer at the front, and two clear ones at the rear. Wizard-style props and large yellow painted thumbtack eyes. Black back, aluminum belly with a pair of hand-painted gills. Condition is about Very Good or better on this important 3 - 1/2” bait. 1,000 - 2,000
1261 - WILLIAM STUART & CO MODEL 203-R MINNOW
Three-inch minnow made in Canton, OH just after the turn of the century. Two nickel-plated, forward-oriented props riding on brass prop shafts. Aluminum cups at the sides with brass eye hangers. Two belly weights with a white belly, red back, and unusual green gill marks. Not many Stuart minnows have survived, and few of them look this nice, grading Excellent Minus. 1,000 - 2,000
1262 - UNKNOWN RIVER RUNT TYPE LURE
2 - 3/4” long with an early scale paint pattern. With a Heddon Runt-style lip and an L-rig hanger with no surrounding cup, and directly screwed into the single belly weight. Large glass eyes are blemish-free. An extremely interesting lure. 500 - 1,000
1263 - UNKNOWN 5” TANGO TYPE BAIT
5 - 1/8” Length. With evidence of having had a pair of belly trebles in the past, this J.K. Rush influenced lure has a white belly and really nice folky, mottled red, green, & yellow pattern on its back. The bait is estimated to have been produced approx. 1920 - 1940 and it’s likely the line tie was replaced with a modern one. 300 - 600
1264 - FIN WING AND DOODLE BUG LURES IN BOXES
Largest: 3” length. A couple of very nice miscellaneous lures in their boxes, the Fin Wing comes in Black with Silver Scales, has solid glass eyes, and is in Excellent condition. Its box is also in Excellent condition, contains a nice condition insert, and is unmarked as to color. Joseph Neukam of Jasper, IN patented the lip on his “Doodle Bug” in the early 1930s. This example grades Excellent Minus / Excellent with only some age lines and with the original rustproof coating still on the hook, appears to be unfished. It comes in its rare 2-piece cardboard box, lightly marked with color #15 and priced at 1.00, with some water staining. 200 - 500
1265 - BUG LURE WITH LINE SPOOLS AND POSTCARD
1 - 1/2” Length. Included is a small Beetle lure in Excellent condition and bearing the “C.C.” signature of Carl Christiansen. You also get two rare spools of Kingfisher Brand line, the “Little Jap” No 6 spool punched in the front and not in the back, and an unpunched 50-yard spool of 40 Lb test “Muscallonge” line. At the top is a Shakespeare “General Questions For Anglers” insert pertaining to the Nos. 591 through 638 Diving Blade Baits in Very Good or better condition. At the center is a nice “Fishing is Good, Bay City, Mich.” Postcard, postmarked AUG 16 1950 from someone named Florence to her neighbors Walt & Helen in Detroit. 100 - 125
1266 - MOONLIGHT JOINTED PIKAROON IN RED HEAD WHITE BODY
4 - 1/4” Length. Catalog number 2004 and first offered by Moonlight in 1925. This example has average wear with some chipping along age lines on belly and hairlined eyes. The bait grades Good Plus. 75 - 150
1267 - EARLY UNKNOWN MOTHER OF PEARL KIDNEY SPINNER WITH 3 BING’S WEEDLESS HOOKS
2” Length. Spinner is missing much of its red paint on the reverse side, other than that the bait is in nice shape. All 3 Bings hooks are clean. 50 - 100
1268 - UNUSUAL FLYROD FROG LURE
1 - 1/4” in length with coarse hair legs, the left one being slightly thin. Unknown composition body molded around a single hook, and with a nice, aged three color Frog Spot pattern with raised white eyes. Probably produced in some small quantity as the bait shows an overall degree of refinement. Heavy but stable age cracks and an overall grade between Very Good and Very Good Plus. 50 - 100
1269 - SMALL FROG LURE
2 - 1/2” Length. Attributed to Cleve Speer, who was living in Ohio and making his own baits in the 1920s. Absent is the typical bent corner Trory style front prop, any of the uniquely shaped belly weights sometimes found, or any hooks making this an unfinished work in progress. As a result, the paint remains in near perfect condition and the black hatpin eyes are flawless. 200 - 400
LOT - 1272
1270 - ONE HOOK EXPERT IN WHITE WITH RED HEAD
3 - 3/8” length. With a body likely made by Clark, and probably assembled by Keeling after buying out Clark in about 1913-14, this Expert is unique in a few different ways. It employs the Clark style pointed, holed props, with the front being larger than the rear. It is not, however, wired-through as most Experts are, instead screw eyes are present with a forward washer and a rear bearing. 2 drill holes down the right flank with none down the left side, and these holes were never rigged. Factory white with red head is a rarely seen color on an Expert. It’s got perfect glass eyes, a single belly weight, and “The EXPERT” stamped down the left side. A unique example appearing in Dudley Murphy’s Blue Book on page 64. 1,000 - 2,000
1271 - REEL LURE IN RED & GOLD
2” Length. Earliest c 1930 model with, as Dudley Murphy describes it on page 245 of his blue book, “The body of this lure is a Charmer tail that has been rounded and repainted on the nose. Through wire is steel with a cut down Charmer propellor turning the spiral body”. This example features an unusually shaped nose weight. This is an early, important bait in the chronology of Springfield Novelty Manufacturing Co. 200 - 400
1272 - HEDDON 309V DOWAGIAC SURFACE MINNOW IN ORANGE WITH BLACK SPOT
Measuring 3 - 3/4” long and finished in a rare and desirable special-order color. This minnow is L-rigged on the belly and has marked pointed props. The glass eyes are perfect and the glossy finish still looks lipstick-wet. Solid Excellent grade for this beautiful minnow. 2,0005,000
1273 - PAIR OF HEDDON CRAB WIGGLERS
3” and 2 - 3/4” Length. Both baits finished in Heddon’s desirable “S” Spotted or Strawberry color. Top lure is a model 1950 Midget Crab, very clean with just a couple pointers, solid glass eyes and grading Excellent. Bottom bait is a model 1900 Baby Crab in Very Good Plus or better condition, with scattered pointers and a hairlined left eye. 125 - 250
LOT - 1271
LOT - 1273
LOT - 1274
1274 - LOT OF 3: FISHING LURES
Largest: 4 - 1/2” L. Three Repainted Heddon Lures. Included is a 210 Surface Dowagiac dating to the 1940s custom finished in Red Head Snakeskin, and a pair of 7500 Vamps, one in Green Scale and the other on Gold with Black Dots. 50 - 75
LOT - 1275
LOT - 1277
1275 - D.A.M. BABY VAMPIR / GAMEFISHER
4” length. A gorgeous color on this one - a white base with blue running down the back and silver scales. Made in Germany in the 1930s, this bait was the European counterpart to the Heddon 5400 Baby Gamefisher. The Heddon-style hatchet-shaped lip is correctly marked “VAMPIR” and its condition is Excellent. 350 - 500
1276 - RED VAUGHN’S LURE WITH BOX
3 - 1/2” Length. A super combo in patriotic red with white and blue (and orange) painted flutes. The bait grades solid Excellent condition, with only a few light age lines and a little light soiling, which should clean. Nice condition two-piece cardboard box correctly marked (RED) along both flanks. Vaughn Tackle operated out of Cheboygan, Michigan starting in the early 1930s. 300 - 500
1277 - GREEN VAUGHN’S LURE WITH BOX
3 - 1/2” Length. Solid green with white, red and yellow painted flutes. The bait grades Excellent- to Excellent, with only a few light age lines and a bit of hook oxidation. Nice two-piece cardboard box correctly marked (GREEN) along both flanks. Vaughn Tackle operated out of Cheboygan, Michigan starting in the early 1930s. 1,500 - 3,000
1278 - WHITE VAUGHN LURE WITH GREEN, RED, & BLACK FLUTES IN BOX
Appearing unused, solid white with colored flutes is a better color on Vaughn lures. Bait measure 3 - 3/4” long and the head still rotates as it should. The box is crisp and in Excellent Minus condition with only a little bit of staining on the bottom portion. 1,500 - 3,000
LOT - 1276
LOT - 1278
LOT - 1279
1279 - VAUGHN’S LURE IN GREY WITH RED, WHITE & GREEN FLUTES
Better color example with just a hint of wear. Measuring 3 - 1/2” long and grading Excellent Minus. 50 - 100
1280 - VAUGHN’S LURE IN BLACK WITH GREEN, WHITE & ORANGE FLUTES
3 - 1/2” Length. Black is one of the toughest of the six catalogued colors and this bait is in Very Good Plus condition. Vaughns were made in Cheboygan, MI from the early 1930s into the 1940s. 50 - 100
1281 - RED BACK WILCOX WIGGLER
With a 4” body and articulating head with a forward tube prop and the unique unbalanced swiveling fin trailing behind, Charles M. Wilcox of New Paris, Ohio, began selling these around 1907. Weighted just in front of the offset hook hanging rig, this attractive bait is finished in a vibrant red, fading to a dark red back and an almost orangish-hued belly. An extremely attractive example with only minimal wear, this Wiggler with perfect glass eyes grades about Excellent Minus. 4,000 - 6,000
1282 - THE WILCOX WIGGLER BY CHARLES M. WILCOX
3 - 1/2” Length. Coming in a nice two-piece cardboard box marked “The Wiggler Mfg Co (Incorporated)”, this 1907 patented lure is finished in a really nice, tight red crackleback pattern. A segmented head and unbalanced tail are responsible for its realistic motion in the water. Condition of the bait is Excellent- to Excellent, having just a little light soiling, with both amber glass eyes being solid. 10,000 - 15,000
LOT - 1281
LOT - 1282
- 1283
1283 - DARK GREEN WILCOX WIGGLER
4” Length. This is the earlier version with the see-through hook rigging and the ribbed latter portion of the body. A single flush mount belly weight, the signature Wilcox unbalanced tail spinner and a rear-oriented tube prop mounted at the front, which is factory correct. Some paint disturbance, mostly on the belly, and both glass eyes are solid. 2,000 - 3,000
1284 - WINCHESTER 5-HOOK UNDERWATER MINNOW IN GREEN CRACKLEBACK
4” underwater model 9216 corresponding to the number stamped on the prop. A very clean 1920s lure, grading about Excellent, with good glass eyes. 400 - 750
1285 - F.C. WOODS 3-HOOK ROUND EXPERT IN MAROON BOX
2 - 3/4” Length. A super hard to find combo featuring the smaller round body minnow with its through brass wires in both directions, soldered line tie, ring bearings, extended rear hook hanger, pointed & holed props, type I removable hooks, three sets of hand-painted gills, and two belly weights. THE “EXPERT” boldly stamped down the left flank and flawless egg yolk glass eyes. The bait appears to be in Very Good Plus or better condition and may benefit from the removal of the dust it has accumulated over the years. The box is correctly stamped “Rainbow” and the paper label on top is one of the cleanest you’ll ever see. 1,500 - 3,000
1286 - F.C. WOODS 5 HOOK THE “EXCELLENTPERT” MINNOW
3 - 1/2” Length. This circa 1907 “improved” variety features the new Type 2 detachable double hooks at the sides so designed as to prevent the hooks rubbing against the body. The rear hook is Type 1 which is the correct factory configuration. In at least Very Good Plus condition with tight agelines, good glass eyes, and extra clean hardware this minnow impresses with well blended paint, “The EXPERT” down the left side, and 3 sets of long, sweeping gill marks. 500 - 1,000
1287 - F.C. WOODS 5-HOOK ROUND EXPERT
3 - 1/2” Length. Really beautiful purplish-crimson sides fading to very dark olive on the back, with an aluminum belly and ribs. “The EXPERT” clearly stamped down the left flank. Original Woods removable hooks wired through the sides. Flawless egg yolk glass eyes, pointed props with holes, ring bearings, and a soldered line tie. Better color Expert in a nice grade, Very Good Plus or higher. 350 - 500
1288 - F. C. WOODS ROUND BODY 5-HOOK EXPERT
3 - 1/2” Length. With Woods 1906 - 1907 Type II hooks at the sides and a rear treble, this is a nice representative example of a Woods 1906-era Expert. Overall, Very Good Plus condition and featuring pointed props with holes, yellow glass eyes, three hand-painted sets of gills, and a single belly weight. 200 - 400
LOT
LOT - 1284
LOT - 1285
LOT - 1286
LOT - 1287
LOT - 1288
LOT - 1291
1289 - F.C. WOODS “THE EXPERT” LURE
3 - 3/4” Length. Two belly weight model having five hooks originally and having had two of them removed, converting the bait to a three-hook model. Aluminum and olive paint with “The EXPERT” clearly down the left side, yellow glass eyes are problem-free, and with holed, Wizard-style props. 150 - 300
1290 - F.C. WOODS MINNOW AND HEDDON 7500 VAMP
The Vamp dates to the late 30s / early 40s and may be partially or even fully repainted, its history is not known. The shorter (3 - 3/4 inch) lure is a circa 1904 Woods Expert. This bait appears to have been factory rigged with 3 oversize hooks, and although the white paint with black gills also appears factory original, there is a slight red hue in areas, hinting possibly at overpaint having been removed at some point. Both baits have solid glass eyes. 400 - 800
1291 - WALTER SCOTT EWERT’S ARTIFICIAL BAIT
4 - 1/4: Length. Patented in 1919 by Ewert, a resident of Los Angeles, CA, it is generally thought that fewer than half a dozen of these baits are known in collections. Two sizes have been found, and this example is the larger of the two. The bait shows some wear from use and grades Very Good or better. 3,500 - 5,500
1292 - SHAKESPEARE A-NOTCH 5-HOOK UNDERWATER MINNOW IN RAINBOW
3 - 5/8” length. C. 1907 example featuring the coveted early model props, sweeping gill marks extending into the cups, see-through cups with the Rhodes patented wire clip hangers, and egg yolk glass eyes, the left having a hairline. Super attractive green back Rainbow finish, two belly weights, and clean, original hardware. This early minnow will make a great display piece and grades a strong Very Good Plus. 1,250 - 2,000
LOT - 1290
LOT - 1292
LOT - 1293
1293 - SHAKESPEARE NO 64 FIVE HOOK MUSKY MINNOW IN PERCH
An impressively large minnow coming in at 5 - 1/4” with all the correct hardware including the oversize front hooks, pointed props, and 2 belly weights. Paint is Excellent Minus / Excellent and large glass eyes are mint. Long sweeping gill marks. It’d be tough to ever upgrade this one.
2,500 - 5,000
LOT - 1289
1294 - SHAKESPEARE NO 1611 WOODEN MINNOW IN CORRECT PICTURE BOX
3 - 3/4” Length. A simply amazing combo dating to c. 1907-09, included is a very rare high forehead five hook underwater minnow along with its correct, equally rare maroon / white extended label picture box. The box is marked “No. 1611 Size No. 2 Five Hooks Red Back White Belly” both on top and on the one end. The minnow is an incredible specimen; aside from a few specks of verdigris on the front left hook, the hardware is pristine. This bait has sparkling A-style props and wire clip side hangers. Its body is vibrant red on top, fading to orange, then yellow, with a whitish belly. Perfect glass eyes, three sets of thin hand painted gills, and almost no age cracks with only a thin paint sliver missing from the belly weight. It would be nearly impossible to upgrade this combo. 10,000 - 15,000
1295 - SHAKESPEARE PUNKINSEED IN INTRO BOX
2 - 3/4” Length. Super rare combo introducing “The New Shakespeare Wooden Minnow Punkin-Seed Fancy Bucktail” Submerged model No 30, Size 1, correctly denoted on the end panel. C. 1911, the bait is in Excellent- condition with the front B Prop, flawless oversized glass eyes, hand-painted gills, and full bucktail dressed rear treble.
