Question
Jim Heddon Bait Castin
I have a(TIN or metal) case in good condition only 1 small dent on top.It has green inlays and suports inside. The label inside is intact,the hinges ,latches and handle work well. Label inside reads Jim Heddon's Favorite Outfit a complete Bait casting Kit ,value 30.00 A Tackel box-Rod Case -A Heddon "Favorite" Bamboo Rod - A Level Winding Reel-A line - A stinger with snaps-3choice Baits.There are two reels in box. One Reel has two black handels marked on side is CHIEF DO-WA-GIAC snarl free no.4 james hedden's sons dowagiac mich. Reel is in good working condition with string. Other reel has cream color handles. Marked on side SOUTH BEND QUALITY TACKLE BAIT COMPANY NO.350A level winding anti- back-lash made in usa .It works also.There is a two pc bamboo rod 52in long.First section has the reel seat in middle and Signed (Jim Heddon Favorite)on shaft above handle.Its 27in long and the Cork in good shape theards are black and in good shape.It has red band with black stripe around eyes.A total of 3 eyes in good shape red band on middle eye is missing on one side. Rod goes together an is perfectly straight. No other lables on it.Rod is not round hex in shape half an inch across. Also there two other sections of rod in box looks like one is the end of a fly rod.The other end of a bait casting rod.Both bamboo ends do not fit original rod,to small.Bait casting end intact but fly rod end is missing both ends.Could you PLEASE give any feedback and approximate its value.
AnswerTodd,
Lets start with the maker, James Heddon & Sons of Dowagiac, MI. , they made good quality medium priced rods. They shut down in 54 and so all rods are at least that old.
The most collectible are bamboo fly rods.
You may have a bamboo fly/casting combo. It can be used as either type. It is unusual but doesn't make it very valuable. Or just an extra section of a fly rod. It is unclear to me.
I see a similar kit on Craigslist, PA http://pittsburgh.craigslist.org/spo/1392562008.html
If that is not you , you may want to contact the seller and see what if anything he is getting on it.
Price Books:
Antique %26 Collectible Fishing Reels: Identification, Evaluation %26 Maintenance Homel, %26 Jellison. 1996.
Antique %26 Collectible Fishing Rods: Identification %26 value Guide Homel, Dan. 1997 (2nd edition 2000) add about 30% for age of book.
Information / history:
Bamboo Rod Restoration Handbook by Michael Sinclair
Heddon , The Rod with the Fighting Heart also by Michael Sinclair
Your item is very unique, it's value is probably in a museum. like the Heddon museum: http://www.heddonmuseum.org/
Information and photos about the Heddon Museum: http://www.lurelore.com/museum.html
But I am going to break it out and tell you what the individual items might be worth.
Homel gives the Heddon "Chief Dowagiac" reel #4 -level wind multiplier c.1932 a value of $25, 50 and $75 for poor, good, excellent condition respectively.
Homel gives the South Bend #350 -levelwind baitcaster c.1950 reel a value of $25, 50 and $75 for poor, good, excellent condition respectively.
Homel gives the 5 1/2' "Jim Heddon's Favorite" baitcasting rod a value of $25, 60 and $100 for poor, good, excellent condition respectively. They were made with black and red wrapped threads from 1932 - 1954
Condition-"eye is missing on one side" says at best good and maybe poor.
So maybe $300 .
I suggest you donate and get a much larger tax write off.
I quote these books written by researchers so you know I am not making it all up, But I include my experience as well.
It has taken me more than an hour to write this up , please take a few seconds to provide feedback. Please remember I am a volunteer , the feedback is the only result I get from doing this.
Luck,
Mac
Please provide feedback, nominations are appreciated.
