Heddon #1000 9-1/2 Rod of Rods-Mint

Question
Hi Joe,

I have recently acquired a Heddon De Luxe #1000 9-1/2 foot rod with an extra tip. The main shaft of the rod is marked Rod of Rods in script. The hardwood such as the reel seat and line guides appear to be gold plated. The rod came with the original sock with a tag and the original aluminum tube.  Is the number 1000 the numbers of these rods made? The rod appears to never had a reel on the hardwood reel seat. Any information that you would like to share with me would be greatly appreciated. Thank you. Ed  

Answer
Hi Ed,

According to "Heddon, The Rod with the Fighting heart", by Michael Sinclair, the following information was provided by the Heddon Company about the model #1000 rods.  I've paraphrased it a bit to create this response.

The Heddon DeLuxe #1000 "Rod of Rods" model was made from 1939 to 1953 (skipping the 1944-1946 years) and sold when new for $100 which made this the best rod made by Heddon.  The #1000 is a model number and does not refer to a limited production run of only 1000 rods. These rods were made as special order items.  However, very few #1000 rods were ever made so you do have a rare rod.

The rod reel seat hardware, guides and tiptops are coated with real gold.  On models made after 1949 the welts (tips) on the ferrules were also coated with real gold.  Over the years the exact hardware configuration and even the rod finish (usually gold) underlying the varnish on these rods changed, and the special order aspect led to individual requests, so it is possible to have a model #1000 with small differences from those listed above.  

The model #1000 was packaged in a gold anodized aluminum case (tube) which was encased in in a heavy top grain cowhide case large enough to hold two rods.

There are some Heddon rod models and trade rod models that can be confused with the model #1000, but your description indicates a real model #1000.

As to value of the rod, the closest thing made by Heddon that is listed in my reference books is the model #50 which Heddon considered inferior to the model #1000.  Model #50 rods were made and sold in much larger numbers, very few Model #1000 were made and sold.  The 9-1/2 foot rods tend to be valued less than shorter models, but this is a special rod.  If I were to extrapolate the value of a Mint condition model #50 to estimate the value of this model #1000, then I would guess it to be valued in the $1000-$2000 range...perhaps more.  

HOWEVER, I suggest that you locate a local appraiser with the experience and expertise to inspect the rod in person and provide you with a value based on the actual condition of the rod and all its components.  It may cost you a fee for the service, but should be well worth the investment.

Good luck.  Sounds like a nice rod.   Joe