5,000 - 10,000
LOT - 1294
LOT - 1295
LOT - 1296
- 1298
LOT - 1297
LOT - 1299
1296 - SHAKESPEARE NO 64 FIVE HOOK MUSKY MINNOW IN GREEN & WHITE
5 - 1/4” Length. In better condition than most larger baits, this beauty grades Excellent Minus with some scattered varnish flakes, and a few pointers. This example uses pointed props and flat plate hook hanging hardware. The glass eyes are blemish-free, there are 3 sets of gill marks, and two belly weights with the paint intact. 3,000 - 5,000
1297 - SHAKESPEARE A-NOTCH NO 43 SUBMERGED WOODEN MINNOW IN RAINBOW
3 - 5/8” length. The Model 43 uses the body of a Model 44 but employs three hooks instead of the normal five. This is a very early example dating from c. 1907. Nice large egg yolk glass eyes, clean A-notch props and one belly weight. Wire clip side hangers and Very Good to Very Good Plus paint, showing a bit of varnish flaking. 1,000 - 1,500
1298 - SHAKESPEARE NO 53 MUSKY MINNOW IN GREEN BACK
A hefty 4 - 1/2” minnow body with 2 belly weights and extra-large hooks. Condition is about Very Good with scattered varnish flaking and perfect glass eyes. Pointed props date this bait to c. 1910s. 1,000 - 1,500
1299 - SHAKESPEARE NO 43 IN BOX
3 - 3/4” Length. 43 Minnow In Green Back In Wood Box. Very nice B-Prop Minnow with clean, excellent hardware and paint to match. Both glass eyes are perfect and the side hooks are held by the flat plate rigging. The paint is still completely on the belly weight and there are 3 sets of perfectly hand painted gills. The box is also very clean, with no problems, and strong readable graphics on the lid. 1,500 - 3,000
LOT - 1300
1300 - SIX SHAKESPEARE KAZOO TROLLING BUGS
Largest” 2” Length. Several different configurations are represented in this diverse lot of rare Shakespeare Bugs. Conditions are generally Very Good Plus or better. An instant collection. 600 - 1,200
LOT
1301 - SHAKESPEARE PUNKINSEED WITH B NOTCH PROP
2 - 5/8” length. No 31 Floating model with no belly weight. Original feathered rear treble, two sets of gills, and massive German amber glass eyes. Both eyes are solid and overall, this circa 1911 bait grades Very Good Plus or better. 500 - 800
1302 - 3 SHAKESPEARE NO 66 KAZOO TROLLING BUGS
All three baits seem barely used, if at all, their feather and hair colors still vibrant. Two of them have the figure four spinner, and all three have 3 hook points. These are the larger versions, their bodies measuring 3” long. Shakespeare marketed these beginning around 1924. 400 - 700
1303 - SHAKESPEARE RHODES NO 33 WOODEN MINNOW
3” Length. Two belly weight example in Good or better condition, dated to around 1909. Brass eyes and cups, a fisherman-added box swivel (can be removed), clean Rhodes props, and pre-nickel plate hooks, one missing a barb. 300 - 600
1304 - SHAKESPEARE PICTURE BOX ONLY FOR RAINBOW WOODEN MINNOW
6” x 2 - 1/2” x 1”. Circa 1910 and noting the transitional model numbers, this box would hold a minnow with 3 inline hooks and either B-style, or pointed props. The color would be brown back, yellow belly, which was Shakespeare’s version of Rainbow at the time. The box has some minor splits and staining and grades Very Good / Very Good Plus. 300 - 600
1305 - SHAKESPEARE ROTARY HEAD BAIT IN RED & WHITE IN OTTER BOX
Very nice 3 - 1/4” bait in Excellent condition, and has the Shakespeare flat plate hardware anchoring the side hooks. Unmarked props and shiny nickel-plated hooks & hardware. Accompanying this bait is a Herbert J. Frost maroon Otter box, in Good Plus condition, unmarked as to model number. 250 - 500
LOT - 1301
LOT - 1302
LOT - 1303
LOT - 1304
LOT - 1305
1306 - SHAKESPEARE WHIRLWIND IN WHITE
1 - 1/4” Length. Catalog number 6 and side hooked using the earlier wire clip hardware, this B-Prop model bait is finished in solid white, which is less common than the solid red or yellow you usually find. What looks to be the original trailing feathered treble is mostly intact and the bait grades strong, uncleaned Very Good and could improve with a cleaning. 250 - 400
1307 - SHAKESPEARE BAIT WOOD BOX
Box: 6” x 2 - 5/8” x 1 - 5/8”. Dating from the Teens, this dovetailed, two-way slide-top box is in Very Good condition, missing a small sliver along the top edge near one corner. Nice printing on the top with no markings or labels on the ends. This box would correctly hold a variety of 1910s baits, including minnows with either “B” or pointed props. 100 - 150
1308 - EARLIEST PFLUEGER NEVERFAIL MUSKALLONGE MINNOW IN GREEN CRACKLEBACK
At 5” long, this beefy Musky Neverfail Minnow was never cataloged and, given its gem clip hangers, was likely produced in the early 1910s, possibly even slightly before that. Unlike their Monarch Minnow cousins, these Musky Neverfails can be differentiated by their concentric, round bodies, as opposed to the Musky Monarch’s shaped body. Some very light oxidation on the hooks, but the body is super clean and grades solid Excellent. This example is incredibly well preserved, and given its condition and rarity, it would be a next-to-impossible task to upgrade. 4,000 - 6,000
1309 - OUTSTANDING PFLUEGER NEVERFAIL MINNOW IN WOOD BOX
3 - 1/2” length. One of the nicest examples of a c. 1907 - 1911 Pflueger Minnow - along with its correct wooden box - you will ever see. The lure looks unfished, and the diagonally marked props, hooks, and small gem-clip hardware are mostly unblemished. The eyes are perfect and the box is in amazing condition. A collector would be hard-pressed to ever upgrade this beautiful combo. 1,700 - 2,500
- 1310
1310 - E.A. PFLUEGER ARROW WOOD MINNOW WITH RED WASHERS
3” Length. C. 1910s-era trade bait manufactured by E.A. Pflueger and retailed by Supplee-Biddle Hardware in Pennsylvania. In fantastic condition, this early three-hook minnow features Neverfail hangers and red washers, which is how E.A. Pflueger rigged them after moving away from the earlier bar-cup hangers. There is a hairline in the left eye and just a little rust on the hooks, the paint pattern is early Perch and the body condition grades Excellent-. Net overall grade is about Very Good+. 1,300 - 1,800
LOT - 1306
LOT - 1307
LOT - 1308
LOT - 1309
LOT
LOT - 1313
1311 - PFLUEGER 4” FLOATING MONARCH MINNOW IN STRAWBERRY
4” Length. Model number 2369, this is the “deluxe” extra spot finish with extra spots and according to The Pflueger Book, this finish would have cost the fisherman a little extra. Very Good Plus or better condition with solid glass eyes and relatively clean hooks. Floating Monarchs can be difficult to find, especially in a better pattern like this. 600 - 1,000
1312 - PFLUEGER / CONGRESS GAME FISH MINNOW IN SOLID RED
3 - 1/2” Length. Pflueger-made five-hook Underwater Minnow retailed by Pennsylvania’s Supplee Hardware Co. Very Good Plus condition, with a few age lines and pointers and hairlines in both eyes. Box is marked “504” on the one end. 500 - 1,000
1313 - PFLUEGER MEADOW FROG ON CARD IN BOX
3 - 1/4” Length. Mint condition No 1741 Frog mounted on its crisp card and its unique original maroon box. The end label is not the typical one you’d expect to find, rather, it is the “LABEL FOR PACKAGES NOT REGULAR PACKING” type. Written in pencil is the correct description of the accompanying lure, suggesting this combo was one of a gross when it left the factory. The box is solid all around and the Frog is a tougher to find variety with Bing’s style weed guards and an external belly weight. 400 - 600
1314 - PFLUEGER 2 HOOK FLOATING MONARCH MINNOW
2 - 3/4” Length. Nice example dating to 1913 with super clean hardware and glass eyes (right is hairlined). Finished in white with red nose, this bait has pointed tube props with the Bulldog on the front spinner, belly Neverfail hanger, and a full bucktail dressed trailing hook. Overall grade is about Excellent Minus. 300 - 600
LOT - 1312
3” length. Gold is not a listed color for this model and should be considered very rare on a Neverfail Minnow. Neverfail hangers and body style indicate this bait was likely made in the teens or twenties. Bait is original, except that the front prop and perhaps line tie have been changed out and there is now a Shakespeare rear-oriented prop in place. This could be easily restored if the new owner wishes to do so. A little bit of hook oxidation and a hairlined right eye have this bait hovering between Very Good Plus and Excellent Minus. 250 - 450 LOT - 1311
LOT - 1314
LOT - 1315
1315 - PFLUEGER NEVERFAIL 3 HOOK UNDERWATER MINNOW IN GOLD
1316 - TWO PFLUEGER 5400 O’BOY BAITS
Each: 2 - 3/4” Length. One in Natural Mullet & the other in Golden Shiner Scale, and both the lighter freshwater versions. Mullet Scale has good glass eyes, some wear towards the belly, and grades Very Good or better. The Golden Shiner is solid Excellent, with perfect glass eyes, and retains a like-new glossy finish. 200 - 400
1317 - PFLUEGER THE “NEVERFAIL” WOODEN MINNOWS LEAFLET
8 - 1/4” x 7”. Likely dating to the 1910s-20s, this rare piece extols the quality, refinement, and durability of Enterprise’s Neverfail minnows. Giving a granular description of the bait’s action, and detailing the eighteen catalogued colors and as well as informing the reader of the add-on bucktail option. Paper shows some clean folds and no rips or tears. Printed on front side only. 200 - 400
1318 - HALF CHARMER WITH BUCKTAIL
1 - 1/2” length. With only a handful of examples known, and possibly none of them other than this one coming in a spotted finish, this “experimental” Charmer was reportedly tested to compete with the Bucktail Bait market of the early teens. With some wear from use, the bait grades around Very Good with solid glass eyes, clean hardware, and a full bucktail. 800 - 1,200
1319 - GREY OVER RED CHARMER BOX
5 - 1/4” x 2 - 3/4” x 2”. One of the rarest Charmer boxes with only a handful known, this example is unmarked as to specific color. In good condition, it shows edge wear, staining on the sides and general wear overall. The grade is Good and it would pair well with several other Charmers in this auction to make an incredible combo. 2,000 - 3,000
LOT - 1316
LOT - 1317
LOT - 1318
LOT - 1319
1320 - MUSKY SIZE 5” CHARMER
In grey head with red spiral over orange tail, this example is not only in nice condition, grading at least Very Good Plus and possibly Excellent Minus, but exceedingly rare in Musky size; to find a Musky Charmer with a Barberpole finish tail section is next to impossible. Two solid white iris glass eyes and super clean hardware imply limited use, if it was even fished at all. You can find this exact bait pictured in Murphy & Edmisten’s blue book on page 180. Truly a prized 115-year-old Musky bait. 10,000 - 20,000
1321 - CHARMER IN WHITE & GREEN IN BOX WITH PAPERS
3 - 1/2” Length. Charmer In White & Green In Box With Papers. An incredible circa 1910 set, not only does this lot come with an outstanding and well-preserved minnow, but also it’s amazing condition, extremely rare, green border box. Appearing unfished and carefully stored, the colors on both the minnow and the box really pop, and the lack of agelines, pointers, or stains suggest a lifetime of careful handling. The bait is solid EX to EX Plus, with the box also grading Excellent. The nickel-plated hardware is clean and both glass eyes are flawless. On one end of the box, there is a handwritten label reading only “Charmer Minnow” and also included are two rare box inserts. 4,000 - 8,000
1322 - CHARMER MINNOW WITH ORANGE BOX
3 - 1/2” length. A desirable Missouri Barberpole bait with it’s even more coveted orange box. The bait itself grades Very Good / Very Good Plus with a bit of the common “alligatoring” and some oxidation on the hardware. The nickel-plated props are original & nice, as are the perfect amber glass eyes. Orange basecoat with the red spiral on the tail section. One of the nicer boxes you’ll find, clean & solid, with what is believed to be “No 11” stamped on one end. 2,000 - 4,000
1323 - BABY CHARMER IN YELLOW AND RED
A true baby-sized Charmer coming in at a diminutive 2 - 3/4” long (some are considered Baby Charmers measuring 3 - 1/8”), and very close in size to the Midget Charmer (2 - 5/8”). This tiny, no-eyed example is among the rarest of any of the Charmer Minnow Co. lures. The unusual diamond-shaped props are original and add to this amazing bait’s uniqueness. Conservatively grading Good, and with very few - if any - comparable in the market. 1,500 - 2,000
LOT - 1320
LOT - 1321
LOT - 1322
LOT - 1323
- 1324
1324 - CHARMER IN WHITE WITH GREEN STRIPES
3 - 1/2” length. A circa-1910 bait from The Charmer Minnow Co. of Springfield, MO. This clean example is in Very Good Plus condition and shows a few flakes on the left side and some very tight age lines but luckily has none of the alligatoring commonly associated with these baits. The nickel props are also clean and both glass eyes are blemish-free. 1,000 - 1,200
1325 - BREDER AND LOYD PATENTED GOLD CHARMER
Measuring 3 - 3/8” and coming in an incredible gold finish over an orange-hued base coat, this rare bait dates to the early teens. Monocolor finishes such as this are exceedingly rare on Charmers. Although showing signs of use, this Good Plus bait is 100% original with good glass eyes and the lure retains most of its factory original finish. 750 - 1,250
1326 - SURFACE CHARMER IN ORANGE WITH GREEN STRIPES
Coming in at 3 - 1/2” and unweighted so it floats, the Surface Charmer is quite a bit less common than its Underwater brother. This example is in Good condition and appears to be completely original. 750 - 1,000
1327 - SURFACE CHARMER IN GOLD HEAD RED STRIPE
3 - 1/2” Length. In a rare configuration with no eyes, no front prop, and a belly hook instead of 2 side hooks. Nice orangish-gold paint with red barberpole stripe. Honest & even patina on the nickel-plated hardware on this c 1910 lure. Strong Very Good Plus. 750 - 1,250
1328 - GOLD CHARMER
3 - 1/2” Length. Mellowed to a deep chocolatey tone with age, and finished with a pine-tree colored barberpole stripe on the tail. Condition is about Excellent Minus, with age lines and a spot at the tail where it looks like a factory paint bubble has flaked. Clean, original hardware and perfect glass eyes, this is one of the tougher colors to find on a Charmer. 700 - 1,000
1329 - CHARMER IN GOLD & RED
Tough “Blunt-Nose” variety finished in a pale gold tone over orange with a thick red barberpole stripe. Nickel clad hardware and solid amber glass eyes. Single belly weight and 3” long, this bait grades Good Plus or better. 500 - 900
LOT
LOT - 1325
LOT - 1326
LOT - 1327
LOT - 1328
LOT - 1329
- 1330
- 1332
1330 - REEL LURE HALF CHARMER
2” Length. The earliest iteration of Springfield Novelty’s Reel Lure, these were initially made around 1930 by rounding down a Charmer tail and factory repainting the nose. The rear prop is a shortened Charmer prop, and the nose weight is slightly wedge-shaped with flat sides. Not many of these intro style baits have been found, and this one is a nice factory original bait in a festive pattern. 200 - 400
1331 - POLLYWOG JUNIOR IN EARLY YELLOW PERCH
3 - 1/4” length. Introduced as part of the Silver Creek line in the early 1920s, this bait migrated to the Moonlight Bait & Novelty Works lineup in about 1924. This color scheme is labeled model number 809 under both Silver Creek and Moonlight catalogs. This example is cleaner than most and the paint, on its own, is Excellent. Both glass eyes do have hairlines though, so net grade is in the Very Good Plus to Excellent Minus range. 1,000 - 1,250
1332 - MOONLIGHT 2005 JOINTED PIKAROON IN UNCATALOGUED CARNIVAL SPOT IN CORRECT BOX
4 - 1/4” Length. This incredible minty combo is described on page 145 in Swartz’s Moonlight book as carrying the “05” color designation intended to represent any uncatalogued color up until 1925, at which point the “05” color was then designated as Rainbow. Also, notice how the other end of the box was initially marked “606”, which would have been for a Luminous 99% Weedless Plug, but then was obviously factory repurposed. A beautiful and fascinating combo with both items in a very high grade. The bait is essentially factory fresh without any hint of wear from use. 750 - 1,000
- 1334
1333 - MOONLIGHT LADY BUG WIGGLER IN RED
Finished in color number 804, red and white with black spots, these highly collectible Wigglers share a unique lip style with the Moonlight Mouse of the 1920s. This Wiggler is 2 - 1/2” long and grades about Excellent Minus with some age lines. 400 - 500
1334 - MOONLIGHT METALLIC BASS SEEKER LURE WITH BOX
4” Length. Beautiful and rare Metallic Perch finish on this circa 1926 bait. The bait is in Excellent Minus condition with super clean hardware and solid glass eyes. Its rare blue box is correctly marked 2603MET on one end. The box is solid on all corners and edges and grades solid Excellent. Of the four metallic patterns, this is the toughest to find.
350 - 700
LOT
LOT - 1331
LOT
LOT - 1333
LOT
- 1337
- 1339
1335 - HEDDON TADPOLLY INTRO BOX
5 - 1/4” x 2 - 1/4” x 1 - 1/8”. Solid on the corners and the seams, this box made its debut in 1918 and would hold an early model with the apple-shaped dive plate and the high-hump line tie. On one end, under Tad Polly Size, the letter “Y” is stamped, and under Baby Tad Size, model “5000” is stamped. The box grades Very Good to Very Good Plus. 200 - 300
1336 - MOONLIGHT POLLYWOG IN WHITE WITH BLACK STRIPES
4 - 1/4” Length. Catalogued as model no. 706, this color is tougher to find than some others. Made in the early to mid-1920s, this example is extra clean, with beautiful and glossy paint. Its left eye does have cracking so the final grade is about Excellent Minus. 250 - 400
1337 - MOONLIGHT NO 2007 JOINTED PIKAROON IN GOLD SCALE
4 - 1/4” length. A tough and desirable color on this very popular bait, the Jointed Pikaroon was first introduced in 1925. Nice original condition and grading Very Good Plus at the very least, maybe better, as this example exhibits less wear than you normally find on these effective fish catchers. Solid glass eyes and clean hardware. 150 - 400
- 1340
1338 - PAW PAW PIKAROON IN PERCH
4” length. 1000 series bait manufactured during the time when Paw Paw had recently transitioned over from Moonlight. These tack-eye versions are considered to be rarer than their glass-eye counterparts due to their short production run. This example is in Perch, and with both eyes flaked grades Very Good to Very Good Plus. You can find a reference to these baits in Stockman & Tougas’ Paw Paw book on page 108. 50 - 75
1339 - PIKE SIZE 4” CHIPPEWA IN GREEN RED YELLOW
4” Length. In absolutely stellar condition, this is one of the finest Chippewas to ever come to auction. Solid Excellent Plus and no upgrade possible. Perfect white iris glass eyes and completely clean, untarnished hardware. 1,000 - 1,500
1340 - 4 - 1/4” PIKE SIZE CHIPPEWA IN SIENNA CRACKLEBACK WITH FROST BOX
Earliest box with “Pat Applied For” and “Stevens Point, Wis.” Is not often found. It is correctly marked for the Fancy Sienna lure it houses and is solid all around with good corners. The box grades Very Good or slightly better. The bait is in Excellent condition with only a few paint slivers off the truss. 98% of the paint remains on the central spinner, both glass eyes are blemish-free, and the hooks are spotless. 2,500 - 3,500
LOT - 1335
LOT - 1336
LOT
LOT - 1338
LOT
LOT
LOT - 1341
LOT - 1343
1341 - 4 - 1/4” PIKE SIZE CHIPPEWA IN GREEN, RED, AND WHITE
4 - 1/4” Length. Excellent- condition bait with some stable age cracking at truss. Dated center spinner with nearly 100% of its original red paint. A little light rust on the hooks and white iris glass eyes are solid. Excellent Minus condition. 1,000 - 1,500
1342 - ALTERED CHIPPEWA BAIT BOX
Box measures 4 7/8” x 1 - 3/4” x 1 - 1/4” and has been either altered and/or poorly restored, including a misspelling of C.J. Frost’s name. 50 - 100
1343 - CHIPPEWA MINNOW WITH WHITE BOX
4” length. Four-inch Pike Size bait in Green Back, Red Sides, White Belly. Two belly mounted double hooks and an oversized rear treble hook. Both glass eyes are solid and center spinner retains its original paint. A beautiful bait grading between Excellent- and Excellent. It’s box grades Very Good Plus / Excellent Minus with a little minor foxing and a couple spots with insect-damaged edges. 2,500 - 5,000
1344 - VINTAGE ALLIGATOR SKIN TACKLE BOX
16” x 7” x 8”. Four fold-out trays with plenty of room for your favorite baits to display. The black and red alligator skin really makes a statement! Excellent Minus condition with minimal wear and slight oxidation to some of the metal parts. 100 - 300
LOT - 1342
LOT - 1344
LOT - 1345
1345 - LARGE WOODEN DISPLAY CASE
36” 24” x 4”. Excellent condition. This is not a standard shippable item and will require 3rd party shipping or pickup arrangements to be made. 100 - 150
- 1346
- 1347 LOT - 1348
- 1350
1346 - SMALL OAK DISPLAY CASE IN EXCELLENT CONDITION
10” x 10” x 3”. Excellent. 50 - 75
1347 - LARGE OAK DISPLAY CASE WITH KEY
36” x 24” x 3 - 3/4”. Excellent condition. This is not a standard shippable item and will require 3rd party shipping or pickup arrangements to be made. 50 - 100
1348 - MEDIUM SIZE CHERRY DISPLAY CASE
18” x 12” x 3 - 1/4”. Excellent condition. 50 - 100
- 1349
- 1351
1349 - MEDIUM SIZE CHERRY DISPLAY CASE
18” x 12” x 3 - 1/4”. Excellent condition. 50 - 100
1350 - MEDIUM SIZE CHERRY DISPLAY CASE
18” x 12” x 3 - 1/4”. Excellent condition. 50 - 100
1351 - HEDDON 300 SURFACE DOWAGIAC MINNOW IN RAINBOW 4” length. Made in about 1905, this high forehead Surface Minnow has the early Rainbow finish with much of the dark back missing. Clean hardware and good glass eyes with three sets of sweeping hand-painted gills and a single belly weight. Good or better condition.
