Russell E Lewis - Collectible Fishing Lures

Warman's
COMPANION

COLLECTIBLE
FISHING LURES

Russell E. Lewis

2008 Russell E. Lewis

Published by

700 East State Street lola, Wl 54990-0001
715-445-2214 888-457-2873
www.krausebooks.com

Our toll-free number to place an order or obtain a free catalog is (800) 258-0929.

All rights reserved. No portion of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopy, recording, or any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from the publisher, except by a reviewer who may quote brief passages in a critical article or review to be printed in a magazine or newspaper, or electronically transmitted on radio, television, or the Internet.

Library of Congress Control Number: 2008920128
ISBN-13: 978-0-89689-702-1
ISBN-10: 0-89689-702-8
eISBN: 978-1-4402-1955-9

Designed by Heidi Bittner-Zastrow
Edited by Justin Moen
Printed in China

DEDICATION

Dedicated to the memory of my mom, Marian I. Lewis:
May 31, 1919-Jan. 21, 2008.

She was always there for me and allowed me the freedom to enjoy the many thousands of acres at our backdoor and gave me the encouragement to go out and explore our streams, forests and lakes. But for her, there would not have been any fishing lure books written by this author.

And, as always, thanks to Wendy for her constant support and encouragement with our second pastimefishing lures. She is the model of all perfect wives and a gem seldom found.

I am always looking to buy lure collections. Contact me at either findingo@netonecom.net or lewisr@ferris.edu if in need of an appraisal, or if wishing to sell a collection. I may also be reached at (231)-591-3581, or via mail at:

Dr. Russell E. Lewis
Bishop Hall 515
Ferris State University
Big Rapids, MI 49307

Warmans Identification and Price Guide series

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Collectibles

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Carnival Glass

Collectible Dolls

Depression Glass

Fenton Glass

Fiesta

Hallmark Keepsake Ornaments

Hot Wheels

McCoy Pottery

PEZ

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U.S. Coins & Currency

Watches

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Table of Contents

CHAPTER 1
INTRODUCTION

This is my 15th book on fishing lures and related collectibles. I previously wrote Field Guide to Fishing Lures: Identification and Price Guide, Copyright 2005, published by Collector Books (now out of print) and a major reference work entitled Classic Fishing Lures, published by Krause Publications (still available), which covered both vintage and classic collectible fishing lures.

This book is an updated companion organized in a new and better way to assist the collector in this volatile area of collecting. A lot has changed in the past four or five years in the collecting world, the world in general, and in our economy as it impacts collectors. It is hoped that this book will assist both the beginning and the advanced collector in continuing to amass a collection of value and interest.

The book should also be useful to antique dealers, appraisers, court administrators, executors of estates, auctioneers, and anyone else needing to know the value of a good old lure or two. It can never replace the detailed knowledge found in such works as Classic Fishing Lures, or Carl F. Luckeys Old Fishing Lures, 7th Edition, Fishing Collectibles, (my book on rods, reels and creels published by Krause Publications), and my encyclopedic treatment of Modern Fishing Lure Collectibles, Volumes 1 through 5, published by Collector Books. But this book is a handy reference guide to assist one in the field, and to begin to learn about classic and vintage fishing lures. I had fun writing it, as I do all of my books, and can only hope you also have fun reading it and using it for many years to come.

A background on value is where we must begin. I am asked daily What is it worth? in reference to a lure, rod, reel, creel, or 100 or more lures. That is an easy question for someone selling thousands of lures over the past few years as I have done, but at the same time, nearly impossible to answer with any authority for a number of reasons.

Value depends mainly on rarity, color and condition for all lures. Age is sometimes important as it contributes to but is not the only factor determining rarity. For example, I sold a Heddon Zara from 1983 for $200 in February 2008 due to its rare color and numbers. Contrarily, I have many CCBC Pikies from the 1920s not worth $15 due to common colors and patterns. Age is not all that matters. Color is super importantand the hardest thing for the beginner to learn and to know, as it takes so many more photos to show than can be done in any one lure book.

The Creek Chub Plunkers that led to a lifetime of love for luresand fishing.Value: $20+, but priceless to the author!

To learn colors, one must handle thousands of lures and, soon the common ones become apparent, and the rare ones are easily spotted. Some colors are common in all companies, some rare in others. Gantron paints from the early 1950s are rare in all companies, and the paint is easily damaged and cannot be cleaned, so the lures are always rare in excellent condition. Patterns with silver and gold foil inserts from the 1950s are rare for Heddons, but more common for Whopper Stopper and Pico. Rainbow is just plain liked by all collectors, so it is not necessarily rare, but driven up in price due to its beauty. Also, rainbow patterns varied in Creek Chub, South Bend and Heddonincreasing its interest as a color.