Heddon fishing rod value
Question
My husband found a Heddon, Black Beauty, # 17-9' 2 1/2 F - H C Hor D rod in an attic of a home he was remodeling & the owner gave it to him. It is in perfect condition & is still in the case. It has a metal reel seat. Wondering if you might be able to give us an approximate value & age...
Answer
Heidi,
Price Book: Antique & Collectible Fishing Rods: Identification & Value Guide Homel, Dan. 1997 (2nd edition 2000) add about 30% for age of book.
Homel gives the 8.5 #17 "Black Beauty" fly rod with an extra tip, 3 sections a value of $75, 165 and $300 for poor, good, excellent condition respectively. Yours is 9 foot and slight less valuable. I have sold some unused 9 ft Heddons last year for 400 but they were model 125 , a slightly more valuable rod.
Assuming "Black Beauty, # 17-9' 2 1/2 F - H C H or D" is written on the butt section;
Bamboo Rod Restoration Handbook by Michael Sinclair ,gives the earliest date for your rod as 1951.
Classic & Antique Fly-Fishing Tackle: A Guide for Collectors & Anglers by A.J. Campbell gives us the end date when Heddon stopped making bamboo rods as 1958.
Luck,
Mac
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