400 - 800
LOT
LOT
- 1352
- 1354
- 1356
- 1353
- 1355
- 1357
1352 - HEDDON 159J FAT BODY DOWAGIAC MINNOW IN RARE FROG SCALE
4” length. A catalogued yet very uncommon color, the condition of this prized 1920’s bait is better than most. A few age lines and some varnish flaking, and with clear, solid amber glass eyes put it in the Very Good Plus grade range. 400 - 800
1353 - HEDDON 5509X GAMEFISHER IN BLUE SCALE
4 - 3/4” Length. Blue Scale was a catalog color on this model only in 1926, and as a result, is very tough to find on a Gamefisher. This example is Very Good / Very Good Plus with scattered pointers & flakes. 500 - 700
1354 - HEDDON 8309WBH ZIG WAG IN WHITE WITH BLACK HEAD
4” Length. An exceptional special-order color on this 1920s three hook model in outstanding condition. Only a tiny bit of bleed-through and a couple age lines on this superb example, with like-new hardware and flawless glass eyes. Rigged with L-hangers on the belly and sporting the black stencil around the middle hook. 500 - 700
1355 - HEDDON 6509P ZARAGOSSA IN SHINER SCALE
4 - 1/4” Length. A high-grade example of one of Heddon’s most popular colors. Circa 1920s 6500 grades Excellent, with solid glass eyes and very clean hardware. Shiner Scale was a catalogued color on the L-Rig Zaragossa only from 1925 - 1929. 500 - 1,000
1356 - HEDDON ZIG WAG IN SOLID RED
4” Length. Retaining most of its original “PAT APP’D FOR” decal on its underside, this model 8304 is in uncatalogued solid red and is among the earliest to be marketed, c. 1927 or 1928. It’s a beautiful bait and grades Excellent, with solid glass eyes and clean hardware. 500 - 1,000
1357 - HEDDON 200SL LUMINOUS RED HEAD IN CORRECT BOX
4 - 3/4” Length. Please refer to Lyons’ book on page 100 for a catalog cut of this bait and its correct factory model number, which you can see prominently stamped on both ends of this c. 1912 - 1915 “Stamped on the Spinners” box. This perfectly coincides with the SL Radiant’s 19131916 production years. The bait is beautifully preserved and with age lines, a single varnish flake, and super clean hardware, grades Excellent Minus to Excellent. 750 - 1,250
1358 - HEDDON 7500RH RED HEAD GREEN CRACKLEBACK VAMP
4 - 1/2” Length. Green Crackleback is a hard-to-find, uncatalogued color on a Vamp. And one with a factory-painted red head is much, much rarer. This example has solid glass eyes, Very Good Plus to Excellent Minus paint, and displays beautifully from either side. 750 - 1,250
1359 - HEDDON 5509V GAMEFISHER IN ORANGE BLACK SPOTS
4 - 1/2” Length. A beautiful condition 1920s bait in a highly desirable color. Solid Excellent grade with super tight, barely noticeable age lines and shiny like-new hardware. There aren’t many other examples of a 5509V approaching this grade and finding one in better preserved condition would be exceedingly difficult. 1,000 - 1,750
1360 - HEDDON 5509PAS GAMEFISHER IN ALLEN STRIPEY
4 - 1/2” Length. Finding this West Coast color on a 5500 is a rare occurrence, and finding one in such nice shape is even rarer. The two-piece flap rigging dates this one to the late 30s or early 40s. A few very tight age lines with super nice hardware result in a solid Excellent grade for this high-demand bait. 1,000 - 1,500
1361 - HEDDON 100 DOWAGIAC UNDERWATER MINNOW IN WILBOURNE SPECIAL
3” Length. A pre 1912 example and very clean, and with an orangish-red back fading to a yellow belly. No name on the props, cup & open eye rig, a single belly weight, perfect glass eyes, and a pair of hand painted gill marks, slightly curled at the tips. A few scattered marks and points and grading Excellent Minus. 1,000 - 1,750
1362 - SMALL HEDDON UNDERWATER EXPERT
Coming in at only 2 - 1/4” long, this is the second, internal bellyweight version introduced in 1903. Brass hardware is all original, and at some point an overcoat of white paint with glitter was added. 1,000 - 2,000
1363 - HEDDON 409L FOUR POINT ICE FISHING DECOY
5 - 1/2” Length. Coming in Perch Scale and in a Downleaping Bass Box, 1924 was the only year when this was a standard catalog color. The decoy is in spectacular condition, especially considering most of these bear at least some scars from a working life. The box is in Very Good condition, with solid corners, and at least one end correctly marked 400L. 1,200 - 2,000
LOT - 1364
LOT - 1366
LOT - 1368
1364 - HEDDON 301 4-HOOK MINNOW IN RAINBOW
4” length. C. 1908 example can be seen on page 73 in The Heddon Legacy book. Early Rainbow finish and one of the earliest examples of Heddon adding extra factory hooks to a Model 300. Glass eyes have hairlines and there is some varnish crazing; the overall grade is Very Good Minus to Very Good. This is an important piece of early Heddon Minnow history. 1,200 - 1,500
1365 - FOUR HEDDON 8500 BASSERS
Each: 4” length. The top-left in Frog Scale grades Excellent Minus with a “Head-On” lip, good glass eyes, L-Rig hardware, and dates to about 1923. The same with the Red Scale example at the top-right. Red Scale was a short run color for this model, only being offered 1922-29, and this example grades Very Good Plus to Excellent Minus. Bottom-left is a no eye model that Heddon made for Abbey & Imbrie in the 1920s. It also has the L-Rig Hangers and grades full Excellent. Finally, in the lower-right there is an uncatalogued Red Head Frog Scale with the “Heddon Basser” lip, L-Rig hangers, and solid glass eyes. 1,500 - 2,500
1366 - HEDDON 8503 BASSER IN SPECIAL ORDER ALUMINUM
4” Length. Aluminum is not a color you’d expect to find on an 8500 Basser, yet here is a wonderful example in nice condition. Dating to the latter 1920s, this extremely rare Basser has clear glass eyes, L-rig hardware, and a “Heddon” marked serrated lip. 1,500 - 2,500
LOT - 1365
LOT - 1367
LOT - 1369
1367 - HEDDON 209R DOWAGIAC SURFACE IN NATURAL SCALE
4 - 3/4” Length. Natural / Mullet Scale was not cataloged on the Heddon 200 Surface Dowagiac. A very tough bait to find, grading Excellent Minus, with a few pointers and good glass eyes. Red belly stencil and Flap Rig hangers date this to WWII era or just before.
1,500 - 2,000
1368 - HEDDON MODEL 301 SURFACE MINNOW IN RAINBOW
3 - 3/4” length. A very early high forehead example dating to 1904. About Very Good or better condition with a bit of varnish flaking and some age lines. Clean hardware and each of the hooks have one clipped barb. Problem-free glass eyes and three sets of thin gill marks.
3,000 - 6,000
1369 - HEDDON 300 HIGH FOREHEAD SURFACE MINNOW IN SOLID WHITE
4” length. This is a very tough color to find on early Dowagiac Minnows. Brass belly cup, nameless props, and good glass eyes. White paint has several touch-ups, giving the bait an overall grade of Good to Good Plus. 2,000 - 4,000
1370 - HEDDON 370 MUSKY S.O.S. MINNOW IN BLACK SUCKER WITH BOX
4 - 3/4” Length. A rare bait in a rare color in a rare box. Uncatalogued Black Sucker finish shows beautifully on this scaled-up SOS, built for musky fishing. Only a few varnish flakes and some age lines, and this bait has perfect glass eyes. Comes with a very nice unmarked and super hard-to-find oversized Downleaping Bass box. 2,500 - 4,000
1371 - HEDDON 3000S SPINDIVER IN STRAWBERRY SPOT
4 - 3/8” length. One of Heddon’s most collected and coveted styles, this example is in “S” or “Spot” color, commonly called “Strawberry” among hobbyists. This bait is in better condition than most, grading Excellent Minus with varnish cracks. 2,500 - 3,500
1372 - HEDDON 8” 7602 MUSKY VAMP IN WHITE WITH RED EYES & TAIL IN INTRO BOX
Outstanding condition circa 1925 bait grading solid Excellent with just a couple tiny pointers. The hardware is bright & shiny and the glass eyes are perfect. A rare bait with an even rarer box. This intro box features the overhanging lid that only comes halfway down the box bottom. Some light traces of a stamp under some pencil markings on one end. The box is solid and in Excellent condition.
4,500 - 6,500
1373 - HEDDON 3009F SPINDIVER IN YELLOW BLACK HEAD
4 - 1/4” length. Coming finished in one of Heddon’s more striking patterns, Yellow / Black Head was never a cataloged color on the 3000 Spindiver. Finding one is next to impossible, as there are only a few in this color currently accounted for. Although this bait shows some varnish flaking, its perfect glass eyes and clean hardware allow it to grade a strong Very Good Plus.
4,000 - 5,000
3 - 1/2” Length. All brass hardware with nickel-plated no name props. Perfect glass eyes, two belly weights and long, sweeping gills. Along with a super nice Type IV wood box, solid all around and with clean graphics, this combo dates to 1905. There is printing on the box end but it is too light to read legibly. 10,000 - 15,000
1374 - HEDDON 150 HIGH FOREHEAD DOWAGIAC UNDERWATER MINNOW IN WOOD BOX
1375 - C. 1904 HEDDON 150 DOWAGIAC UNDERWATER MINNOW IN COPPER WITH BOX
3 - 1/2” length. Introductory model with three bellyweights, brass hardware, and the high forehead profile. Super desirable copper finish is in at least Very Good Plus condition and the hardware displays a wonderful patina. The box, believed to be Type I version (thinner) from the first year’s two known variations, is solid all around and in Good Plus to Very Good Minus condition, mainly due to some fading. A high-end combo representing the very earliest of Heddon’s Underwater Minnow offerings. 10,000 - 20,000
1376 - HEDDON 1904 “THE DOWAGIAC PERFECT CASTING BAITS” PRESENTATION BOX
Box: 6 - 3/4” x 5” x 1 - 1/4”. The holy grail of three-pack presentation kits, this set has everything going for it: from the red velvet lined compartments to the beautiful Black Bass graphic on the lid underside to the rare aluminum finish on three very rare and early Heddon baits. All three baits are in the rare aluminum finish, and all three have brass hardware with gold-washed cups. The two-hook Slopenose / Dowagiac Perfect Surface Casting Bait has a hand-painted red collar held in place by a single pin. The four-Hook Slopenose has the hand-painted red friction fit collar. The Underwater Expert has the internal belly weight and a nice sweeping blade prop. All three baits grade around Excellent Minus and the box is solid on all corners. This exact set is shown in The Heddon Legacy on pages 23 and 64. Without question one of the most important vintage fishing pieces ever to come to auction. 25,000 - 50,000
1377 - THE 13” HEDDON GIANT UNDERWATER MINNOW
The 13 Inch Heddon Giant Underwater Minnow. A titanic, jaw-dropping behemoth, this 8 bellyweight monster is more than a foot long and dwarfs all other Dowagiac Minnows. Affectionately given the name “Big Baby” by a previous owner and obtained from the Heddon family that settled in California, this bait is a one-off special order for fishing in the Pacific. The nameless props and cup rig suggest this piece predates 1912. Oversize glass eyes are unique, and the Rainbow paint pattern, with its equal-size red stripes separated by yellow down the sides is typical of that finish in the 1909-12 seasons. This incredible bait appears to be in all-original condition, with wear from use, and a single missing tine from the front right treble. Almost certainly a unique specimen. If this bait could tell stories, they’d be priceless. 30,000 - 60,000
1378 - HEDDON NIGHT RADIANT MOONLIGHT BAIT IN BOX WITH PAPERWORK
5” Length. Without question one of the rarest and most desirable of all Heddon baits. This exact set is pictured in The Heddon Legacy on page 90 and is described as being one of only a couple with a box and papers to have ever been found. The book goes on to suggest that “Probably a dozen of these baits are known to exist.” This is believed to be a correct and complete c. 1910 kit, the bulbous head bait, with its correctly marked No. 1000 labels at both ends and its “Care & Use” insert along with the “Special Notice” insert advising fishermen to bring their lanterns with them. The bait itself shows no signs of ever having been fished. There are some areas where the paint has flaked, mostly along age lines, therefore grading about net Very Good. It has clear glass eyes and the hardware is spotless. The box is in great condition, as are the two inserts, even allowing for evidence of the paperwork having at one time been pinned at the corners. An extremely impressive, never cataloged package originating from the factory archives. 20,000 - 30,000
1379 - HEDDON 707 MUSKY MINNOW IN SIENNA CRACKLEBACK IN INTRO BOX
5 - 3/8” length. First appearing in 1909, these huge trolling minnows were sturdily built to live a hard life. In large part, this combo has escaped the heavy wear and toothmarks normally associated with such baits, and this 5 3/8-inch bait is among the finest preserved Heddon 700s known. Very tight varnish age lines with minor scattered varnish flakes, the underlying paint is in incredible condition. Considered to be one of Heddon’s most beautiful paint patterns, the sienna crackle is tight, giving way to broad red perch “bars” down the sides. 3 sets of hand painted gill marks and pristine glass eyes. Super clean hardware is all original with 5 massive, factory installed hooks. All 4 belly weights retain all of their original paint. The oversized, introductory box is just as impressive, and it is solid along all edges, and miraculously, absent of the water staining found on the majority of antique boxes. Printed with the matching color and model number, this boxed combo is one of the more extraordinary pieces of fishing history to come to auction. 20,000 - 30,000
1380 - HEDDON 709R SWAYBELLY MUSKY MINNOW IN NATURAL SCALE
4 - 3/4” Length. Seldom seen in this uncatalogued color. Grading somewhere between Very Good Plus and Excellent Minus with paint on all four bellyweights, clear glass eyes, and all original hardware. Only some scattered pointers and tiny flakes at the tail, this bait displays nicely from all angles. 8,000 - 12,000
1381 - HEDDON 700 MUSKY MINNOW IN SIENNA CRACKLEBACK
5” Length. An extremely nice Swaybelly Musky Minnow in a color that was only catalogued from 1909-15. Although intended for trolling for larger fish, this bait clearly didn’t see much action. Although there is a bit of varnish loss, the paint is completely intact over the entirety of the bait, including over all four belly weights. Both props are incised with “Heddon’s Dowagiac” and both amber glass eyes are flawless. Of particular note is the bright, corrosion-free 100% original hardware. Easily grading Excellent Minus and possibly higher. 5,000 - 10,000
LOT - 1380
LOT - 1381
1382 - HEDDON 8” 7606 MUSKY VAMP IN RAINBOW IN BOX
This larger of the two Musky-sized Vamps is cleaner than most you’ll find and comes in its very rare correct oversized box. There are a few small marks over its huge body, but with its clean heavy-duty hardware and perfect glass eyes, this giant easily grades Excellent Minus. The box is solid with some general even wear and grades about Very Good / Very Good Plus. 3,500 - 5,500
1383 - HEDDON 2-HOOK ALUMINUM SLOPENOSE
This c. 1902 bait features all brass hardware and a hand-painted friction-fit aluminum collar. Lure measures 4 - 1/4” long and condition is about Very Good Minus to Very Good. An extremely rare and early bait in a highly desirable color. 3,000 - 5,000
1384 - HEDDON KILLER MAROON BOX TRADE BAIT
3 - 1/2” Length. This Heddon product, which was retailed by VL & A, is seldom seen. The bait is a 100% correct Heddon Trade Minnow, with the rounded line ties, two gill marks on each side, unmarked South Bend-shaped props, and the thick, rounded body. Both eyes are clear, and aside from a couple minute age lines and a tiny bit of bleed-through on the belly, this bait is nearly like new. The diamond border maroon box is an even rarer and highly collectible gem. The white label extends down one end and has the VL & A model number “5002” clearly stamped. Not many packages like this are known, especially not this nice. 2,500 - 4,000
LOT - 1385
LOT - 1387
LOT - 1389
1385 - HEDDON SPINDIVER 3009K IN GOLDFISH SCALE
4 - 1/4” length. Made from 1918 - 1927, but this color was only catalogued from 1920 - 1923. A beautiful example with bright orange back, yellow underside and full gold scales wrapping around the belly. Rear hook is hung on the earlier Stolley patent hanger, used before they switched to the screw eye rear hanger. There’s a little wear and the grade is full Very Good Plus, bordering on Excellent Minus. Both amber glass eyes are solid. 2,000 - 3,000
1386 - HEDDON 1300 BLACK SUCKER
5 - 1/2” length. C. 1923 version with L-rig hangers, an absolutely beautiful example of one of Heddon’s most prized baits. In Black Sucker finish and with very little wear, it’d be difficult to find a nicer one. With perfect glass eyes and gleaming hardware, it’s hard to imagine this bait ever having been fished. Some tiny chips at the nose, but otherwise this Sucker grades full Excellent. 2,000 - 3,000
1387 - BEAUTIFUL HEDDON 6509N ZARAGOSSA IN DACE SCALE.
