8 replies to this topic

[Happy]

Could anyone tell me about this bait. It was in my Grandpa's box and I would like to put eyes back in it. Its 3in. long no markings

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•  old_crankbait.jpg   23.32K   43 downloads

[Fireball Lures]

Looks like an old heddon to me, but I'm no expert. I bet Funny farm would know.


Fireball

[out2llunge]

It's probably worth a few bucks...I wouldn't do anything to it until you know what you've got.

[Lure--Prof]

Looks like a Heddon Dowagiac Minnow #100 Series, made sometime before WWII. Earliest models, 1905 or so, have a less rounded nose and a bit different gill paint. Like out2llunge says, I wouldn't do anything to at this point, but I would especially Not put any eyes in it unless I found some like-vintage Heddon Glass-eyes. Lures are only original once.
Dean

[beentheredonethat]

Happy - here's some current eBay items that are similar. You just have to find out exactly what you have. The Heddon Dowagiac Minnow 100 looks real close. No box? No visible markings (faint)?

http://cgi.ebay.com/...&category=36171

http://cgi.ebay.com/...41&category=794

http://cgi.ebay.com/...&category=36171

btdt

[lurecollector]

It is a No. 100 Heddon Dowagiac Minnow made from 1905 to about 1943.
Yours was made from 1905 to 1915 due to the cup hardware. The color is fancy sienna or brown crackleback.

This early 3 hook minnow sinks (underwater model) and is one of the most collected lures. They are the epitome of lure collecting.

Clean lightly and find a beat up model to replace the eyes.

Current collector value - Excellent condition $200 - 300
Good " $100- 150
Average " $50 - 75 or less

If you have any more questions please ask - I identify, buy, sell and appraise lures, reels, rods, tackleboxes, catalogs, artwork etc

[Happy]

Thanks everyone I'm going to hang on to this one. Is there a place to buy just the eyes? Are they very expensive? What color were the eyes?

[funny farm]

Im late on this one ! I can get you a pair of eyeballs . I have a few in stock . Just send me the lure and I will send it back in a few years with new eyes. , or I can just send a pair of eyes to you . Just becareful taking out the old ones if there any pieces left . They are held in there by a piece of wire that the eye sits on . Sometimes when pulling this wire out if it has rusted they can expand and pull out a good chunk of wood . I have learned the hardway .

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•  eye2.jpg   16.46K   12 downloads
•  eye.jpg   66.27K   13 downloads

[Happy]

Thanks Funny Farm, I think I will just order some eyes. But it sound complicated I have never done this before. If its not peel and stick Im lost.