old Jc Higgins Jointed Lure

Question
QUESTION: hi, i have been fishing since i was like, 3, i am now 16, and for several years i have had my dad's old Jc Higgins Lure, it is a 2 piece jointed in the middle with 2 fairly good sized treble hooks, i am wondering if you know when it was probably made, how much it was worth then, and how much it is worth now, i am not using it, b/c i am scared that it might be valuable and i don't want to ruin it, i hope you can help me out, please find out all you can, thanks

Ray

ANSWER: Ray

JC Higgins lures were made by other companies, Creek Chub, South Bend, etc.

With the limited description, if its wooden, I would estimate 1940s or 50s. (if it has glass eyes a bit earlier).

These lures dont generate much collector interest, $5-$15. If its mint with the original box or an usual it might be a little higher.

But, its always nice to keep items like this from your parents and grand parents. Old wooden lures tend to have cracks in the finish, allowing water to get to the wood. Then the wood expands chipping the paint off. So, I would not use it, unless its really worn....

If you are interested in learning more, there is a club - The NFLCC (National Fishing Lures Collectors Club), you can join to learn about collecting old lures. (I am 45 and started at your age).

Bob Vermillion
www.folkartfishinglures.com



---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: hi, my lure is wooden, and the paint is beginning to crack and chip, if it does have glass eyes, what years would it have been made?


Ray

Answer
Glass eyes were made in Germany, thus as WWII hit, the eyes where changed to metal tacks that were painted over. Therefore your lure is probably from the 1930s.

Again, I would not put it in the water, it will expand the wood and loose more paint.

If you send a photo, I can probably tell you more.

[email protected]

Bob Vermillion