Excellent condition and striking color combine to make this 4 - 1/4” long lure a standout in anyone’s collection. Pristine glass eyes and early belly stencil. 1,500 - 2,500
LOT - 1386
LOT - 1388
LOT - 1390
1388 - HEDDON 107 DOWAGIAC UNDERWATER MINNOW IN SIENNA CRACKLEBACK IN WOOD BOX WITH INSERT
2 - 3/4” Length. A super clean example in the correct marked “FANCY SIENNA YELLOW” box. The bait is in solid Excellent condition, with its sienna crackled back fading to orange sides, giving way to the yellow belly. Full paint on the belly weight, two sets of hand-painted gill marks, clean hardware, and flawless glass eyes. The Type V wood box is in very nice condition and dates to 1907. The set also comes with a nice period-correct “THE WHY OF IT!” insert with some minor wear and light staining. Really an outstanding investment-grade combo. 1,500 - 1,800
1389 - HEDDON 8” 7609R MUSKY VAMP IN NATURAL SCALE
This larger of the two, and much more desirable 8” version of the Heddon Musky Vamp is finished in attractive Natural Scale with brightly painted red eyes. Hardware is complete and original and shows a tiny bit of legitimate wear from light use. Both glass eyes are solid and the finish grades about Excellent Minus. 1,500 - 2,000
1390 - HEDDON 3009D SPIN DIVER IN GREEN SCALE
4 - 1/4” length. Only cataloged in Green Scale over the 1921 - 1923 seasons. Age lines, a few varnish bubbles on the back, clear glass eyes, and clean hardware all combine to net this great bait a grade of Very Good Plus. 1,000 - 1,500
1391 - HEDDON 7309GRH JOINTED VAMP IN BLACK WITH RED HEAD
Special order color on this 4 - 3/4” Joint Vamp that has the huskier body profile dating to 1931 - 1932. The paint is Excellent with just minor imperfections, the hardware shows a little oxidation, and the glass eyes are blemish-free. 1,000 - 1,500
1392 - HEDDON LIGHT 6 BAIT ASSORTMENT IN RARE BOX
Box: 8 - 1/2” x 5 - 3/4” x 1”. All six baits included grade around Excellent. Each bait has its own named compartment in this super rare boxed set of baits. Two Heddon-Stanley Aces, two Baby Gamefishers, and two Baby Vamps, all in the correct colors corresponding to the codes in the compartments. Great “Smallmouth Black Bass” graphics and suggestion that these baits are the best to be used with a Heddon split bamboo rod. Box is solid and overall, Very Good Plus with a little staining and some light interior foxing. The glass eyes on the Vamps are all clear, the joints on the Gamefishers are clean, and both Aces are untarnished. 1,000 - 3,000
1393 - HEDDON 109C DOWAGIAC UNDERWATER MINNOW IN IMITATION CRAB
3” Length. Not to be confused with Bar Perch, where the “bars” slant the other direction, this Crab pattern is extremely rare to find on a Dowagiac Minnow. Pristine hardware and perfect glass eyes. Paint is Excellent- with only some agelines and varnish flakes. A seldom seen Heddon Special. 1,000 - 2,000
1394 - HEDDON 8500 AND 8509A BASSERS
Each: 4 - 1/4” Length. The top lure is a special-order color, Bar Perch was never catalogued at any point on a Basser up to The War. This bait has some tight age lines, a “Heddon Basser” dive plate, super clean hardware, and perfect glass eyes, and grades fully Excellent. The bottom bait is earlier and sports the “Head-On” dive plate (dating it to 1922-23). Fancy Green Back was only a catalogued color for one year (1922) further narrowing the date range on this one. It’s got the noticeably slender, tapered body and grades Excellent Minus to Excellent. 1,000 - 2,000
LOT - 1394
LOT - 1392
LOT - 1393
1395 - FOUR RARE HEDDON BASSERS
Largest” 4” Length. Upper left is an 8409L Plunking Basser in Perch Scale. Its got solid glass eyes, two-piece hardware, measures 3” long, and grades Excellent Minus. Upper right is also a Plunking Basser, an 8400 special order in White with Black Head. This lure also has solid glass eyes, Flap-Rig hardware, measures 3” long, and grades Excellent Minus. Bottom left is an 8500S Basser in Spotted or Strawberry, and this was a short run production color from 1926-32 and 1938-40. Fitted with short-run bar hangers and the “Heddon” dive plate. This example has perfect glass eyes and grades solid Excellent. Lower right is a mid-1930s 8529XRY Salmon Basser in special order Red & Yellow Shore Minnow. It’s fitted with string rig hangers, trailer thumbtack, “Heddon” lip (with some verdigris), solid glass eyes, and it grades about Excellent Minus. 1,500 - 2,500
1396 - STUNNING HEDDON 8509H HEAD-ON BASSER IN RED SCALE
4” Length. Coming in its correct marked Downleaping box, this combo features matching vibrant box stamps on both ends and the misspelling “is’nt”, which dates it to pre-1924. The Basser was introduced in 1920 and the earliest examples - such as this one - say “Head-on” on the lip. You’d be hard-pressed to ever upgrade the combo, with the lure grading Excellent and having clear eyes and clean hardware. 750 - 1,500
1397 - HEDDON 124 BABY TORPEDO IN SOLID RED
3 - 1/2” Length. Rarely seen special order 1920s bait, Torpedos were never catalogued in Solid Red. This example is Very Good+/Excellentwith a couple blemishes, paint still completely on the belly weight, and a hairline in the left eye. Extra clean nickel-plated hardware indicating limited, if any use at all. 750 - 1,250
1398 - HEDDON 8300 ZIG WAG IN GREEN CRACKLEBACK WITH BOX
4 - 1/4” Length. Very rare special-order color, having never been offered as standard, and dating to the 1920s. Solid glass eyes on this Excellent condition bait, with L-rig hangers and red stylized belly stencil. Box is solid and shows some tacklebox wear, and is marked 8309 on one end. A green pocket catalog and the Guaranteed Fish Getter tag are also included. 750 - 1,500
LOT - 1396
LOT - 1397
LOT - 1398
LOT - 1395
- 1403
1399 - HEDDON 302RH SURFACE DOWAGIAC MINNOW
3 - 3/4” length. Two c. 1920s L-rig hangers on the belly are an unusual variation for a Surface Dowagiac of this era, as it is shown in the catalogs with only two hooks. Strong Excellent Minus condition with blended red head into the white body, which has nicely yellowed with age. A hairline in the left eye, clean hardware and a single belly weight positioned closer to the middle hook. 500 - 1,000
1400 - HEDDON 1300 BLACK SUCKER
6” Length. An old repaint that is now starting to show some agelines. Unmarked with clear glass eyes. 500 - 1,000
1401 - LOUIS CHAPLEAU PROTOTYPE SOUTH BEND BAIT
2 - 1/2” Length. Attributed to the superintendent of manufacturing at South Bend Bait Company until 1953, this bait has a “Bug” type appearance with a hollowed-out face to make it plunk and dive. Finished in Chapleau’s recognizable Frog Spot pattern. 200 - 500
- 1400
3” x 2” x 2”. Beautiful condition and marked with a “G” on the foot. Aluminum thumb rest and ivory counterbalanced handle. 100 - 200 LOT - 1399
- 1402
- 1404
1402 - HEDDON 5400S BABY GAMEFISHER IN STRAWBERRY SPOT
4” Length. “Spotted” was never a catalogued color on the 5400. This example grades Excellent- with tight age lines and a few varnish pops. L-rig hangers date it to the 1920s. Marked “Heddon’s Game Fisher” on the dive plate. 500 - 800
1403 - HORTON MFG CO NO 3 BLUE GRASS BAIT CASTING REEL IN BOX
Reel: 3 - 3/4” x 3”. Serialized on the underside of the foot with No. 14133. Handmade and in nice, uncleaned condition with jeweled end caps. Click and drag functions and has an ivory counterbalanced handle. Box is in rough shape. 200 - 400
1404 - HORTON MFG CO NO 34 BLUE GRASS SIMPLEX FREE SPOOL BAIT CASTING REEL
LOT - 1406
LOT - 1407
1405 - 5” MUSKY SIZE IMMELL CHIPPEWA
Coming in its correct box marked “66-S / Fancy Green Back, Spotted Sides”. A visually stunning bait with the usual flaking along the metal parts and some scattered pointers elsewhere, the bait grades conservatively at least Very Good. However, it displays particularly well with its striking pattern, clean hardware, and solid glass eyes. The box is solid on all corners and is perhaps even tougher to find than the lure. 4,000 - 8,000
1406 - LARGE SIZE JOHNSON AUTOMATIC STRIKER LURE IN BOX
3” Length. Housed in a crisp green box, this lot includes a disassembled small-sized Automatic Striker along with several extra lips. This mechanical bait was invented by Carl A. Johnson of Chicago, Illinois about 1935. 1,500 - 2,000
1407 - JOHNSON’S FLYROD AUTOMATIC STRIKER JUNIOR IN GREEN & YELLOW
An outstanding, near mint example made in Chicago, IL c 1940s-50s. It’s marked on the noseplate and the hair tail is full and clean. The body measures 1 - 3/4” long which is considered the flyrod size, slightly smaller than the 2” Baby size. 125 - 250
1408 - K&K ANIMATED MINNOW GHOST IN GOLD
LOT - 1408
LOT - 1409
An extremely rare and correct factory configuration, “The Ghost” features the typical K&K weighted nose, but instead of the pin, it features a mooring clip for the front double hook. It also has a factory-installed, dressed, oversized rear treble hook. The solid egg yolk glass eyes and virtually unheard-of orangish-gold paint finish round out this extraordinary bait. It is 2.75 inches long and grades Good or better. 1,000 - 1,250
1409 - K&K ANIMATED MINNOW IN BOX WITH PAPERWORK
This diminutive 3 - 1/2 inch “Minoette” is K&K’s smaller version of their Animated Minnow. This example is in remarkably good shape considering all the moving parts; even the nose weight retains most of its original paint. Finished in Green Back, Aluminum Belly with K&K’s signature scratch-coat scales in the green section. Both yellow glass eyes are perfect and all 3 double hooks are original, earning it a grade of Excellent Minus. The red pasteboard picture box can be considered very rare and is correctly marked on both end flaps as well as on top. The box is in Very Good condition with a bit of insect damage to the label edges near the bottom, and one end flap separated on two sides. Included is an Animated Minnows insert, complete, but with some creases and separations. 1,000 - 1,500
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LOT - 1412
1410 - K&K ANIMATED MINNOW IN BLACK & RED
4 - 1/4” length. Considered to be the very first commercially-made, jointed minnow, these made their debut in 1907. This example comes in the visually-appealing red belly, black back finish and is in Very Good Plus / Excellent Minus condition. There are a few flakes here and there, and the nose weight still retains almost all of its original finish. All 3 factory-blackened double hooks appear original, and all 3 mooring pins are still intact. Both egg yolk glass eyes are blemish-free. Machinestamped metal forked tail is still firmly locked into place. 750 - 1,000
1411 - THE KALAMAZOO FISHING TACKLE MFGS NUMBER 1 MINNOW
2 - 3/4” length. Dating to 1903, this 120+ year old minnow features unmarked props, long brass fore & aft screw eyes anchoring the side hooks, painted flat rim cups, perfect glass eyes, two belly weights, and 3 sets of hand applied gill marks. Overall grade on this historically important classic is Very Good / Very Good Plus. 1,000 - 1,250
1412 - KALAMAZOO FISHING TACKLE RHODES UNDERWATER MINNOW IN RED
2 - 3/4” Length. A 3-belly weight example with solid yellow glass eyes, this circa 1903 minnow employs flush-mount side cups and long brass screw eyes which secure the side hooks. Unmarked floppy props are balanced by ring bearings and a tube extension at the rear keeps the treble hook from fouling the prop. Nicer than most, this bait grades Very Good Plus or better. 1,000 - 1,500
1413 - KEELING 3-HOOK FLAT EXPERT MINNOW IN WHITE
2 - 1/2” long and in super-tough-to-find all white, this appears to be the very minnow pictured in Murphy’s blue book on page 64. Every part of this minnow is clean, its amber glass eyes are flawless, and its condition is solid Excellent to Excellent Plus, a prized grade for an early Keeling minnow. 300 - 600
LOT - 1413
LOT - 1414
1414 - KETCH EM 3-HOOK WOOD MINNOW IN WOOD BOX
3” length. The lure is a Pflueger Wizard, branded as a “Ketch Em Minnow”, and sold through Simmons Hardware of St Louis, Missouri. Wizards were produced from about 1903 to about 1914, this example being one of the earlier ones. Through-wired and wrapped in both directions. Three hand-painted gill marks on each side with nice, clear egg yolk glass eyes. Early Pflueger tube props with faceted prop bearings and two belly weights. Overall the lure grades Very Good Plus to Excellent Minus with a little bit of wear. The wooden “Trade” box is in great shape and labeled for model “K.M. 5”. 1,500 - 2,000
1415 - THE KILLER WOODEN MINNOW IN ALUMINUM
4” Length. Thin-body 150 with cup rig hook hangers and nameless pointed props, with solid glass eyes and a pair of hand painted gills. The hardware is exceptionally clean, and the rare aluminum finish is beautiful, with a metallic sheen up the sides, transitioning to a bluish-slate back. The belly weight paint is completely intact and the lure grades Excellent with a couple pointers and age lines. The “Killer” Wooden Minnow box is among the rarest in Heddon’s history, and it is thought that these were intended for distribution to secondary retailers. The box is solid at all seams and corners, is unmarked as to specific color, and grades about Excellent Minus. The combo dates to about 1908-10. 2,000 - 4,000
1416 - KINNEY BIRD IN NATURAL BAR FINISH
4” Length. This example was painted by The Heddon factory in the late 1920s and is in a pattern called “Natural Bar” finish, which is similar to, but not quite, Natural Scale. Natural Bar was devised by Heddon specifically for this bait. Comes in an Upleaping Bass box which has been sealed in plastic for protection. This plastic can be removed if desired.
6,000 - 10,000
1417 - REDWING BLACKBIRD KINNEY BIRD
A creation of Herbert Kinney of Tampa, Florida, starting in 1919 and originally produced under the name “H.A. Kinney Co.”, this legendary classic was not patented until his partnership with Heddon began in about 1927. By then, Kinney’s outfit was called “Old Hickory Rod & Tackle”, and with Heddon now painting each Kinney Bird, they took on a much more “finished” look. Heddon is known to have painted at least five distinct patterns on the Kinney Bird, but this relationship between the two was only to last between one and two years. There are two known sizes of Kinney Bird, this one coming in at the larger 4 - 1/8”. This example grades Very Good to Very Good Plus with a bit of varnish flaking and light hardware oxidation. Both glass eyes are blemish free. Originally advertised as “The World’s First Bird Lure”, this iconic bait with Michigan and Florida connections stands as one of the most coveted in Luredom.
6,000 - 10,000
LOT - 1415
LOT - 1418
LOT - 1420
1418 - HERBERT KINNEY BIRD LURE IN RAINBOW PAINTED BY HEDDON
LOT - 1419
LOT - 1421
4” Length. Late 1920s bait has a hairline in the left eye and significant varnish flaking with fairly clean hardware. 1,500 - 2,000
1419 - KINNEY’S BIRD LURES FOR GAME FISH ADVERTISING FLYER
Measuring 6” x 9 - 3/4” and in fantastic condition. Featuring the hand stamped “This BIRD a fishing lure” with the patent date and “HEDDON FINISH”. This rare insert would nicely compliment any boxed Kinney Bird painted by Heddon. 400 - 800
1420 - KONO MFG CO MYOPIC MINNOW WITH GLASSES
LOT - 1422
3 - 1/4” Length. Edward W. Smith of Charleston, South Carolina started his Kono Manufacturing Co. in the 1950s while serving in The Navy and living in the housing units on the Naval Base. His unique design for a fishing lure was granted patent number 171,062 in January of 1953. The Minnow came in two sizes, this being the larger of the two. This example grades Excellent and most importantly, still sports its original thick-framed glasses 100 - 150
1421 - LANE’S AUTOMATIC MINNOW
Produced by the C.W. Lane Manufacturing Co of Madrid, New York, this ingenious Mechanical Minnow has a forked tail that spins as it is pulled through the water, which connects to its side fins, generating a swimming movement. The tail is boldly stamped with the patent date, and the clip on the back that holds the lone double hook is still intact and functioning. The yellow glass eyes are both solid and the 2 - 1/2” long body is in about Excellent condition and rates among the nicest Lane Automatics you’ll ever see. 1,000 - 1,500
1422
- ED LASEK HONEYBEE
2” Length. Shown in Dr. Smith’s blue Creek Chub book on page 200 in the “Prototypes” section, these are described as a “modification of the Cray-Z-Fish that was tested but never marketed”. Collectors have since learned that this rare bait was in fact sold by an outfit called “Ed Lasek’s Tackle Box Baits. He called his namesake lure the Honey Bee and sold it for $1.35. Boxes have been found and the graphics suggest a late 1950s – early 1960s production era. Ed Lasek operated out of 1319 Locust Drive in Columbus, Indiana. The example here is in excellent condition with it’s great black & yellow bug pattern, red bead eyes, Cray-Z-Fish lip, and all 4 rubber legs still intact. 300 - 600
- 1423
- 1424
- 1425
1423 - ED LASEK HONEYBEE
1 - 7/8” Length. Shown in Dr. Smith’s blue Creek Chub book on page 200 in the “Prototypes” section, these are described as a “modification of the Cray-Z-Fish that was tested but never marketed”. Collectors have since learned that this rare bait was in fact sold by an outfit called “Ed Lasek’s Tackle Box Baits. He called his namesake lure the Honey Bee and sold it for $1.35. Boxes have been found and the graphics suggest a late 1950s – early 1960s production era. Ed Lasek operated out of 1319 Locust Drive in Columbus, Indiana. The example here is in excellent condition with it’s great yellow & black bug pattern, red bead eyes, Cray-Z-Fish lip, and all 4 rubber legs still intact. 300 - 600
1424 - LEROY YAKELY 2 HOOK BAIT WITH BOX IN RED & YELLOW
You can find this exact lure in Dudley Murphy’s Blue Book on page 263. LeRoy Yakely lived in Syracuse, NY, and was the patent holder for the famous Rush Tango. He did, however, make other baits, and this is one of them. Measuring 3 3/8” and dating to about 1914, this great little bait features a red head and yellow body separated by a thin strip of silver paint, Brass nose & tail caps, the front one painted red, and white hatpin eyes. Belly double hook is attached with a screw eye & cup, and there is a rear treble hook. There is a single belly weight with a tiny hole in it for some unknown purpose, and the tube prop is thickly painted white. The bait grades Very Good / Very Good Plus and accompanying it is an unmarked wood box in excellent condition. 2,500 - 5,000
- 1426
1425 - 3 MACATAWA BAITS NEW IN BOXES
Made in Holland, MI since the 1970s, up for auction are three beautifully-made New-In-Box examples. There’s a 5 - 1/4 inch Redfish, a Perch, and a Mayfly. All glass & bead eyes are flawless. 250 - 400
1426 - MARVELOUS MAROON BOX PFLUEGER MINNOW
Marked “3 Yellow Perch” on the lid, this is the box Pflueger would have used to supply to one of their retailers with a Trade Minnow. This particular cardboard box should hold a minnow with Neverfail hangers. Such a minnow in Yellow Perch should not be too hard to find, rewarding its new owner with nice trade combo. 300 - 500
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1427 - MILLER’S REVERSIBLE MINNOW IN YELLOW WITH GOLD SPOTS
A nice circa 1915 example made after Pflueger became involved in the production of these baits. 4 - 1/2” long and consisting of 3 distinct body sections, the lower two supporting the unique Miller props, designed to rotate in opposite directions to one another. One prop is brass, the other is nickel-plated. The side hooks are hung with Neverfail hangers and the oval screw eyes and barrel swivel are also Pflueger. Showing just a tiny amount of wear, this iconic lure grades Very Good Plus at the very least, and an argument could be made for grading it Excellent Minus. 1,500 - 3,000
1428 - MILLER’S REVERSIBLE SPINNER IN MAROON BOX
From the Union Springs Specialty Co. of Lake Cayuga, New York, made starting about 1914. This factory fresh set includes a minty bait, nice maroon picture box, and Practical Bait Casting insert. Essentially the same spinners you’d find on the Miller’s Minnow factory mounted on a 3 - 3/4” brass wire shaft. 600 - 900
1429 - INCREDIBLE MYERS & SPELLMAN MINNOW IN BOX
This circa 1915 Minnow is the offering of Ed Myers and Jack Spellman of Shelby, Michigan who co-owned a Ford dealership there. “Myers” is prominently stamped onto the bait’s top side and the overall condition of the minnow is approaching pristine. It grades solid Excellent with super clean paint and hardware with the body of the bait measuring 3 - 1/4” long. The box’s label correctly matches the lure and it’s hard to imagine ever being able to upgrade this combo. 5,000 - 10,000
LOT - 1428
LOT - 1429
1430 - NIFTIE MINNIE IN BOX WITH PAPER
4 - 3/8” Length. Joseph M Ness’s contribution to the clear minnow tube craze of the teens and twenties. In outstanding condition and with ornately marked propellors, this Minneapolis, MN made minnow features nickel plated nose & tail caps connected by a belly strip and two laterally running rods, to which the hook hangers are affixed. The center section is a see-through celluloid tube intended to house a live minnow for extended use. The box is minty and looks factory fresh, as does the exceedingly rare, crisp insert. It would be almost if not impossible to ever upgrade this set. 2,000 - 4,000
1431 - F. A. PARDEE “BASS BAIT” STRING TIED MINNOW
3 - 3/4” Length. Debuting in the summer of 1900, this rare and coveted early American minnow survives in wonderful condition. From its German silver props with red glass spacers to its perfect egg yolk glass eyes, it appears to be completely original. The string-tied side hooks also appear to be original to the bait. The beautiful silver finish with brown gill and back accents will grade about Excellent Minus, and with something like 10 examples known, this beauty is among the best you’ll ever see.
6,000 - 12,000
1432 - JOE PEPPER JOINTED YANKEE AERO BAIT IN BOX
Finished in white body with red head, grading a solid Excellent condition and coming in an unmarked, white two-piece cardboard box consistent with the c. 1915 production date of the lure. Listed in Pepper’s catalog at 4 - 1/2”; however, this bait actually measures a diminutive 3 - 3/8”. This bait is set apart by its extraordinary condition - which is not common among Pepper baits - as well as its uncatalogued size.
