Heddon Black Beauty Split Bamboo Fly Rod

Question
Mac,
I need help deciding if I should fish with this rod or keep
it as a collector. I picked this rod up a few years ago and
have no idea where or when it was purchased new.
Heddon Black Beauty #17 8'6" 2F HDH or E(?)
Rod has 3 sections with an extra tip section.
One guide is missing from middle section.
Guide threads are black with copper-colored accents.
Cork handle is in excellent condition (looks brand new).
It is black where reel attaches and has coarse threads for
tightening the reel.
Reel retaining nut says "Pat No. 1807070".
Finish on the rod is quite good. But in a few places it
looks like it may have seen some heat that allowed the
finish to soften and take on the texture of the canvas
holder in which it is stored.
Canvas holder is badly damaged on one end (maybe chewed by a
dog or something).
Tag on canvas holder says rod weight is 4.5 oz.
I don't want to fish with this rod and risk damaging it if
it is worth a lot of money -- I'd rather store it and buy
something cheaper to use (I'm not a veteran fly fisher).
Any words of wisdom would be appreciated. Thank you.
PS - Have another rod that I'll post separately.


Answer
Russ,
The Heddon Black Beauty is more collectible than the Granger Favorite. Probably purchased thru Sears.

If Heddon is written across the flats than the dates are 1939 to 1950 , if the model name and Heddon  is written on the flats then it is 1951 or greater.

This rod is not even in good condition.

Homel gives the Heddon 8.5'  model 17 "Black Beauty" fly rod  with an extra tip, 3 sections the  value of  $75, 165 and $300 for poor, good, excellent condition respectively.

History  of Heddon Rod Company
http://www.macsrods.com/JamesHeddon.htm
with permission of the author  Michael Sinclair

Probably sell for 135 more if restored, $300. I restore them , also.

Luck,
Mac

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