This lens if for anyone who wishes to start an antique or vintage lure collection. Today, antique fishing lures are quite collectible, and some can prove to be a worthy investment.
Where I Began
Introductory to Lure Collecting
After carefully removing the applied paint, I was surprised to find that the original paint was still intact and the hooks and hangers were virtually free of rust. After a little research, I found the lure was made in the very early 1900's by a company referred to as the Heddon company out of Dowagiac, Michigan.
I couldn't believe it. I was holding in my hands a lure that was nearly 100 years old that looked no more than 10. The craftsmanship astounded me; the sturdiness of the wood, the delicate glass eyes, the hardware, the overall design. I also found in my research that this lure was well worth forming a hobby around. I was hooked, if you pardon the pun.
Where Can I Find Lures?
- Flea Markets. Browse around for vendors selling old tackle or loaded tackle boxes.
- Yard Sale Ads. Check out your local paper and see if there are any listings for yard sales that include "old lures". If you have a day to spare, you could even drive around to visit various yard and garage sales.
- Place Your Own Ad. Place an ad in your local paper advertising that you are a buyer of antique lures.
- Auctions/Estate Sales. At times, you can walk away with a lot consisting of several lures or equipment with this venue.
- Ask around your area. Maybe your neighbor has old tackle in his attic he is willing to part with. Together, you can come to a price.
- Online auctions. Online Auction sites such as eBay or Yahoo Auctions often have a large supply of lures from various sellers to bid on.
One way to get your name out to various people is to print up business cards with your name, phone number/email address, and interest. Leave them with your neighbors, with outdoor market vendors, antique shops, and anywhere else you can think of that may come across antique lures. It's a great way for people to think of you if they do come across any.
How Do I Know Which Lures to Collect?
It's Your Choice!
There is no set rule on what is considered collectible because there are all types of interests out there when it comes to lures. Some collectors only like 19th century; some collect certain manufacturer lures; some collect certain colors; some collect novelties; some have a smorgasboard of a collection; and the list is endless.The bottom line is, collect what you like. I, myself, collect all sorts of lures from several different manufacturers. Some were acquired because of value; some just because they were "oh so cute!"
If you are just starting out, the most important thing to do first is to become familiar with the lures out there. There are many books on the subject that give you dates of the lures, the manufacturers, and a rough book value of the lures(which is not definite. Auction value is usually much higher).
If you read these books and absorb the info within, you will begin to see the differences in the ways the manufacturers made the lures. Most lures have a unique piece that gives away their manufacturer's identity.
For example, Paw Paw lures have a distinct bowl shaped lip. Some Heddon lures bore two piece hardware, and some had "Dowagiac" stamped on spinners. Creek Chub had a certain type of spinner, and so on.
If you learn to spot the differences and learn which trait belongs to which company (if lure bares no name) , it will become very easy to spot and identify them out in the field.
Once you have your mind made up about the lure or lures that you wish to collect, study their company/ies so you can gather more information about your chosen lure/s. (i.e. the hardware the company used and at which time frame, the colors the company used and at which time frame, etc.)
Below I've listed some of my favorite books that I've come across over time, and I would recommend any of them to anyone starting out.
Books on the Very Subject
- Old Fishing Lures & Tackle
- This book by Carl F. Luckey is one I would recommend the most and should be in all collector's libraries. It covers a vast amount of manufacturers and gives lengthy descriptions of their lures and companies. This is a must have!
- The Fishing Lure Collector's Bible
- This is one of the most complete collections of it's time, and possibly the first. This book does not have clear glossy photos and it doesn't go into very much detail about the lures or it's manufacturers. All of the photos within are either hand drawn or photocopied. Why do I recommend this book? this book covers more than just major companies; it covers a vast majority of the lesser known as well as a lot of fly lures which the newer books seem to lack. It is well worth owning for that aspect alone.