500 - 1,000
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- 1434
- 1436
1433 - JOE PEPPER NATIONAL MINNOW IN GOLD SPOTTED
This 3 - 3/4” minnow is seldom seen in this color. These were made prior to 1910 and were also sold by other retailers and called the Manhattan or Vim Minnow. The bait is through-wire rigged in both directions and looks to be completely original. Flawless glass eyes and clean hardware. 200 - 400
1434 - PONTIAC RADIUM 3 HOOK UNDERWATER MINNOW
3” length. A product of The Pontiac Manufacturing Company based in Michigan, the circa 1909 Radium Minnows were so named as the paint used in some of the finishes was radioactive and would therefore glow. This example is finished in non-radioactive solid red with a dark back. These baits have uniquely-shaped, lobed props and the side hooks are fastened by inserting a screw through the hook eye and using a wide-rim washer to reduce friction wear. Both yellow glass eyes are solid and the paint is off the single belly weight. A great example grading Very Good to Very Good Plus. 700 - 1,000
1435 - LITHOGRAPH POSTER OF A LEFT LEAPING
This lithograph is shown in The Heddon Legacy on page 273. It measures 14” x 22” and is mounted within a tasteful dark wood frame. 300 - 1,000
1436 - MEDIUM OAK DISPLAY CASE
18” x 12” x 3 - 1/4”. Excellent condition. 50 - 100
1437 - MEDIUM SIZE CHERRY DISPLAY CASE
18” x 12” x 3 - 1/4”. Excellent condition. This is not a standard shippable item and will require 3rd party shipping or pickup arrangements to be made. 50 - 100
1438 - SMALL WOODEN DISPLAY CASE
9” x 6” x 3 - 1/4”. Excellent condition. 50 - 75
LOT - 1433
BASS PROMOTING HEDDON’S 200 SURFACE LURE
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1439 - HUGE 14 - 1/2 INCH WOODEN FLOAT
An unusually large float measuring well over a foot long tip to tip. Finished in yellow with a red center stripe and black banding. Condition is Excellent plus and it does not appear to have ever been used.
300 - 750
1440 - RARE MASTER-KASTER PUMP ACTION ROD & REEL COMBO
Produced by the Utility Mfg Co in Wheeler, OR, this invention of Dr Harvey Rinehart and Joseph C. Berry (patent 2028311 circa 1936) was intended to provide fishermen with arthritis a way to fish with less pain. Made of rustproof Monel metal, this is model number 2, the smaller of the two sizes made. The pump action works smoothly and the rod is branded serial number 487. 200 - 400
1441 - MEDIUM WOODEN DISPLAY CASE
Excellent condition. 50 - 100
1442 - SMALL WOODEN DISPLAY CASE
10” x 5” x 3 - 1/4”. Excellent condition. 50 - 75
1443 - SMALL WOODEN DISPLAY CASE
8” x 8” x 3 - 1/4”. Excellent condition. 50 - 75
1444 - ORNATE WICKER CREEL
14” x 10” x 12”. Stamped Bill Lawrence III , Geo. Lawrence’s Great Grandson, and dated 3-3-04. Bill Lawrence III (1933-2022) was a noted leatherworker himself, and had many philanthropic efforts he supported with the proceeds from selling his creels. This example is expertly crafted and many of the details pay tribute to George Lawrence’s fine, earlier work. This creel is in excellent, unused condition.
500 - 1,500
LOT - 1439
LOT - 1440
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LOT - 1444
1445 - RED, WHITE, AND BLUE FISHING ROD & REEL COMBO
Shakespeare No 1975 Model DH Levelwind baitcasting reel in patriotic colors, and in near mint condition. Mounted onto an Orchard Industries Action-Rod, also in patriotic red & white, also in near mint condition. 50 - 100
1446 - LARGE PAINTED BLUE WOODEN HUTCH
This is a custom made lure display case that Wayne had made for his prized collection. Nice heavy shelves. Lighted. This is not a standard shippable item and will require 3rd party shipping or pickup arrangements to be made. 1,000 - 4,000
1447
- HEDDON 301 SIX HOOK COAST MINNOW IN RAINBOW
3 - 1/2” length. An unbelievable Heddon factory creation, the rainbowcolored body is that of the Heddon 300 Surface Minnow, but in the special order six-hook configuration requested by Musky fisherman. But then further taking this bait off the charts into a category unto its own is the addition of factory-installed heavy-duty Coast Minnow prop shafts, fore and aft, giving this behemoth the appearance of a substantial and very capable large gamefish bait. Solid glass eyes, a few small flakes, and two clipped tines on the rear hook. This incredibly rare bait grades around Excellent Minus. 1,000 - 2,000
1448
- HEDDON 7509X IN BLUE SCALE
4 - 1/2” Length. Beautiful steel-blue tone to the scales, solid glass eyes, and clean hardware. It has a few age lines and it’s missing a rear hook, which is easily replaced. It grades at least Very Good+, maybe higher depending on how you feel about age lines. Housed in its nice, solid Downleaping Bass box, which is correctly stamped 7509X in red ink on both ends. 1,000 - 1,500
LOT - 1445
LOT - 1446
LOT - 1447
LOT - 1448
1449 - HEDDON C8502, S8509P, AND 8509LUM RET BASSERS IN BOXES
4 - 1/4” Length. Three more rare, beautiful Bassers, all in higher grades, all with the “Heddon Basser” dive lip, and all having perfect glass eyes. All three boxes are believed to be correctly marked, the S8509P denoting the Saltwater rigging. The LUM RET example has a coating of the dust this finish produces with age, and could clean. Boxes are all solid on all corners and seams and all grade between Very Good Plus and Excellent. A Heddon red border catalog and Night Glowing Bait insert are also included with this lot.
1,500 - 2,300
1450 - HEDDON 7505RH VAMP IN YELLOW BODY RED HEAD
4 - 1/2” length. Never a cataloged color on a Heddon Vamp, this rare WWII-era example is as nice as you’ll ever find. Solid Excellent condition with gleaming hardware and clear glass eyes, this example was probably never fished.
1,500 - 2,000
1451 - HEDDON 100S WHITE STRAWBERRY SPOT DOWAGIAC UNDERWATER MINNOW
3” Length. Better condition than most you’ll find this one easily grades strong Excellent- to Excellent. Premium color (White Spotted is an uncatalogued color on this bait), clean hardware, and clear glass eyes all make this bait a top tier example. 2,000 - 3,000
1452 - HEDDON 151 DOWAGIAC UNDERWATER MINNOW IN RAINBOW IN CORRECT PINE TREE BOX WITH INSERT
4” Length. Super tough one-year-only (1912) set that includes an Excellent- Dowagiac UWM in rainbow with cup rig hangers and the name on the prop, the first year to do so. The set also includes the correctly marked 151 Left-Leaping Bass / Pine Tree Box, also only made in 1912. Finishing off the package is the 1911-12 Dowagiac insert in about Very Good condition. 3,000 - 4,000
LOT - 1450
LOT - 1451
LOT - 1452
LOT - 1449
1453 - HEDDON C. 1919 SALESMAN DISPLAY CASE WITH 24 BAITS
Case: 31” x 26” x 2”. 1919 Salesman Display Case With 24 Baits. Presenting this case as it was formerly displayed, bidders please note that the 1915 date on the case is not correct, as the Baby Lucky 13s included were not introduced until 1919. The case is complete, with no missing baits. All the baits are mounted without hooks except for the 2509L and the 150. Some of the baits do show age lines as a result of humidity changes over its lifetime, but they are minor. A couple show a little varnish flaking as well. All baits are secured with anchoring screws through the screw eyes so as not to damage the baits. The inside of the case is lined with an attractive black leather-like material, and each model number is hand drawn in white next to each bait. A truly unique and important piece of Heddon history. 8,000 - 12,000
1454 - HEDDON 1300 BLACK SUCKER MUSKY MINNOW WITH BOX
5 - 3/4” Length. An extraordinary combo, the lure is finished in White With Slate Back and Red Eye Blush, which is an uncatalogued color for this bait. It has scattered varnish flaking along with a few pointers. Oversized hardware is fairly clean and amber glass eyes are perfect. The Heddon name is written on the front prop, which matches the huge Downleaping Bass box, dating to 1912. The box has some splitting along the top and is marked 1300 on both ends. 10,000 - 25,000
3” Length. An incredibly rare special-order minnow in an amazing state of preservation. Appearing unfished with only minor varnish flakes, this stunning bait would shine in any collection. Flawless glass eyes and gleaming hardware with two hand painted sets of gill marks and the belly weight paint entirely intact. Its box is solid on all corners and seams with just a little wear and grades about Very Good Plus. Correctly marked “100 YELLOW” on both ends making this a seldom seen correct combo. 4,000 - 6,500
1455 - HEDDON JEANETTE HAWLEY MOHAWK MINNOW IN GREEN CRACKLEBACK
3 - 1/2” Length. Ultra rare and one of the most coveted of all Heddon Minnows, Will and Laura Heddon marketed these baits in Florida for a few years around 1905. This minnow is in Excellent condition with its 2 belly weights, oversized cups, high forehead profile, and blemish-free glass eyes. Three sets of hand painted gills with the distinctive curls at the tips help set this one apart from the other minnows in the Heddon line. There are two known Mohawk white pasteboard boxes, but the Legacy book does not mention a population of wood boxes. Nevertheless, accompanying the bait is a circa 1904 Type II wood box for the “New” Dowagiac Minnow along with an original paper label for The Jeanette Hawley. Of note is the broken font on “Jeanette Hawley”, suggesting an error during the printing process. An extremely important piece of Heddon History. 8,000 - 15,000
1457 - TWO WHITE AND BLUE HEDDON VAMPS
Each” 4 - 1/2” Length. Both baits are exceedingly rare. Top Vamp is a 7509BH and dates to the latter 1920s. Its got solid glass eyes, L-Rig hardware, the marked Vamp lip, and it grades Very Good Plus. The Vamp below it is a 7502BH in Blue Eyes & Tail, which is a rarely seen pattern on a Heddon lure. With L-Rig hardware, a hairline in the right eye, and grading Good Plus or better. So few of these are known that any collector would be extremely fortunate to add either of them to their collection. 2,000 - 4,000
1456 - HEDDON 100 DOWAGIAC UNDERWATER MINNOW IN YELLOW IN CORRECT BOX
LOT - 1455
LOT - 1456
LOT - 1457
LOT - 1458
LOT - 1459
LOT - 1460 LOT - 1461
LOT - 1462
1458 - HEDDON 159M DOWAGIAC UNDERWATER MINNOW IN UNCATALOGUED PIKE SCALE
4” Length. 1920s era minnow grades Very Good Plus, with some age lines and a bit of oxidation on the hooks. Both glass eyes are solid and it measures 4” long. Pike Scale was not offered as a catalog color on the L-Rig 150 Minnow. 2,000 - 3,000
1459 - HEDDON 150 DOWAGIAC UNDERWATER MINNOW WILBOURN SPECIAL
4” long and finished in the seldom-seen Wilbourne pattern, with orange belly blending into the red back. Condition of this special bait is unusually nice, grading Excellent Minus to Excellent with just a few varnish flecks. Glass eyes are both solid, and this beauty was manufactured sometime between 1912 - 1915. 1,500 - 2,000
1460 - HEDDON 309D 6-HOOK MUSKY MINNOW IN GREEN SCALE
3 - 3/4” length. The Heddon 300, commonly found with 2 large treble hooks, could be special ordered with 4 additional side hooks to accommodate the specifications of fisherman looking for that extra insurance against those Musky strikes. This one dates from the late 1930s to early 1940s and is finished in vibrant green scale. The lure shows beautifully, grades solid Excellent with clear glass eyes, and has miraculously survived in museum-quality condition despite its 18 total hook points. 1,500 - 2,000
LOT - 1463
1461 - HEDDON 159K DOWAGIAC UNDERWATER MINNOW IN GOLDFISH SCALE
4” Length. An unbelievable example with strong golden scales wrapping over nearly the entirety of this minnow. Usually, Heddon Goldfish Scale baits have an un-scaled, white belly, but this rare example is a real eye-catching exception. Bright, shiny hardware, with the single belly weight fully sealed under the paint. Some tight, fine agelines and flawless glass eyes. A stunner from the 1920s grading Excellent. 1,500 - 1,800
1462 - HEDDON 152 DOWAGIAC UNDERWATER MINNOW IN BLENDED WHITE
3 - 5/8” length. Gorgeous c. 1907 single bellyweight model in white, fading to grey on the back. Just a few age lines and hook tip oxidation, with solid glass eyes and shiny unmarked props, this beautiful minnow grades about Excellent. 1,000 - 1,400
1463 - HEDDON S8509SH 2-HOOK SILVER HERRING BASSER
4” Length. Striking, unusual painted eyes and gills, Silver Herring pattern, and carrying the “S” prefix denoting two-hook saltwater rigging. Some hardware oxidation from use; however, the paint still remains in Excellent Minus condition. 1,000 - 1,750
- 1464
1464 - HEDDON 300 SURFACE DOWAGIAC MINNOW IN FANCY SIENNA
3 - 3/4” length. One of Heddon’s most attractive and desirable colors. This color was offered in the David T. Abercrombie catalog for one year in 1908; however, given its marked props, this bait postdates that catalog by at least four years, suggesting that this example was a non-cataloged special order from Heddon, likely in the mid-teens. Very Good to Very Good Plus condition with some varnish flaking, a partially exposed belly weight, and good glass eyes. 1,000 - 2,000
1465 - HEDDON 159PL DOWAGIAC UNDERWATER MINNOW IN PEARL
3 - 7/8” Length. An extremely rare special-order color in outstanding condition. Some very light agelines visible like you find on virtually all Pearl colored paint jobs, other than that this bait is as it was when it left the factory. Gleaming hardware, flawless glass eyes, and a red belly stencil with the paint still 100% on the belly weight. 1,000 - 1,500
1466 - HEDDON 200SL SURFACE LURE SPECIAL
5” Length. In nice Red Head Luminous finish AND with Dummy Double hooks, this special-order bait grades Excellent. Clean hardware including the marked 3-screw collar. The Downleaping Bass box shows some wear, is solid on all corners, and grades about Very Good / Very Good plus. A Very Good / Very Good Plus intro Dummy Double insert is also included in the set. 1,000 - 1,750
1467 - HEDDON 2-HOOK, 2-PIN COLLAR SLOPENOSE
4 - 1/4” long, with brass eyes and gold-washed cup and cap. Aluminum collar hand-painted in red retains the vast majority of its paint, and the bait grades on the strong side of Very Good. 800 - 1,200
1468 - HEDDON 8502LUM, 8500FRH, AND 8509JRH BASSERS IN BOXES
Each: 4” Length. A trio of absolutely beautiful Bassers, all grading Excellent, all with the “Heddon Basser” dive lip, and all having perfect glass eyes. All 3 are also finished in better colors; Luminous, Red Head Flitter, and Red Head Frog Scale. All three boxes are believed to be correctly marked, the 8500FRH being alternatively used instead of 8509JRH. Boxes are all solid on all corners and seams and all grade between Excellent Minus and Excellent. A Heddon Bait Chart and Fishing Guide is also included with this lot. 800 - 1,500
LOT
LOT - 1465
LOT - 1466
LOT - 1467
LOT - 1468
- 1470
1469 - HEDDON 6502 AND 6509FRH ZARAGOSSAS
Largest: 4 - 3/8” Length. Two beautiful and well-preserved examples of Heddon’s “Florida Wonder”. Both L-rigged and dating to the 1920s, and both examples have perfect glass eyes. The FRH example shows just a hint of wear and a slight tarnish to the hardware and grades Excellent-/Excellent. It is marked as a factory “2nd” on the belly. The 6502 is a stunner, with a small bump on the left flank being its only detractor. It grades full Excellent or better. 800 - 1,600
1470 - HEDDON SALTWATER RIGGED ZIG WAG IN PEARL
4 - 1/4” Length. Model number C8309PL. Very little catalog information about these “C series” baits exists, but somewhat recently it was learned that these made their debut in a 1932/33 Heddon catalog supplement and were described as “lures for steel head, salmon, and striped bass.” Also described as having a gumwood body, extra heavy trebles and fastener, and being slightly longer than a “regular” 8300. Original price on this great bait was $1.25. You’d be hard-pressed to ever be able to upgrade this one, with its flawless glass eyes and well-preserved finish. With only some light age lines, this rarity grades Excellent-, or perhaps slightly higher. 750 - 1,500
1471 - HEDDON 157 DOWAGIAC UNDERWATER MINNOW IN SIENNA WITH RED BARS
3 - 3/4” Length. A substantial early minnow in this, its fat-bodied form. With factory fresh hardware and clean shiny paint, this pre-1912 bait is in solid Excellent condition. Nameless props, three sets of hand painted gills, Pristine glass eyes, and a single belly weight with a little chipping.
750 - 1,500
- 1473
1472 - HEDDON FACTORY BOARD BAIT
1” Length. Consisting of a brass wire frame supporting a lump of metal in the shape of an inch long flattened egg, this interesting bait is clearly designed to sink quickly. Of note is a standard, left-turning, unsigned front prop complimented with a flattened, right-turning rear prop, no doubt intended to reduce line twist. This bait is finished with a bucktail-dressed rear treble hook. This un-named gem never made it to production and is an affordable example of a genuine Factory Board bait. 750 - 1,000
1473 - HEDDON 5409X BABY GAMEFISHER IN BLUE SCALE
4” Length. Rarely seen in any condition, this bait is better than the majority of its peers. A nice metallic blue scale pattern with a bit of wear around the bait, its overall grade is Very Good or better.
