Heddon Expert Split Bamboo Rod

Question
I have a Heddon Expert #125-91/2'-23/4F-GBG or C. It does have two of the guides missing. I have all the sections and cloth storage bag. I was wondering what the value range might be. I would appreciate any information you can share. Thank You!

Answer
Hi Arthur,

The Heddon Expert #125 and the Heddon Premier #115, wererods made by Heddon and sold exclusively in Sears-Roebuck stores.  Sears got a better deal on the rods by allowing Heddon to use their own name on the rods rather than the Sears or JC Higgins name.  These are true Hddon rods, but they are not considered part of the Heddon #100 Series. The Expert #125 and the Premier #115 both are collectible and have fairly significant value.

Decoding the #125 for you is as follows:

#125..........the model number assigned to the Expert sold exclusively at Sears
9 1/2.........the length of the rod when assembled - 9 1/2 feet
2 3/4 F.......the ferrule set used on Power-Plus 9 1/2' rods weighing 5 3/4 ounces
GBG or C......line weightfor the rod (GBG = modern 8wt either WF or DT) (C = 7wt Level)

This tells you that the 9 1/2' rod was intended for fairly heavy duty fishing like bass, steelhead and perhaps light salmon.  This would have been called a grilse or light salmon rod at the time.

The two missing guides would have to be replaced and rewrapped in original colors to make the rod whole.  I assume all rod sections are full length.  You did not mention a rod tube...you should have one for this rod to make it a complete package.  With the guides replaced but wihtout the rod tube the rod would not rate higher than Good condition.  Depending on actual condition of the rod and bag, an estimated value would be in the $275-$375 range.

In valuing bamboo rods the shorter rods tend to be valued higher than the longer ones. This is no reflection on the quality of the rods or their fishability.  Most people these days simply prefer the shorter rods and the versatility they provide...plus the portability.  For those companies that used to produce large numbers of bamboo rods, their usual production targeted 9'0" rods as general purpose and they sold more of these than any other.  Many of these companies did not make shorter rods until they had an order in hand which makes most of us think the short rods got a little more personalized attention during the building process. That alone seems to make them more valuable to most buyers.

Thanks,  Joe