- Fishing Lure Collectibles
- This newest edition covers lures that are made post 1940. It contains a valuable amount of knowledge and is one that should grace your bookshelves and be studied/enjoyed throughly.
- 19th Century Lures
- This is a must have if you are interested in collecting lures manufactured in the 19th century. It covers all the majors: Buel, Chapman, Enterprise, etc. It is full of remarkable color photographs that show amazing detail.
- Old Fishing Lures and Tackle
- An updated book by Carl F. Luckey. You can never go wrong with any of his books. It features over 2,500 full color photographs.
Others offered on Amazon
Fishing Lure Collectibles: An Identification and Value Guide to the Most Collectible Antique Fishing Lure (Fishing Lure Collectibles)
Amazon Price: (as of 10/12/2008)
List Price: $24.95
Used Price: $3.90
The Fishing Lure Collector's Bible: The Most Comprehensive Antique Fishing Lure Identification & Value Guide Available
Amazon Price: (as of 10/12/2008)
List Price: $24.95
Used Price: $32.49
A collector's identification and value guide for popular antique fishing lures of the 1930's and 1940's
Amazon Price: (as of 10/12/2008)
List Price:
Used Price: $9.95
Ohio Made Fishing Lures and Tackle
Amazon Price: $22.99 (as of 10/12/2008)
List Price: $22.99
Used Price:
Usually ships in 24 hours
Dick's mouse book: A guide to the identification and valuation of antique mouse fishing lures
Amazon Price: (as of 10/12/2008)
List Price:
Used Price:
Join the NFLCC
Club for Lure Collectors
NATIONAL FISHING LURE COLLECTORS CLUB-- Nonprofit, educational organization founded in 1976.
-- Fosters awareness of fishing tackle collecting as a hobby and assists members in finding, identifying and trading vintage fishing equipment.
-- Includes all fishing tackle and reels, rods, catalogs, advertising, minnow traps and buckets, creels, photos
-- 5,000 members worldwide
www.nflcc.org/
You'll get to attend all their shows, connect with other members, and you will recieve the NFLCC Gazette, which is published 4 times a year.
Heddon lures on eBay
Here are several ebay auctions that are dealing with Heddon lures.
The Heddon Lure company was a major lure manufacturing company and produced countless numbers of lures.
Tips:
All transactions are between you and the seller, so please use caution; read the sellers feedback thoroughly.
Avoid any marked as repaints because if repainted, it's stripped of it's value.
The oldest lures are "cup rigged" while the latest are "surface". "L rigs" are settled in between, among the other hardware variations.
Use your own judgement on estimated value vs. auction price. If it has worm burn, fading, deep cracks, bite marks, etc. it is worth less than if it were to appear "new" or fairly new.
Fetching new data from eBay now... please stand by
Creek chub lures on eBay
Here are several eBay auctions that deal with Creek Chub lures
Again, use caution; explore the seller's feedback thoroughly.
Creek Chub was another major manufacturer. Several of their lures are pretty valuable.
Fetching new data from eBay now... please stand byPflueger Fishing Lures and Items
Here are several Pflueger fishing Lures and items found on eBay
Explore the seller's feedback.
Plfueger has been around since the 19th century but known better as Enterprise Manufacturing Company at that time. Some of the earliest models are among my favorites.
Fetching new data from eBay now... please stand bySmorgasboard of Lures and Items
Various different lures and antique/vintage fishing items
Here are several different makes and manufacturers; some antique but most possibly vintage. Great for starter collections or to add to collections. You may just find a jewel of a lure within!
Please excercise caution and check the seller's feedback before bidding. All transactions are between you and the seller.
Sellers I can recommend are justcruizen and whitelaketrader. Had very smooth transactions countless times with both. Have fun!
Fetching new data from eBay now... please stand byHere are some neat items found on CafePress
for the lure collector in you
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jessica85
Great information! For an online encyclopedia, http://www.encyclopaedicnet.com. Posted August 07, 2008 |