750 - 1,000
LOT - 1469
LOT
LOT - 1471
LOT - 1472
LOT
1474 - HEDDON 7409K BABY VAMP IN GOLDFISH SCALE IN BOX
3 - 1/2” Length. A nice example of a 1920s 7400 in a very desirable color, this particular bait has a beautiful, radiant orange base with the scale finish a golden, almost olive-colored tone. It has L-Rig hangers, a marked 3-screw lip, and perfect glass eyes. The paint is completely intact over the belly weight situated near the tail, and the bait grades between Very Good Plus and Excellent Minus. The box is solid all around, has bold and vibrant colors, and features the correct 7409K stamp in black ink at both ends. A crisp copy or the Heddon Bait Chart and Fishing Guide also comes with this set. 750 - 1,250
1475 - HEDDON 8509V BASSER IN ORANGE WITH BLACK SPOTS IN BOX
4” Length. Super solid combo with the 4” Basser sporting the early “Head-on” dive lip. Downleaping Bass box appears to be marked for an 8509H Red Scale Basser. Great looking bait grades about Excellent, with just a few scattered pointers and good glass eyes 500 - 1,000
1476 - HEDDON 150 DOWAGIAC UNDERWATER MINNOW IN GOLD RED EYE
3 - 3/4” length. 1920s bait coming in a very rare color. Has a bit of wear and some varnish flaking. Clear glass eyes and overall grade is Good Plus. This pattern is not often seen on baits of this era. 5001,000
1477 - HEDDON 3 HOOK TRADE MINNOW IN WILBOURNE SPECIAL WITH KINGFISHER BOX
2 - 3/8” length. Made for Edward K. Tryon’s Kingfisher Brand in the Teens, this minnow bears the single set of gill marks and the unmarked South Bend style props normally found on Heddon Trade Minnows. Clean paint and super shiny hardware with solid glass eyes. Has some age lines and a thick ring around the belly weight. This minnow is in a color not often found and it grades about Excellent Minus. Its yellow box is in similar condition, about Very Good Plus / Excellent Minus, and is end stamped 4304. 500 - 900
- 1477
LOT - 1478
1478 - HEDDON DIAMOND SUBMARINE IN STRAWBERRY SPOT
4” Length. Known by collectors as the Bottle Nose Tadpolly, this bait was definitely made by Heddon, but retailed through the Diamond Mfg Co of St. Louis, MO. Production both began and ceased prior to 1918, when the Heddon Tadpolly was introduced, but the exact years of production have not been confirmed. This particular example is nicer than most, as these tended to get fished hard, and most survive in a lesser state. The Strawberry Spot paint job grades about Excellent Minus. 500 - 750
LOT - 1474
LOT - 1475
LOT - 1476
LOT
LOT - 1479 LOT - 1480
LOT - 1481
- 1482 LOT - 1483
1479 - HEDDON 8309LRH ZIG WAG IN RED HEAD PERCH SCALE
4” Length. Perch Scale was never a catalogued color on a Zig Wag, much less one with a factory red head. This late 1920s bait has L-rig hangers, solid glass eyes, full paint on the chin weight, and grades solid Excellent. 500 - 1,000
1480 - PROTOTYPE HEDDON 7040 HUSKY FLAPTAIL
5 - 1/2” Length. You can find a similar example in The Heddon Legacy on page 188 in the “Factory Archive Baits And Prototypes” section. Both examples date to the early 1950s and are finished in Primer White. This bait does have the brass Flaptail attached and was likely used for research purposes. It’s in Excellent condition, showing only some very minor, tight age lines. 300 - 600
1481 - HEDDON 7409K BABY VAMP IN GOLDFISH SCALE
3 - 1/2” Length. Super clean example with tight agelines and bright hardware. Solid glass eyes and in an uncatalogued color. This 1920s L-Rig bait grades Excellent Minus / Excellent and it would be difficult to locate a better condition example. 500 - 750
- 1484
1482 - HEDDON 119 RIVER RUNT IN COPPER
2 - 3/4” Length. Extremely rare wartime River Runt in special-order Copper. Flap rig hardware, unmarked Runt lip, perfect glass eyes, and double hooks. Two belly weights with the paint still covering one of them. Paint shows agelines, and is mostly intact, with an overall grade of Good Plus. 500 - 750
1483 - HEDDON LITTLE JOE IN RAINBOW
2 - 3/4” Length. Model number 16S saltwater bait in rarely seen Rainbow. Although Rainbow was a catalogued color in the early 1920s, it was not offered after 1923 thereby making this 1930s-40s example a special order. In great condition, about Excellent Minus, and having solid glass eyes and a two-piece flap-rig belly hook hanger. Shiny hooks and paint still mostly adhered to the belly weight. 500 - 1,000
1484 - HEDDON 210 SURFACE LURE FLOCKED CHIPMUNK
3 - 3/4” length. Very Rare 1940’s bait with 2 piece Flap Rig, full whiskers, leather tail, and zinc eyes. Original double hooks and the bait grades Excellent Minus to Excellent. 500 - 800
-
-
1485 - LOT OF 3: HEDDON 210 SURFACE SPOOK LURES
All 3 - 3/4” length. A mix of older mid century and newer Japanese issue models. Colors include Black with Red Eyes, Bullfrog, and a Smith Tiger color. All baits grade Excellent. 50 - 75
1486 - 8 HEDDON DOWNLEAPING BASS BOXES
Each: 5 - 3/4” Length. All in solid, Very Good or better condition. With several better colors represented here, some of the baits that fit into these boxes are as follows: Vamp in Rainbow, 5 hook Underwater Minnow in Rainbow, Vamp in Red Eyes and Tail, a super rare box for a Dowagiac Surface Lure in Silver Flitters, a Near Surface Wiggler in Imitation Frog, and a rare 1912-13 white border box unmarked on the ends. 500 - 1,000
1487 - RARE HEDDON 1912-13 EXTENDED WHITE BORDER DOWNLEAPING BASS BOX
Box: 7 - 1/4” x 2 - 3/8” x 1 - 3/8”. Very hard to find and generally used for the 1300 Black Sucker and the 700 Musky Minnow. The box is in overall good condition with some staining and worn edges.
500 - 1,000
1488 - HEDDON 219G SURFACE DOWAGIAC IN ALL BLACK
3 - 3/4” Length. Never a catalogued color during any of the wooden model production years. Marked 3 screw collar, 30s-40s era Flap Rig hanger, and factory double hooks. A nicer example with Excellent Minus paint. 400 - 600
1489 - HEDDON 209GWH SURFACE DOWAGIAC IN BLACK WITH WHITE HEAD
4 - 3/4” Length. Very rare special-order color not often seen on a 200. L-Rig belly hangers and all 3 hooks have had one barb clipped off. 3 Screw collar marked “Heddon’s Dowagiac”. This bait grades Very Good Plus. 1,000 - 2,000
LOT - 1485
LOT
1486
LOT - 1487
LOT
1488
LOT - 1489
1490 - HEDDON 157 ROUND BODY TRADE MINNOW IN SIENNA CRACKLEBACK
3 - 3/4” Length. Retailed by outfits such as Edward K Tryon and others, this thin-body minnow features side cup-rig with the unmarked South Bend style props. Oval line tie / rear hanger, and two sets of hand painted gills. Paint is nice with only a few age lines and a flake off the bellyweight, and both glass eyes are perfect. This bait grades about Excellent Minus and this particular color is more difficult to find on a trade minnow than most. 400 - 750
1491 - HEDDON 7409PLB BABY VAMP IN BLUE PEARL WITH BOX
3 - 1/2” Length. A completely correct combo with a marked Brush box, which is solid on all corners and has some soiling. The bait is in excellent condition with solid glass eyes, and outstanding paint with only a few agelines near the belly weight. 400 - 600
1492 - HEDDONS’ DOWAGIAC MINNOWS PAPERWORK
5 - 1/4” x 8 - 1/4”. Two pieces, the first of which advertises the “Dowagiac” Rainbow Minnow costing $1.00, with L.A. Bailey’s “Made On Honor” testimonial order on the back. The second piece is a one-sided “As Others Have Found Them” sheet, which gives ten different testimonials. 400 - 800
1493 - 8 HEDDON UPLEAPING BASS BOXES
Each: 5 - 3/4” x 2 - 1/4” x 1 - 1/4”. All in solid, Very Good or better condition. With several better colors represented here, some of the baits that fit into these boxes are as follows: Jointed Vamp in Perch Scale, Zig Wag in Red Head White Body, Vamp in Bullfrog, Vamp in Red Eyes & Tail, Luminous Vamp, very rare 5 hook Underwater Minnow box marked for Red Dace Scale, and others. Boxes only, no lures. 400 - 800
LOT - 1490
LOT - 1491
LOT - 1492
LOT - 1493
1494
Each: 4 - 1/2” Length. All three baits grade solid Excellent with two-piece flap-rig hangers and perfect glass eyes. Top model number is 7500RH, and this bait has an unusually large amount of black eye shadow. Middle is an uncatalogued 7509JRH in Red Head, Frog Scale, and bottom is 7500L Yellow Perch Scale. 400 - 800
1495
4 - 1/4” and 2 - 3/4” Length. Top two are No 30 Saltwater Torpedos, both with two-piece hangers, one with gold painted eyes, and one with glass eyes (right is cracked). Paint Eye example is Excellent Minus, Glass eye example is Very Good Plus. Bottom lure is a No 10 Sinking Lagina Runt with 1950s Surface hardware and in the Blue Pearl finish only catalogued from 1950-53. It has gold painted eyes, spotless hardware, and grades Excellent Plus. 400 - 800
3” Length. This 5-sided bait is cleaner than most examples you find. It has tight agelines but very little of the varnish flaking normally associated with these minnows. Cup rig, solid glass eyes, and paint still adhered to the V-formed belly weight. Some rust on the side hooks so overall, this bait conservatively grades at least Very Good Plus.
350 - 650
- 3 HEDDON 7500 VAMPS
- HEDDON TORPEDO AND LAGUNA RUNT LURES
LOT - 1494
LOT - 1495 LOT - 1496
1496 - HEDDON 01 DOWAGIAC UNDERWATER MINNOW IN YELLOW STRAWBERRY SPOT
1497 - HEDDON 3004 SPINDIVER IN SOLID RED
4 - 1/4” Length. Super clean example of a very popular bait in an attractive uncatalogued color. Top notch condition with only a few tiny marks, this rarity grades about Excellent. Little bit of light hardware tarnish and oxidation. Perfect glass eyes and easily one of the rarest Spindivers to find. 300 - 600
1498 - HEDDON 6509D ZARAGOSSA IN GREEN SCALE
4 - 1/4” length. Extra nice condition on this 1920s bait in standard Green Scale. Full paint on the belly weight, solid glass eyes, and very minimal age lines all help this bait achieve a solid Excellent grade.
300 - 600
1499 - HEDDON 8509Z BASSER IN RAINBOW SCALE
4” Length. A 1920s bait with the “Head-on” serrated dive plate. With L-rig hardware and clear glass eyes, this example comes in the highly collectible Rainbow Scale finish, a non-catalog color on a Basser.
300 - 600
LOT - 1502
3 - 5/8” length. Undoubtedly this would become one of the major jewels in the crown of any Heddon Minnow collector. The combo has it all: Wonderful condition (Excellent Minus or better on both the box and the bait), it is the earliest of all the Heddon Underwater Minnows dating to the 1904 season, the bait correctly matches its Type II (thicker) intro wood box, and the box graphics are strong with clear stamps at both ends. Flawless egg yolk glass eyes and the telltale early olive-green crackle paint finish round out this extraordinary package. 2,000 - 4,000 LOT - 1497 LOT - 1498 LOT - 1499 LOT - 1500 LOT - 1501
1500 - HEDDON 150 DOWAGIAC UNDERWATER MINNOW IN DARK GREEN CRACKLEBACK
3 - 3/4” length. A Very Good Plus example of Heddon’s flagship underwater minnow. Both glass eyes are solid and the finish is a very attractive dark, tight crackleback pattern on this example. 300 - 600
1501 - CONTEMPORARY HEDDON-STYLE UNDERWATER EXPERT
3 - 3/4” in length, an interesting take on Heddon’s classic Underwater Expert. This bait is of recent manufacture. 300 - 500
1502 - HEDDON INTRODUCTORY 3 BELLYWEIGHT 150 DOWAGIAC MINNOW IN GREEN FANCY BACK WITH CORRECT BOX
LOT - 1503
LOT - 1505
1503 - HEDDON 1909X BABY CRAB WIGGLER IN BLUE SCALE IN BOX
3” length. Better grade uncatalogued color on this 1900 Baby Crab Wiggler. Full paint on the belly weight, problem-free glass eyes, marked O-collar, and double hooks with L-rig hardware have this bait at an overall grade of Very Good Plus. Box is faintly marked “1909.” 300 - 500
1504 - HEDDON 0 DOWAGIAC UNDERWATER MINNOW IN WHITE WITH RED EYES
3 - 1/4” Length. Some varnish flaking around the eyes and some age lines around the five-sided body. A bit of rust on the hooks, clean, shiny props, paint mostly still on the single belly weight, and good glass eyes. The minnow overall grades Very Good Plus. 300 - 500
LOT - 1504
LOT - 1506
1505 - HEDDON 300 SURFACE DOWAGIAC MINNOW IN GREEN CRACKLEBACK
3 - 3/4” Length. Gorgeous, top tier example of a mid-teens minnow. Having only super tight age lines and tiny varnish flakes here and there, this bait grades Excellent. Three sets of hand painted gills, large, perfect glass eyes, and the paint fully on the belly weight. The box is correctly stamped 300 on both ends in red ink, and is in good condition with general wear and a couple separated edges. 300 - 600
1506 - HEDDON 7409G BABY VAMP IN SOLID BLACK IN BOX
3 - 1/2” Length. A very rare color on this late 1920s Baby Vamp. Very Good Plus condition on this lure with good glass eyes, red belly stencil, and Upleaping Bass box. 300 - 600
LOT - 1507
LOT - 1509
LOT - 1511
1507 - HEDDON 7509N RED DACE SCALE VAMP
4 - 3/8” length. Type 6 V. 2 using David Sawyer’s guide, having the longer nose, fatter body, and no belly stencil this bait dates to about 1930. Condition is Very Good Plus / Excellent Minus with some age lines and clear glass eyes. 300 - 600
1508 - CONTEMPORARY HEDDON STYLE UNDERWATER EXPERT IN ALUMINUM
At 2 - 3/4” long, this interesting take on the 1903 Dowagiac Underwater Expert features all brass metalwork including nose & tail caps and a presumably nickel-plated prop. Two internal belly weights mimicking Heddon’s 2nd season model. 300 - 600
1509 - HEDDON 400 KILLER MINNOW IN ALL RED
2 - 3/4” Length. A two-belly-weight, round body, all brass hardware example dating to 1906. Has the early non-nickel-plated hooks and the left one is missing one barb. Evenly distributed wear, and earning a grade of Very Good. 300 - 600
- 1508
- 1510
LOT - 1512
1510 - HEDDON 450 KILLER MINNOW IN WHITE
2 - 3/4” Length. A circa 1905 three belly weight model, this nice example has all brass hardware, unmarked nickel-plated props, nonnickel-plated hooks, and a solid white finish with all paint still covering the belly weights. Overall, this lure grades strong Very Good Plus.
300 - 600
1511 - HEDDON 7309PAS JOINTED VAMP IN ALLEN STRIPEY
4 - 3/4” Length. A color marketed towards West Coast salmon fishermen, and never catalogued on a 7300. This is a stellar, solid Excellent example with perfect glass eyes, 2-piece hangers, unmarked lip, and coated hooks. Considering the rarity of this color, it would be extremely difficult to ever upgrade this bait. 300 - 600
1512 - HEDDON 109G DOWAGIAC UNDERWATER MINNOW IN BLACK
3” Length. Rarely seen color on a Heddon Minnow and in very nice condition. Couple small areas of varnish roughness otherwise all-original and Excellent Minus. 1920s-era model with perfect glass eyes, L-Rig hardware, and marked props. Chances to own an all-black Heddon 100 are few and far between, and this one is particularly nice. 300 - 500
- 1513
LOT - 1515
- 1517
1513 - HEDDON 8309B ZIG WAG IN FROG
4 - 1/4” Length. A pristine, near-mint example dating to the late 1920s. Unfished, bright hardware with paint still completely adhered to the belly weight and a dark-gold stylized name on the belly. L-rig hangers, no wear at the joint, and perfect glass eyes. Upgrading this bait is out of the question. 300 - 500
1514 - HEDDON 7400 BABY VAMP IN GREEN CRACKLEBACK WITH BOX
3 - 1/2” Length. Very tough uncatalogued color with red eye blush. Some agelines, a little oxidation on the hardware, and solid glass eyes. Paint still on the belly weight with an overall grade of about Excellent Minus. Downleaping Bass box is the right era, solid on all corners, and unmarked. 300 - 700
1515 - HEDDON 119PL RIVER RUNT IN PEARL WITH RED SPOTS IN BOX
2 - 1/2” Length. One of the most desirable uncatalogued colors on a 110 River Runt and notably different than the Blue Pearl version. This example has some tight agelines and flawless glass eyes. Very clean hardware including the 1930s toilet seat belly hanger with nice red belly stencil indicate this bait saw very little action, if any at all. Comes with a Runt sized Upleaping Bass box marked 119RH in Good Plus or better condition. 300 - 500
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1516 - HEDDON 139 TORPEDO IN SILVER SPECKS
4 - 1/4” Length. This saltwater color was never standard on the 130 Torpedo. A few tight agelines and possibly a very faint hairline in the right eye, so net grade is about Excellent-. Super clean hardware showing this bait did not likely see much use. 300 - 500
1517 - HEDDON 130XBW TORPEDO IN BLACK & WHITE SHORE MINNOW IN BOX
4 - 1/4” Length. Super condition Brush box era bait grading Excellent with 2-Piece hardware, perfect glass eyes, marked short hub props, coated hooks, and paint flaked off belly weight. The box is correctly marked 130XWB Torpedo on one end. 300 - 600
1518 - HEDDON 209D SURFACE IN GREEN SCALE
5” Length. A non-standard two-hook model and finished in the early version of Green Scale. L-Rig belly hanger, 3 screw marked collar, and nickel plated tail cap. This Very Good+ 1920s-era bait was normally manufactured with 3 standard hooks but could be special ordered with only 2 larger ones. 300 - 600
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1519 - HEDDON 7502LUM VAMP IN MARKED BOX
4 - 1/2” Length. Extra clean Excellent example coming in a marked Upleaping Bass box. These boxes phased out in 1934 and Two -Piece Hardware appeared in 1937, but the possibility still exists there could have been some crossover with the factory using old box stock through the Great Depression. The box grades Excellent Minus and is solid on all corners. 300 - 600
1520 - HEDDON 170 S.O.S. IN A SPECIAL-ORDER COLOR
4 - 1/2” Length. Known as Brown Shiner, and perhaps the toughest color on an S.O.S, very few are known, and this example easily ranks among the best. 300 - 600
1521 - PAIR OF HEDDON 210 SURFACE LURES
Each: 3 - 5/8” Length. The top bait is a super clean model from just before The War. It’s rigged with Two-Piece hangers, marked 3 screw collar, has perfect glass eyes and a nice red belly stencil. This bait grades solid Excellent+. Its partner is an earlier 1920s model in tough to find Goldfish. That bait has an L-Rig belly hanger, 3 screw collar, and grades Very Good or better. 300 - 600
1522 - 2 HEDDON DELUXE SALMON BASSERS
Each: 4 - 1/4” Length. Both are the 8510 Single Hook Model and quite scarce as these baits were only catalogued in 1935-36. Both have perfect glass eyes and all original hardware including the factory twisted line tie, through-lip connecting plate, single salmon hook, and the hook mooring clip. Both grade About Very Good Plus, both examples showing wear around the lip and a bit of bleed-through. 300 - 600
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1523 - PAIR OF HEDDON ZIG WAGS
Largest: 5” length. Top lure is an 8309D Zig Wag in Green Scale with some wear and a little soiling, perfect glass eyes, L-Rig hangers, and diamond-shaped belly stencil. Bottom bait is an 8359YRH King Zig Wag in Yellow, Red Head. This one is in Excellent Minus condition with some verdigris on the dive plate, a hairline in the right eye, a fishermanadded Luxon line tie, and salmon string rig hook hangers. 300 - 500
1524 - HEDDON JOINTED VAMP WHITE SHINIER SCALE
4 - 3/4” length. Very nice WWII-era bait with 2 piece Flap Rig hardware, transverse red belly stencil, and solid glass eyes. Condition is Excellent Minus. 300 - 600
1525 - HEDDON 7300 JOINT VAMP SCRAMBLE FINISH
4 - 1/4” Length. One of the wilder special-order colors ever found on a Vamp, this example has a white base with red & grey & green swirls resulting in this unique and stunning beauty. Created likely in the late 1920s, this bait has L-rig hardware and solid glass eyes. Near mint. 1,000 - 2,000
