Heddon #17

Question
I have two Heddon #17 9ft 2 1/2f HDH or D that are in very nice condition even tho the guides have all been rewound. They have Heddon diagonally on the flats,and have both tips. My question is this, even tho they do not say Black Beauty are they BBs. I can find no info regarding this anywhere. If not then is the value considerably less? Thank you.

Answer
Hi Steven,

Yes, all #17 heddon fly rods are Black Beauty models...the #17 and the name Black Beauty apply to this model which was introduced in 1931.

The lack of the Black Beauty inscription and the wrapping on the guides may be one of the following...or something else entirely:

Many of the rods produced in the 1955-1956 period had no orange tipping or decorative wraps, they were all black wraps.  Many of the rods refinished during this period were also returned with all black wraps.

The spiral Heddon markings were discontinued after 1948...only the highest quality Heddon rods were marked after 1948.  Rods made between 1949-1954 did have black wraps with orange tipping, but it is always possible that rods in the later period slipped out all black.

My guess is that the rods were refinished in the 1950s and the Black Beauty inscription was lost in the process.  Or, someone reconditioned the rods as a personal project.

As to value, it depends on the actual condition of the rods.  If they have been reconditioned, it depends on the quality of the work done.  Without inpsecting the rods, and assuming they are full length with no serious damage, I would have to assume they would fall in the Good-Very Good range.  This would place a value estimate in the $150-$300 range depending on actual condition of the rods, bags and tubes.

Thanks,  Joe