HEDDON Catalog Listings, 1924-56 w/Ferrule & Fly Rod Charts

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wrong66
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Re: HEDDON Catalog Listings, Fly Rods, 1924-1956

#41

Post by wrong66 »

In Michael's "Fighting Heart" book, he mentions the No.115 as having gold wraps, not burgundy. As it turns out (per the Sears ad), they were silver. Many of us know that silver wraps under aging varnish appear gold to the eye and that's why it was always thought that gold silk was used on those. The No.115 and No.125 were Heddon "trade" rods, built only for and sold exclusively by Sears, Roebuck & Co. They were never included in any Heddon catalog because they were never a member of Heddon's regular lineup of rods.
Mark
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Re: HEDDON Catalog Listings, Fly Rods, 1924-1955

#42

Post by middlecalf »

Thanks Mark, I don't actually have MS's book, but in other posts I've seen several references from his book that he states Gudebrod #5382 or YLI #2 (burgundy) for wraps tipped with Gudebrod #209 or YLI #19 (gold/yellow) or YLI #231 (100#). Are there different versions of his book? The gold thread you mention and it's color fading makes sense, but what about the black tipping, does he mention that in your book of his?

Would you think the wrappings of the day would be 50# size or 100# size? Thanks, just curious cat here "thinking" about rewrapping my whole rod in correct original color vice just repairing a guide and ferrule and using the same crappy unoriginal (red + black) wrapping.

Paul
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Re: HEDDON Catalog Listings, Fly Rods, 1924-1956

#43

Post by wrong66 »

The burgundy and gold reference in his "Restoration Handbook" was likely a typo. Both the No.115 and 125 models were of No.20 quality. The No.20 used the burgundy and gold wraps, which probably contributed to the confusion?All the No.115 models were tipped in black. I've seen dozens. Use silver with black tipping and you can't go wrong. I don't know the thread sizes they used.
Mark
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Re: HEDDON Catalog Listings, Fly Rods, 1924-1955

#44

Post by middlecalf »

Thanks much, Mark. Good stuff and help.
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Re: HEDDON Catalog Listings, Fly Rods, 1924-1955

#45

Post by middlecalf »

Hey Mark, hopefully you'll see this post, one last question. Did the 115 come with a hook keeper? The catalog listing doesn't mention having one. Mine has one, but whoever put it on overwrapped part of the lettering (the H in "H 115..."). I don't see how to put this back on (refurbish is in full swing) without covering the letter H, I'd just prefer to leave it off. I'm using 100# thread (silver + black), prefer the looks of it anyhow. Thanks. Paul
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Re: HEDDON Catalog Listings, Fly Rods, 1924-1956

#46

Post by wrong66 »

Paul,
You're probably referring to the "#", rather than an "H". In either case, it likely never came with a hook keeper if it covers any of the rod shaft markings. I don't remember off hand if they came equipped with one.
Mark
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Re: HEDDON Catalog Listings, Fly Rods, 1924-1955

#47

Post by middlecalf »

Gracias Mark. So that's a "#" in front of the 115, not an "H", couldn't tell from the old writing. That makes more sense. And no hook keeper for this boy scout! Thanks. Paul
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Re: HEDDON Catalog Listings, Fly Rods, 1924-1956

#48

Post by wrong66 »

Just a reminder that I also have the complete original catalog listings for all Heddon bamboo & fiberglass bait casting rods, fiberglass rods of every description, steel rods and even some graphite rods, from 1909 to about 1980. Feel free to PM me anytime if you need information or copies.
Mark
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Re: HEDDON Catalog Listings, Fly Rods, 1924-1955

#49

Post by uniquafly »

I am wondering what the value of a Heddon featherweight rod is? I saw one on the unmentionable auction site and I'll admit that I attempted to get it. Alas, it went for well over $$$ what Banjo has listed, here on this forum, as its value. Quite frankly, I was rather amazed at the amount it sold for. I realize that this kind of thing goes up and down like the moon but should I also ask, should the values for the other Heddon models, Grangers, etc., be revised? Although I can't remember what rods they were, I still remember other rods being sold for more $$$ than their suggested value.

Wondering what you guys think...?
“He told us about Christ's disciples being fishermen, and we were left to assume, as my brother and I did, that all first-class fishermen on the Sea of Galilee were fly fishermen and that John, the favorite, was a dry-fly fisherman.”

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Re: HEDDON Catalog Listings, Fly Rods, 1924-1956

#50

Post by wrong66 »

I think Banjo's prices are obsolete, having been posted almost 7 years ago. It's become almost useless to try to create a relevant price guide for better Heddon, Granger and other models, because they tend to rise and fall so fast. Even a price guide from last year could be way off base and already obsolete. Especially on eBay. Original, damage-free Heddon Featherweights bring big bucks these days, as they are some of the most desirable models ever produced by the company. How big depends on who wants it bad enough. THAT, doesn't change.
Mark
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Re: HEDDON Catalog Listings, Fly Rods, 1924-1955

#51

Post by uniquafly »

I firmly agree with you, Mark.