LOT - 1524
LOT - 1526
LOT - 1528
1526 - HEDDON JOINTED VAMP SOLID RED
4 - 1/4” Length. A rarely seen special order color dating to the 1920s. The bait feature L-rig hangers and solid glass eyes. Interestingly, the forward L-rig hanger and the middle tab of the lip share a single anchoring screw, a feature found on the early 7500 Vampires, but not on the 7300 Jointed Vamps. With the longitudinal black belly stencil and the marked dive lip, it grades Very Good to Very Good Plus. 400 - 800
1527 - HEDDON 109L DOWAGIAC UNDERWATER MINNOW IN YELLOW PERCH SCALE
3” length. Unusual vibrant green over gold scales really set this bait apart. Condition is about Excellent Minus, with a few varnish flakes and age lines, solid glass eyes and shiny hardware. 250 - 450
1528 - HEDDON 110S RIVER RUNT IN STRAWBERRY SPOT
2 - 1/2” Length. Spotted was a catalogued color from 1936 on into WWII, however the configuration of this Runt dates it to well before that – it could only have been made 1929-31. Spotted was not offered during those years making this an uncatalogued color on this version. L-rig, marked lip, perfect glass eyes, and gleaming hardware combine for a resulting grade of Excellent. 250 - 500
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LOT - 1531
1529 - HEDDON 8569PAS KING BASSER IN ALLEN STRIPEY IN CORRECT BOX
Outstanding unfished example in a highly collectible color. With original protective coating still on the salmon-rigged hooks and thumbtack-secured vinyl split tail, this 6” Basser has 2 belly weights, solid glass eyes and a simple “HEDDON” chin stencil. The Brush box is crisp and also in Excellent condition. 250 - 350
1530 - HEDDON 8569PLXR KING BASSER IN PEARL SHORE MINNOW IN CORRECT BRUSH BOX
6” Length. Excellent- condition with just a little wear from use. Salmon string rig with a little oxidation, original thumbtack with remnant of a fabric trailer, and huge teddy bear glass eyes. Correct Brush box is clean & solid. 250 - 350
1531 - HEDDON 8550PLXR KING BASSER IN PEARL SHORE MINNOW IN CORRECT BOX
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LOT - 1533
5” Length. Great looking combo with a crisp, correctly end stamped Brush box. The bait is Excellent Minus / Excellent with perfect glass eyes, salmon string rig, and original trailer tack. Tiny bit of hardware oxidation and vibrant red gills and chin stencil. 250 - 350
1532 - HEDDON 8569XYS KING BASSER IN YELLOW SHORE MINNOW IN CORRECT BOX
6” Length. Nice example with large Teddy Bear glass eyes and green-gold chin stencil. A little bit of wear and some hardware oxidation result in a grade of about Excellent-. Correctly end stamped Brush box is solid and in Very Good+ or better condition. 250 - 350
1533 - HEDDON 8369XRY KING ZIG WAG IN RED & YELLOW SHORE MINNOW IN CORRECT BOX
6” Length. Body condition is strong Excellent. Teddy bear style glass eyes and right one has a hairline in it. Salmon string rig and the hooks have been replaced. Original thumbtack with trailer and gold chin stencil. Includes correct Brush box which has some wear on the edges and carries a correct end stamp. 250 - 350
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LOT - 1536
1534 - HEDDON 8562M KING BASSER IN WHITE BODY RED GILLS IN CORRECT BOX
6” Length. Extra nice condition, definitely unfished with a tiny bit of bleed through and one flaked belly weight. Still with all of the original factory coating on the hooks, original thumbtack with tailer, and perfect teddy bear glass eyes. Correct extra-long Brush Box is solid with only minimal wear, and with the correct end stamp. 250 - 350
1535 - HEDDON 8569P KING BASSER IN SHINER SCALE IN CORRECT BOX
6” Length. A spectacular combo, with only a 40% flake off one belly weight, otherwise the bait is mint. Original luster on the hooks and with factory thumbtack & trailer. Flawless amber glass eyes and gold chin stencil. Very difficult to ever upgrade this bait. Also comes with its correct oversize Brush box, correctly end stamped, and in clean, crisp, excellent condition. 250 - 350
LOT - 1535
LOT - 1537
1536 - HEDDON 8309D ZIG WAG IN GREEN SCALE IN BOX WITH HANG TAG
3 - 3/4” Length. Only a couple pointers on this lipstick-slick bait, the paint is solid Excellent, and the hardware is factory-fresh. There is a hairline in the left eye and the right one is solid. 1920s L-rig hardware with a black belly stencil. Nice Excellent- condition Downleaping Bass box is correctly stamped 8309D on both ends. Two inserts are also included, the “Bait Chart and Fishing Guide” as well as the desirable “Guaranteed Fish Getter” tag. 250 - 450
1537 - HEDDON 5409R BABY GAMEFISHER IN NATURAL SCALE
4” Length. A short run color only available in 1927-29, Natural Scale is less common than many other colors on a 5400. A nice example grading at least Very Good Plus but more probably Excellent Minus, it’s got a few varnish flakes, a little soiling that could clean, and very clean hardware. 250 - 350
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LOT - 1540
1538 - HEDDON 8509 BASSER IN SILVER FLITTER IN BOX
4” Length. Coming in an uncatalogued saltwater color and grading Excellent-/Excellent, this bait has a dive plate marked “Heddon Basser” and heavy gauge L-Rig hangers on the belly. Both glass eyes are solid. Comes with a nice Upleaping Bass box, solid on all corners and seams, and correctly marked 8509 Basser in purple ink on one end. 250 - 450
1539 - HEDDON 8529PAS SALMON BASSER IN ALLEN STRIPEY
3 - 7/8” Length. This bait had a very short production run from 1935 to 1938. This example grades solid Excellent with perfect glass eyes and very clean hardware. Paint is popped on the chin weight and it carries the gold-colored stencil. 250 - 500
1540 - PAIR OF RED AND WHITE HEDDON 150 DOWAGIAC UNDERWATER MINNOWS
Each: 3 - 3/4” length. Top example is an unfished example in White, Red Tips. It has 2 Piece hardware, perfect glass eyes, red belly stencil, and the paint has flaked on the belly weight. It’s a little dusty and would benefit from a cleaning. Lower lure is an earlier L-Rig example in white with red eyes. The varnish is gone from the white parts of the body and both glass eyes are nice. This bait grades Very Good to Good. 250 - 500
1541 - HEDDON 8509M AND 8509R BASSERS IN CORRECT BOXES
Each: 4” Length. Both of these baits grade solid Excellent. The Natural Scale example has perfect glass eyes, clean L-Rig hook hanger hardware, and vibrant paint. The Pike Scale has a very faint hairline in the left eye, short-run Bar-Rig hangers, and glossy, like-new paint. Both baits have dive plated that read “Heddon Basser”. Boxes are both solid aside from the 8509R box having one partially torn side panel. Both grade around Very Good Plus, and a nice, crisp red border insert is also included. 250 - 500
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1542 - HEDDON 4 POINT FISH DECOY IN SHINER SCALE
5 - 1/4” Length. No 400 dating to the 1920s and coming in an unmarked Upleaping Bass box, this decoy was clearly a favorite of some ice fisherman nearly a century ago. With extra fisherman-added weight to the belly there are also a couple of possible screw eye holes, an indication this may have been used as a cheater decoy. The right-side fins have been resecured using nails. Both glass eyes are solid, and great conversation piece with character. 200 - 400
1543 - HEDDON 7500 VAMPIRE IN GREEN CRACKLEBACK
4 - 1/2” Length This color was listed on Vamp boxes as “special order” from 1927 - 1934; however, this bait predates those boxes, having likely been produced 1923 - 1925. Attractive deep green paint with vibrant red eye shadow. The right glass eye has a hairline and the left is solid. This more or less 100-year-old bait grades a strong Very Good Plus. 200 - 400
1544 - HEDDON 109D DOWAGIAC UNDERWATER MINNOW IN GREEN SCALE
3” Length. Dating from the teens through the twenties, this example is in an outstanding state of preservation. Extra clean hardware, flawless glass eyes, and only a few light age lines with only a sliver of paint popped over the single belly weight. This minnow grades between Excellent Minus and Excellent. 200 - 300
1545 - HEDDON 159B DOWAGIAC MINNOW IN FROG SPOT
4” length. Has tight age lines and the paint is off the bellyweight. Good glass eyes and grades a strong Very Good Plus. 200 - 400
1546 - HEDDON 229XRY WEEDLESS WIDOW IN RED & YELLOW SHORE MINNOW FINISH
2 - 3/4” Length. Excellent condition and coming in an uncatalogued color. Two belly weights and a green / gold belly stencil. Bucktaildressed single hook at the rear and sourcing the missing double hook for the belly hanger should be an easy task. 200 - 400
1547 - HEDDON 8369PXLS KING ZIG WAG IN RED HEAD PEARL SHORE MINNOW IN CORRECT BRUSH BOX
6” Length. Two pointers, a ring around the belly weight, and a light hook swipe are all that keep this bait from being Excellent Plus, this bait saw very limited, if any, action. Salmon string rig with the original belly thumbtack and perfect glass eyes. A super condition 1940s West Coast bait in its correct Brush box. 200 - 400
1548 - HEDDON 150 DOWAGIAC UNDERWATER MINNOW IN GREEN CRACKLEBACK WITH RED CHIN
3 - 5/8” Length. An unusual transitional minnow featuring L-Rig Hangers from the 1920s contrasted with short-nosed props from the 1930s. Both appear to be factory installed. Adding further intrigue is the belly stencil commonly associated with baits of the toilet rig era, and the later chin blush, both of which also appear to be factory. The bait is in Excellent/Excellent+ condition and has perfect glass eyes. Coming with it is a Downleaping Bass box in Very Good or better condition, marked 150 in red ink on one end. 200 - 300
LOT - 1551
1549 - HEDDON 159 DOWAGIAC UNDERWATER MINNOW IN SALT FLITTER
3 - 3/4” Length. A catalogued color only in 1910 and 1912, this later 1920s minnow would have been a special order when it was new. A minor flake by the right eye and some light rust on the hooks, otherwise this thin-body minnow is in great shape. L-rig hangers, flawless glass eyes, and paint fully intact on the belly weight, it grades about Excellent Minus. 200 - 400
1550 - HEDDON 8309M ZIG WAG IN PIKE SCALE WITH BOX
4” Length. Gorgeous Excellent / Excellent Plus bait with shiny hardware and flawless glass eyes. Circa 1920s L-Rig example with black belly logo surrounding the middle hook. Comes with a Very Good Plus / Excellent Minus Downleaping Bass box marked in red ink on both ends for a 7309P, a Jointed Vamp in Shiner Scale. 200 - 300
1551 - HEDDON 7309SS JOINTED VAMP IN SILVER SCALE
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- 1553
4 - 1/2” Length. Never catalogued in this color and in solid Excellent Minus condition. Toilet Seat rig dates this bait to the 1930s, and this example has a green belly stencil and perfect glass eyes. 200 - 400
1552 - HEDDON 149M FLIPPER IN PIKE SCALE
4” Length. A top tier example of a very tough bait which was only catalogued for three years, 1927-29. Grading strong Excellent Minus, this bait has glossy paint with bright & shiny hardware. Dual marked Whisper-style props, belly L-Rig hangers, and perfect amber glass eyes. 200 - 300
1553 - HEDDON 7409H BABY VAMP IN RED SCALE
3 - 1/2” Length. Uncatalogued Red Scale on this 1920s Baby Vamp with hairlines, a small tacklebox bruise on the left side, and belly weight paint completely intact. Solid glass eyes with a grade of Very Good Plus. 200 - 500
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1554 - HEDDON 5509RH GAMEFISHER IN RED HEAD FLITTER
4 - 3/4” Length. Coming in an uncatalogued color and in uncleaned Excellent Minus condition. An earlier L-rig example dating to the 1920s and a seldom seen color on this popular model. 200 - 500
1555 - HEDDON FLORIDA SPECIAL IN SILVER FLITTER
Model number 19B measuring 3 3/8” and bearing the marked front tube prop, this was a catalog color in the early 1920s, removed, then again reinstated in the late 1920s. Excellent Minus condition with some age lines and a little wear. A hairline in the left eye, paint still on the shaped belly weight, and a pair of hand painted gill marks. 200 - 400
1556 - HEDDON LITTLE JOE IN RED HEAD PERCH SCALE
2 - 3/4” Length. Perch Scale was a short-lived, early catalog color on the model 10S, however the addition of the red head makes this a special-order bait. Strong Excellent Minus condition with paint mostly off belly weight and a couple tiny rubs along some edges. 2-Piece Flap Rig on the belly with blemish-free glass eyes. A color / model combination not often seen. 200 - 400
1557 - HEDDON 129R TORPEDO IN NATURAL SCALE IN BOX
3 - 1/2” Length. Lure is in about Excellent- condition with a hairlined right eye and some tight agelines. Clean hardware and paint still on belly weight. Downleaping box is solid on the corners and correctly stamped 129R on both ends. 200 - 300
1558 - HEDDON 8309PRH ZIG WAG IN RED HEAD SHINER SCALE IN BOX
4” Length. Beautiful Excellent condition bait with solid glass eyes and nearly flawless paint. The hardware has likely never seen water, the paint on the belly weight is completely intact, and it has the old-style stencil on the belly. The box is also excellent, solid on all corners and correctly marked on one end. 200 - 300
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1559 - HEDDON 139RB TORPEDO IN RAINBOW
4” Length. A stunning, nearly flawless bait with unblemished nickel hardware, the original factory rustproof coating on the hooks, perfect glass eyes, and paint still adhered to the belly weight. It gets a solid Excellent / Excellent Plus grade. 200 - 400
1560 - HEDDON SIDE HOOK STANLEY TORPEDO & SPRINGFIELD NOVELTY REEL LURE
Largest: 3 - 3/8” length. No. 129P Depression-era Baby Torpedo with cup-rig side hooks, a single belly weight, floppy Stanley-marked props, and good glass eyes. Finished in Shiner Scale and grading Very Good. Below it is a very rare intro model Springfield Novelty Manuf. Co. Half-Charmer Reel Lure. Normally found in a “barberpole” pattern, this example is a rare exception coming solid red with a solid green head. In the early stages of production, these were made by converting Charmer tails and factory -shortened Charmer prop. Note the unusual shape to the nose weight. An important piece of Charmer / Springfield history grading Very Good to Very Good Plus. 200 - 400
1561 - HEDDON 8510 AND 8520 DELUXE SALMON BASSERS IN LUMINOUS
LOT - 1560
LOT - 1562
LOT - 1563
Each: 4 - 1/8” Length. Top lure no longer glows, bottom lure glows at the tips. Both baits show some ageline bleed-through commonly associated with luminous paint, and both baits grade Good or better. 200 - 400
1562 - HEDDON 7501 VAMP IN RAINBOW IN CORRECT UPLEAPING BOX
4 - 1/2” length. Very nice combo dating to the late 1920s. The box is correctly marked for the bait and the lure grades solid Excellent. 150 - 300
1563 - HEDDON 9750RBB VAMP SPOOK IN CORRECT BOX
4” Length. In an unnamed special order color dating from the 1950s to the early 60s, it is speculated that RBB stands for “Red Head, Brown & Beige”. Aside from a small scratch on the back and a small bend to one corner of the lip, this lure is mint. The clear-lid box has some light scuffing and soiling and is solid all around. It grades Very Good Plus / Excellent Minus and is correctly stamped on one end. 150 - 300
LOT - 1564
1564 - HEDDON 7309 JOINT VAMP IN WHITE BODY SILVER FLITTER
4 - 1/2” Length. Excellent Minus to Excellent condition with very clean hardware, good glass eyes, and nice red belly stencil. Flap rig hardware dates to the late 1930s or early 1940s. 150 - 300
1565 - HEDDON 8309D ZIG WAG IN GREEN SCALE IN BOX
4” Length. A nice Excellent Minus example in attractive Green Scale with Red Eyes and Mouth. L-Rig hangers, black belly stencil, with perfect glass eyes. Downleaping Bass box. 250 - 500
1566 - HEDDON 119L RIVER RUNT IN PERCH SCALE WITH BOX
2 - 1/2” Length. Coming in its correct Upleaping Bass box, this nice little River Runt is really attractive with vibrant red highlights beneath the bright green scales. The paint is Excellent Minus, but the left eye is cracked putting it more in the Very Good Plus or better category. Flap rig hardware, green belly stencil, and rear hook with pork attachment. 150 - 250
1567 - HEDDON 159P DOWAGIAC UNDERWATER MINNOW IN SHINER SCALE
3 - 7/8” length. Nice looking bait utilizing the short-run Toilet Seat hangers and marked props with short-nosed prop hubs. Glass eyes are solid and paint is off the belly weight. This bait’s overall grade is Excellent Minus. 150 - 300
1568 - HEDDON 7409RH BABY VAMP RED HEAD SILVER SPECKS IN BOX
3 - 1/2” Length. A very nice example of this tougher color bait. L-Rig hardware dates it to the late 20s / early 30s and it’s in solid Excellent condition with perfect glass eyes and super clean hardware. The box is marked for a full size 3 hook example of this bait. Its in solid condition and features the color codes on the box bottom. 150 - 300
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1569 - HEDDON 7509J VAMP IN FROG SCALE
4 - 1/2” Length. A very popular collector color, this bait would likely grade in the Excellent Minus range if not for the overvarnish. As a result, this tough bait has a net grade of around Very Good. 1920s L-Rig hangers, marked Vamp lip, and solid glass eyes. 150 - 250
1570 - HEDDON 7409L BABY VAMP PERCH SCALE
3 - 1/2” Length. A very tough color to find on an L-rigged Vamp. Perch Scale was a catalogued color for this model starting in 1936 which is around the time Heddon moved the Vamps over to Toilet Seat rig. This could be one of the very first catalogued Perch Scale Baby Vamps or it could be an earlier special order. It’s in Very Good Plus or better condition with a hairlined right eye, some light soiling and a few pointers. 150 - 300
1571 - HEDDON 229SS WEEDLESS WIDOW IN SILVER SCALE IN BOX
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- 1574
1572 - HEDDON 229B AND 229M WEEDLESS WIDOWS
2 - 3/4” Length. Two earlier examples, the Pike Scale having the belly L-Rig and the red stylized belly stencil. Both have the single rear hook made semi-weedless by the bucktail dressing. Both also sport nice, unkinked factory leaders and weed guards. The Pike Scale grades Very Good Plus and the Luny Frog painted example is Excellent Minus or better. 125 - 200
1573 - HEDDON 219G SURFACE DOWAGIAC IN SOLID BLACK
3 - 3/4” length. Some wear from use but still displaying nicely from both sides, this 1920s-era bait grades Very Good Plus. 100 - 200
1574 - HEDDON 109L DOWAGIAC UNDERWATER MINNOW
3” Length. Popular Yellow Perch Scale with a few chips, some rust on the hooks and verdigris on the props, and solid glass eyes. Overall grade is Very Good or better. 100 - 200 LOT - 1570 LOT - 1571
2 - 3/4” Length. Belly L-rigged with the single, upturned rear hook shrouded in red & white bucktail, and a nice red stylized belly stencil overlapping the belly weight. Intact weed guard and in overall Excellent Minus condition. Brush-era box is solid all around, also in Excellent Minus condition, and correctly marked 229SS Surface on one end. Included is a nice green pocket catalog. 150 - 250
LOT - 1575
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1575 - HEDDON 102 DOWAGIAC UNDERWATER MINNOW IN SLATE, RED EYES
3” Length. A nice-looking minnow in a better color. Overall grade is about Excellent Minus with a little varnish flaking, extra clean original hardware, and flawless glass eyes. 100 - 200
