This 1902 Heddon “Dowagiac” Perfect Casting Bait, type No.2 lure, was Heddon’s first production model. There are still a few of these lures around which gives them a value of up to $500, if in mint condition. The box and paper could add considerably more value.

This photo shows the 1902 patented open-faced (quick-change) hook hanger and its cup. Special Note: On the first year’s production model the cups were washed in gold.

This 1902 Heddon “Dowagiac” Perfect Casting Bait, type No.2 lure, was Heddon’s first production model. There are still a few of these lures around which gives them a value of up to $500, if in mint condition. The box and paper could add considerably more value." title="This 1902 Heddon “Dowagiac” Perfect Casting Bait, type No.2 lure, was Heddon’s first production model. There are still a few of these lures around which gives them a value of up to $500, if in mint condition. The box and paper could add considerably more value.

This photo shows the 1902 patented open-faced (quick-change) hook hanger and its cup. Special Note: On the first year’s production model the cups were washed in gold." title="This photo shows the 1902 patented open-faced (quick-change) hook hanger and its cup. Special Note: On the first year’s production model the cups were washed in gold.

In the beginning, God made man, then he made woman, and then Heddon made fishing lures for them.

As we all know, this is not quite how it all went down, but if you were to believe the Heddon version of history you might think otherwise.

In 1902, Heddon received a patent that helped to promote the idea that they were the first to invent the wooden fishing plug. If you were to go down to the Old Mill Pond in Dowagiac, Mich. and read the plaque at the Heddon Park, it would encourage you to think just that.

However, antique lure collectors now know that there was a former resident of Niles that patented a fishing lure in 1897, called the Harris Frog.

Mr. Jim Heddon actually owned and fished with one of these frogs before he put his first lure into production. Collectors also acknowledge that there were a handful of men who had patented artificial fishing lures before either of these two gentlemen.

With a close study of the patent, it is not the fishing lure that the patent covered, but rather it was two small component parts. The first was the open-faced, L-shaped hook hanger that held the hook to the body. The idea was for the fisherman to be able to unscrew the hook hanger a few turns so that he could quickly change hooks. The second part of the patent covered the cup-shaped washer that was recessed into the body. This cup kept the hook points from swinging up against the body and damaging the paint on the body.

One has to remember that this “Dowagiac” Perfect Casting Bait is over 100 years old, which makes it a true antique. As we know, old, rare, antiques can be quite valuable. The mint lure in the photograph is a good example, with a value of from $400 to $500. However, the most unique and rarest items shown in this photograph is not the lure, but the box and paper insert. Both of these very rare items would add a few thousand dollars to the overall value.

(To learn more about Heddon lures contact Doug Bucha at 269-683-0686 or attend the Heddon Collectors Meeting the second Tuesday of every month at the old Heddon factory in Dowagiac at 6:30 p.m.)