It's quite interesting to see the popularity of the Heddon featherweight, as well as other rods, rise and fall just as their values do. Think about it, you could buy an arm full of those rods with a $100 bill or more back in the day but that $100 was hard to make by the average Joe!
“He told us about Christ's disciples being fishermen, and we were left to assume, as my brother and I did, that all first-class fishermen on the Sea of Galilee were fly fishermen and that John, the favorite, was a dry-fly fisherman.”

Norman Maclean

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Re: HEDDON Catalog Listings, Fly Rods, 1924-1955

#52

Post by fefferje »

A note on the value of the Featherlite. There is a #31 Featherlite that has been restored on Jim Bresko's Coldwater Collectables website. It is selling for $795. which seems like a reasonable price. Mark, thanks for posting all those catalogs, and flykuni thank you for the memories of your Japanese-American past, and the information about the famous Seattle hotel. Jed
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Re: HEDDON Catalog Listings, Fly Rods, 1924-1955

#53

Post by ErichE »

My #31 is one of the nicest casting rods in my collection.
It has been restored and has the original sock and tube.
But the antique gold was not CPed and the silk turned the same colour as the reel seat.
Really liked the look so it will be left this way for now.


Mine was found in an attic when a friend of mine bought a house.
Along with that find was a Denver Special 8642 and a 1957 Phillipson 6 foot 6 wt fibreglass with a dipped varnish finish.
Both in the original sock and bag.
The Denver Special is being prepped for a restoration and will be ready for the spring trout fishing in June.

Every once in awhile all the stars align and the moon turns blue, and gifts just fall from the sky.

Erich

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Re: HEDDON Catalog Listings, 1924-56 w/Ferrule & Fly Rod Cha

#54

Post by wrong66 »

Over the next few days I'll be adding a series of Heddon's "Ferrule & Fly Rod Charts", showing ferrule sizes used, rod weights, line weights, etc.
The chart shown below is the standard Heddon Ferrule Size Chart, with the "actions" Heddon assigned to them, taken by permission from Michael Sinclair's classic work "HEDDON - The Rod With The FIGHTING HEART".
Image
Last edited by wrong66 on 07/12/17 11:31, edited 2 times in total.

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Re: HEDDON Catalog Listings, 1924-56 w/Ferrule & Fly Rod Cha

#55

Post by wrong66 »

HEDDON FLY ROD WEIGHT CHART - 1926-1927.
This was the first Heddon fly rod chart, showing rod weights and actions for the two models offered (only Trout & Bass actions were available).
Image
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Re: HEDDON Catalog Listings, 1924-55 w/Ferrule & Fly Rod Cha

#56

Post by wrong66 »

HEDDON FLY ROD WEIGHT CHART - 1928.
This year Heddon added the Extra Heavy Duty action as an option for 9 and 9-1/2 ft. models.
Image
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Re: HEDDON Catalog Listings, 1924-56 w/Ferrule & Fly Rod Cha

#57

Post by wrong66 »

HEDDON FLY ROD WEIGHT CHART - 1929-1930.
Becoming more specialized. Notice it mentions that a new Light Trout weight will be available after May 1, 1929.
Image
HEDDON "FEATHERWEIGHT" FLY ROD WEIGHTS - 1928-1931.
The weights are shown within the description of each model listing.
HEDDON FLY ROD WEIGHT CHART - 1931.
Same chart as earlier catalogs, except some of the weights have changed slightly.
Image
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Re: HEDDON Catalog Listings, 1924-56 w/Ferrule & Fly Rod Cha

#58

Post by wrong66 »

HEDDON FLY ROD WEIGHT & LINE WEIGHT CHART - 1932.
The first time line weights would be listed, along with rod weights and explanation of the different actions.
*NOTE* Add at least 1/4 oz. for rods equipped with screw-locking reel seats (either metal or plastic).
Image
HEDDON FLY ROD WEIGHT, LINE WEIGHT & FERRULE CHART - 1933-1934.
Heddon's first ferrule chart is also included.
Image
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Re: HEDDON Catalog Listings, 1924-56 w/Ferrule & Fly Rod Cha

#59

Post by wrong66 »

HEDDON FLY ROD WEIGHT, LINE WEIGHT & FERRULE CHART - 1935.
Image

HEDDON FLY ROD WEIGHT, LINE WEIGHT & FERRULE CHART - 1936.
Heddon seems to change rod weights and line recommendations just about every year.
*NOTE* States that plain wood reel seats are 1/2 oz. less than shown.
Image
Last edited by wrong66 on 07/13/17 13:56, edited 6 times in total.

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Re: HEDDON Catalog Listings, 1924-56 w/Ferrule & Fly Rod Cha

#60

Post by wrong66 »

HEDDON FLY ROD WEIGHT, LINE WEIGHT & FERRULE CHART - 1937.
A "Power Plus" action has been added.
Image
Last edited by wrong66 on 07/13/17 14:18, edited 3 times in total.

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