1576 - HEDDON 229XRS WEEDLESS WIDOW IN SILVER SHORE MINNOW
2 - 3/4” Length. Very nice Wartime bait in an uncatalogued color. Excellent Minus condition with two belly weights and all-original factory hardware. 100 - 150
1577 - HEDDON 109P DOWAGIAC UNDERWATER MINNOW IN SHINER SCALE
3” Length. Good Plus to Very Good Minus condition on this minnow. Clear glass eyes, some oxidation on the metal, and some varnish loss on belly. 100 - 200
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LOT - 1580
1578 - HEDDON 3509BB OPEN LEG LUNY FROG WITH GOLD SPOTS IN BOX
4 - 1/4” Length. Dating to about 1927 this is an earlier example with gold inside of the black spots. The bait grades Excellent and is a fine example. Upleaping Bass box is correctly stamped 3509BB on both ends with “Ceiling Price” stamped at one end. The box is solid and grades about Excellent Minus. 100 - 200
1579 - HEDDON 8309P ZIG WAG IN SHINER SCALE
4 - 1/4” Length. Excellent Minus / Excellent condition bait with circa 1930s Toilet Seat rig belly hanger and the stylized red belly stencil. Left glass eye has a hairline and right is solid. Hardware is clean and paint is fully intact on the belly weight. 100 - 200
1580 - HEDDON 8302 ZIG WAG IN RED HEAD WHITE BODY WITH BOX
4 - 1/4” Length. A museum-grade specimen with a clean, glossy finish. Some very light age lines with L-rig hangers and the 1920s stylized red belly stencil. Blemish-free glass eyes. Comes with nice, correctly marked 8302 Upleaping Bass box with a crisp red border insert. 100 - 200
LOT - 1583
1581 - HEDDON 129JRH TORPEDO IN RED HEAD FROG SCALE
3 - 1/2” Length. The 120 Torpedo was a short-run lure for Heddon. During its 6 production years from 1924 to 1929 it was made in 11 catalog colors but never this one. The bait grades net Good with some varnish flaking, especially where the red head blends into the body, and some areas on the red head that have been touched up. Nice hardware, solid glass eyes, and paint still completely attached to the belly weight. 100 - 300
1582 - HEDDON MEADOW MOUSE IN GREY
2 - 3/4” Length. An earlier model 4000 with L-rig hook hangers and the marked lip. Jersey rigged with nice dark bead eyes and flexible leather ears and tail. Very clean bait with a few tight age lines, grading Excellent Minus / Excellent. 100 - 150
1583 - HEDDON 7409M BABY VAMP IN PIKE SCALE WITH BOX
3 - 1/2” Length. Nice late 1920s bait in Very Good Plus condition. Clean hardware with some agelines and a slightly swollen belly weight. Left glass eye has a hairline. Box is very nice and in solid condition, marked as to model number on both ends. Carries a bold and interesting “K327” on one end, a number likely corresponding to a retailer. 100 - 150
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1584 - HEDDON DREWCO PIER BAIT IN STRAWBERRY SPOT
Drewcos can be difficult to identify, but occasionally they are found, as in this case, with the “Heddon” belly stencil making it’s ID certain. According to Lyons’ Heddon book, the model sporting the tail fin is the 70 series dating to the 1930s. This example is 2 5/8” long, comes in “S” or Strawberry Spotted color, has a lead weight inserted into the nose, and grades Very Good or better. 100 - 200
1585 - HEDDON 111 RIVER RUNT IN RAINBOW IN BOX
2 - 3/4” Length. With Two-Piece hardware and the belly weight retaining partial paint, as well as the right glass eye having a single hairline, this late 1930s-early 1940s Bait grades Excellent Minus. The box coming with it is the one it’s been housed in for quite some time, but is marked for a wooden River Runt in All Red color (114). Also included is a pocket catalog and Important instructions insert. 100 - 200
1586 - HEDDON 229BF WEEDLESS WIDOW IN FROG IN BOX
2 - 3/4” Length. A very clean bait coming in its possibly correct Upleaping Bass box. The Upleaping box was being phased out as flap rig hangers were being phased in during the mid-1930s so there could have been some overlap where this combo is a correct match. The bait is solid Excellent and the box grades Good or better. It carries the correct model number matching the accompanying lure on both ends. There is also an interesting “3155 10” stamped on one end, likely corresponding to a particular retailer. 100 - 150
1587 - TWO HEDDON MICE, ONE IN A BOX, AND A JOINTED VAMP
Largest: 4 - 1/2” length. Included are a 210 Surface Dowagiac in Grey Mouse Flock with 1950s surface hardware in Very Good Plus / Excellent Minus condition, a 4000 Meadow Mouse in Brown Flock, with surface hardware and a faded red belly stencil, and a nice 7300 Jointed Vamp in White With Red Head in Excellent condition, with flap rig hardware and solid glass eyes. The Brush Box is marked 210GM and would otherwise match the top lure, except that it is from an earlier era. 100 - 150
1588 - HEDDON 7110 FLAPTAIL JR IN DACE
3 - 1/4” Length. A beautiful bait in solid Excellent condition, this example has perfect glass eyes, brass flaptail, 2-piece hangers, and green belly stencil. Hook configuration is factory correct, and forward treble still has original factory protective coating. 100 - 200
1589 - HEDDON / STANLEY WEEDLESS PORK RIND MINNOW
2” Length. Coming in Pike Scale and with its correct 1920s-era box, there is some end printing, but it is not easily legible. The body of the early Pyralin-composed bait grades Excellent Minus to Excellent, but the line attachment is missing the two wire weed guards, which can easily be replaced. Overall, a nice 2” example with good glass eyes. 75 - 150
LOT - 1586
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- 1592
1590 - HEDDON 179N 3-HOOK S.O.S. IN DACE SCALE
4 - 1/2” length. Super vibrant Dace Scale pattern with green flanks, red sides, and gold scales. The paint grades about Excellent Minus, the props are clean, and the eyes are clear. Forward hook is missing a barb and middle hook is showing rust, making them good candidates for easy replacement. 75 - 150
1591 - HEDDON 229P WEEDLESS WIDOW IN SHINER SCALE
2 - 3/4” Length. A nice example grading about Excellent Minus to Excellent, this one has some age lines and a thinned bucktail. A fisherman has replaced the long wire leader with a short spinnered one, which is easily restorable. This bait dates to the late 1920s. 75 - 150
1592 - HEDDON 139P TORPEDO SHINER SCALE
4 - 1/8” length. A very clean example, this cup-rigged version likely was made in the earliest years of Torpedo production, circa 1924-25. Marked props, red belly stencil, and good glass eyes. This bait grades Excellent Minus / Excellent. 75 - 150
1593 - HEDDON 229XRY WEEDLESS WIDOW IN YELLOW SHORE MINNOW WITH BOX
2 - 3/4” Length. Only catalogued for a couple years at the beginning of WWII. The bait is nice, grading about Very Good Plus to Excellent Minus, with a little bleed-through around the mouth, and a small rub on the left side. It has full hair at the tail, the paint is off both belly weights, and the hardware is like-new. The box is from an earlier era, grades Good with average wear, and is marked for a Weedless Widow in Shiner Scale. 75 - 100
- 1593
LOT - 1594
1594 - THREE HEDDON VAMP LURES
Largest: 4 - 1/2” length. Included are two Vamp Spooks, model number 9750, one finished in RHF (Red Head, Flitter, Yellow Belly) and the other in XBL (Blue Shore Minnow). The RHF was only catalogued from 1950-1956 and the XBL was never a catalogued color. Both baits grade around Excellent. The center bait is a Sawyer Type 17 (Surface Rig / Nail Eye) wooden Vamp which dates from 1952 to 1955. You can see an example of this bait, rated as “Rare” in Sawyer’s book, on page 157. This bait grades Excellent / Excellent Plus and would be hard to upgrade. 60 - 120
LOT - 1590
LOT - 1591
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- 1596
- 1598 LOT - 1599
1595 - HEDDON 7509D VAMP IN GREEN SCALE
4 - 1/2” Length. Made late 1930s up to WWII this example comes with flap rig hardware, green belly stencil, and clear glass eyes. It grades Very Good Plus. 50 - 75
1596 - HEDDON 4000WM MEADOW MOUSE IN RED & WHITE
2 - 3/4” Length. Coming in a better color for a Meadow Mouse, this Very Good Plus bait has a touch of verdigris on the metal with some soiling, and could benefit from a proper cleaning. Marked Mouse lip, leather ears & tail all intact, and perfect glass pinhead eyes. 50 - 75
1597 - HEDDON ZIG WAG JUNIOR IN RED HEAD NATURAL SCALE
3 - 1/4” Length. Minty example with a lipstick-wet finish and paint still completely adhered to the belly weight. Glass eyes are solid with what looks like a factory imperfection in the right one. Two-piece hardware dating the bait to the late 30s / early 40s, and with a nice gold belly stencil. 50 - 100
- 1600
1598 - HEDDON 210BH SURFACE DOWAGIAC IN WHITE WITH BLUE HEAD
3 - 1/2” Length. Nice, early no-eye example with a marked 3-screw collar. Belly L-Rig hanger with a double hook and a rear screw eye with a treble hook, which probably replaced the original double hook. Some age lines and light flaking at nose and tail, overall grade is Very Good / Very Good Plus. 50 - 100
1599 - HEDDON 5409D BABY GAMEFISHER IN GREEN SCALE
4” Length. Late 1930s - early 1940s example in Very Good Plus / Excellent Minus condition, donning flap rig hardware and the marked dive lip. 50 - 75
1600 - HEDDON 5409P BABY GAMEFISHER IN SHINER SCALE
4” Length. Solid Excellent, super clean example. Micro-agelines and gleaming hardware, this bait would be difficult to upgrade. 50 - 100
- 1602
LOT - 1603 LOT - 1604
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1601 - RUSTY JESSEE HEDDON SUCKER STYLE KILLER BAIT
6” Length. Attractive Green head and bottom tip of the tail over Frog Spot pattern. Mint condition 2019 bait with perfect glass eyes and sparkling hardware in a Killer Baits box unmarked as to model. 50 - 150
1602 - HEDDON RIVER RUNT SPOOK SINKER & FLOATER IN DACE
Largest: 3 - 1/4” Length. Both early Gold Eye / 2-piece Flap Rig models and both in Excellent condition. Model numbers 9119N and 9419N, 50 - 100
1603 - HEDDON 219D SURFACE DOWAGIAC IN DELUXE GREEN SCALE
3 - 1/2” length. Grading Good or better with the silver stripe running down the back, denoting “Deluxe” Green Scale. Bait is 100% original with even wear. 25 - 50
1604 - HEDDON 220 WEEDLESS WIDOW IN RED & WHITE
2 - 3/4” Length. Flap rig and two belly weights on this WWII-era bait. Condition is about Very Good Plus with a rub on the left flank and some soiling that may clean. 25 - 50
LOT - 1606
1605 - EXPERIMENTAL WOODEN HEDDON SUPER DOWAGIAC LURE
2” Length. You can find this very lure in The Heddon Legacy book on page 188. It was never put into production, opting instead for continuing with the Pyralin model. It is thought that maybe a few dozen are known in collections with this one certainly being one of the more attractive examples. The body is 2” long, significantly shorter than the production model, carries a 2-piece hanger on the belly, and comes in beautiful red dace scale. 250 - 500
1606 - HEDDON MODEL AIRPLANE
10” x 6” x 2”. Circa 1967 model celebrating Heddon’s Jenny Airplane originally used for advertising as well as product delivery. Produced by Renwal Co, this intricate design has a scaled fish down each side, with the wings emulating painted fins. Marked Heddon on the tail and on the underside of the lower wing. Prop & Engine details with the scale-size pilot still intact. Excellent condition. 100 - 300
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1607 - HEDDON 5400 BABY GAMEFISHER IN SOLID RED
4” Length. A high-grade example coming in an almost unheard-of special-order color. Its bright & shiny hardware is complimented by its lustrous red paint and its grade is comfortably in the solid Excellent range. Marked dive plate, L-rig hangers, and virtually no wear at the joint. Very rare to find such a combination of pristine condition and scarcity. 1,500 - 3,000
1608 - HEDDON 302 SURFACE DOWAGIAC MINNOW IN BRUSH BOX
4” Length. With a glossy-wet shine and its hardware showing a minty luster, it’d be next to impossible to ever upgrade this bait. One fleabite at the tail otherwise this beauty is exactly as it left the factory, grading Excellent Plus / Near Mint. Outfitted with Whisper style props, Flap Rig hangers, and marked with the transverse belly stencil. The correct Brush-era box is solid all around, and correctly marked 302.3H Surface, denoting the 3-hook option instead of the standard 2 hooks. The box bottom still bears the original Marshall-Fields “1.39 EACH” price tag. 500 - 1,000
1609 - HEDDON 106 DOWAGIAC UNDERWATER MINNOW IN GOLD RED EYE WITH BOX & CATALOG
3” Length. Jaw-dropping eye appeal and condition on this amazing set. Rarely seen finish on this bait in fully Excellent / Excellent Plus condition. The nickel-plated hardware is immaculate and looks just as it did when it left the factory in the 1920s. Both glass eyes are flawless and the paint is 100% intact on the belly weight. Downleaping Bass box graphics are still vibrant, and it is correctly stamped 106 on both end flaps in red ink. A couple corner separations and otherwise the box is in great shape, so net box grade is Very Good Plus. 1,500 - 3,000
LOT - 1608
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LOT - 1611
4 - 1/2” Length. High grade example dating to the early teens. Tight agelines, solid glass eyes, and mostly clean hardware with the desirable pigtail line tie. Downleaping Bass box is solid, in Very Good Plus condition and correctly marked on both ends. 400 - 800
1611 - HEDDON 159D DOWAGIAC UNDERWATER MINNOW IN GREEN SCALE
3 - 3/4” length. An L-rigged example dating to right around 1930, this attractive minnow has Excellent hardware and beautiful paint to match. The paint is completely on the belly weight and both glass eyes are solid. This minnow earns a grade between Excellent Minus and Excellent. 125 - 250
1610 - HEDDON 1700S NEAR SURFACE WIGGLER IN WHITE STRAWBERRY SPOT IN CORRECT BOX
- 1614
1612 - HEDDON EXPERIMENTAL LUNY FROG
4” Length. Heddon’s experimentation with the Luny Frog preceding its 1927 debut is well documented, and many different forms exist. This particular version, dubbed the “Zig-Wag Luny Frog” is shown in a greenish finish in The Heddon Legacy on page 184. This example is comprised of a back half molded in white plastic (Pyralin) with open legs, attached via swivel to an amber-red head in the shape of a Lucky 13. Earliest style Toilet Seat hanger on the belly with a swiveling lug holding the rear hook. A little shop wear and a few light pencil markings add even more character. It grades about Excellent Minus. 1,000 - 1,500
1613 - HEDDON STRAWBERRY SPOT DEEP DIVING WIGGLER WITH BOX
4 - 1/2” Length. A very nice-looking c. 1914 model no. 1600S with cup-rig hangers, pigtail line tie, and unmarked fins. A few small varnish drags and flakes, and overall, this is a very clean bait that grades about Excellent Minus. Also included is a very early Downleaping Bass box with the rare intro side panels touting the action of the “FLOATING DIVING WABBLING Dowagiac Minnow”. The box grades about Very Good, and is solid with a few of the corners and edges showing wear, and the end panels are not marked with any color / model info. Also included is a much later box insert affixed with price corrections for July 1, 1926. 750 - 1,500
1614 - HEDDON BABY CRAB WIGGLER PAPERWORK
Advertising the “NEW” Baby Crab Wiggler (circa 1916), and priced at 90 cents (in 1918 the price was raised to 95 cents), this 5” x 5 - 1/4” insert’s graphics are still bold and clear. Two sided, with both sides appearing equally nice, with clean edges, good corners, and no tears.
75 - 150
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1615 - HEDDON 7500 VAMP YELLOW
4 - 3/8” length. Finished in an attractive Orange Crackleback with Cream colored belly. One of the earliest Vampires with the forward L-rig hanger connected with the center lip screw and the long-drop rear hanger. Both glass eyes are solid on this circa 1920 bait. 50 - 100
1616 - GREEN GREEN SCALE MINNOW
4 - 1/4” length. A great wartime bait finished in Perch Scale with very rare painted zinc eyes, which are rarely found on Heddon’s Underwater Minnows. Two-piece Flap Rig at the sides and a paint flake partially exposing the belly weight. The rest of the hardware is like-new, and condition is Excellent Minus or better. 75 - 150
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1617 - FOUR EMPTY HEDDON BRUSH BOXES
Each: 5 - 3/4” x 2 1/4” x 1 1/4”. All solid and grading Very Good Plus or better. Some very rare model numbers including two boxes that fit Kingfish Vamp Spooks in Yellow Body Black Stripes and one for a 7300 Jointed wooden Vamp in Luminous Body, Red Eyes & Tail. 200 - 400
1618 - FIVE EMPTY HEDDON BRUSH BOXES
Each: 4 - 1/2” x 2 - 1/8” x 1 - 1/8”. All grading Very Good or better with some very tough models represented. These boxes would fit a Luminous 8500 Basser, an early flap-rig Wounded Spook in Red Dace Scale, a flap-rigged Chugger Spook in Red Dace Scale, a flap-rigged three hook Dowagiac Underwater Minnow in Rainbow, and a Brown Flocked Meadow Mouse. 200 - 400
LOT - 1620
1619 - 2 HEDDON SPOOK LURES
3” and 2” Length. Included are a 9630 SHA Punkinseed in Shad and a 9540 YTG Chugger Spook in Yellow Tiger. The Punkinseed grades Excellent and the Chugger has a tacklebox bruise at the tail and grades Very Good Plus. 50 - 100
1620 - HEDDON 7505 AND 7500 VAMPS
Each: 4 - 1/2” Length. Both examples in the early Vampire configuration (front L-rig connected to lip), and both in very hard to find colors. Top bait is finished in solid yellow, listed in Sawyer’s book as “extremely rare”, and is in Good condition with flakes, rust on hooks (1 hook missing a barb), and good glass eyes. Bottom bait is solid white, listed in Sawyer’s as “very rare”, with very clean hardware, minor age lines, and good glass eyes. This bait grades Excellent Minus. 600 - 1,200
LOT - 1622
1621 - HEDDON LUCKY 13 AND MIDGIT DIGIT IN DACE SCALE
Largest: 3 - 3/4” length. The 2500 was never catalogued in Dace Scale and can be considered very rare. This example has a bit of varnish flaking, good glass eyes, Flap Rig hardware, and grades Very Good / Very Good Plus. The wooden Midgit Digit, catalog number B-119N, was only available as an option from 1941 to 1942/3, after the war it was not offered. This is an Excellent Minus example with correct 2-piece rig, gold painted eyes, and paint off the belly weight. 200 - 400
NOTES:
1622 - 4 HEDDON 7500 VAMP LURES
Each: 4 - 1/2” Length. Top bait is the only one in this lot with Toilet Seat hangers. It’s finished in 7509SS Silver Scale and it grades Excellent Minus with perfect glass eyes and a couple small blemishes on the body. The 7509M Pike Scale example is Very Good or better with soiling, and could benefit from a cleaning. Both glass eyes are solid and it is two-piece rigged. Next down is a 7509R Natural Scale bait in Excellent Minus condition with Flap Rig and good glass eyes. Bottom bait is an uncatalogued 7509PRH Red Head Shiner Scale with perfect glass eyes in Excellent condition. 400 - 700
LOT - 1621
The Kenneth Smith-Christmas Collection
AN IMPORTANT IRISH DWM MODEL 1917 NAVY LUGER
SEMI-AUTOMATIC PISTOL, FROM THE BILL EDWARDS PURCHASE
FLINTLOCK KENTUCKY PISTOL SIGNED "SB" FOR SAMUEL BAUM, EX JOHN PERSHING
IMPORTANT EARLY 18TH CENTURY
BRASS-BARRELED SCOTTISH
FLINTLOCK PISTOL
MASSIVE FRENCH AND INDIAN WAR ENGRAVED "A MAP OF AMERICA" POWDER HORN BY THE POINTED TREE ARTIST
WINCHESTER MODEL 1873 OWNED BY RAIN IN THE FACE WITH PROVENANCE
