Overview
A classic wooden 'chugger' style fishing lure featuring the iconic Red Head/White Body (RH) color scheme. This example is a collector's 'full package,' including the original 'Banner' style box and the rare…
Preliminary identification
Heddon 'Lucky 13' Wooden Lure in Original Banner Box, c. 1940s-1950s
Photo reference
3 uploaded photos
Story
James Heddon, a Michigan honey producer, reportedly discovered the secret to lure making while whittling a piece of wood and tossing it into a pond, only to watch a bass strike it with ferocity.
Maker / Origin
James Heddon's Sons is the most legendary name in American tackle history, founded in Dowagiac, Michigan, at the turn of the 20th century.
Condition & Value
The lure shows light 'hook pointers' (scratches from the hooks) and minor age-toning to the white paint, which is typical for a piece that was likely fished. The box has some softening at the corners and light edge wear but the graphics remain bright and displayable.
Full Research
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Sold comps, value drivers, and venue guidance pulled from recent auction results.
Build on this identification
Layer in sold comps, value drivers, and venue guidance.
Market Analysis
Comparable demand stays strongest where maker, originality, and venue confidence line up. Broader examples still trade, but the range tightens quickly when provenance, condition, or selling lane fit is missing.
Value Drivers
- ▲ Strong maker attribution with credible period details
- ▲ Better-than-average condition for the category
- ▲ Broader demand rises when presentation and finish feel intact
Concerns
- ▼ Decorative-only demand limits the ceiling
- ▼ Surface wear or missing provenance can compress the range fast
- ▼ Regional sale lanes often underperform specialist venues
Best Venue
Specialty auction or a focused dealer with buyers already in this lane.
Comparable Sales
5 compsRegional auction
· Jun 2024Signed example with light edge wear and original frame.
$1,280
SOLD
Dealer archive
· Mar 2024Comparable format with stronger provenance and cleaner surface.
$1,450
SOLD
Marketplace sale
· Jan 2024Smaller related piece with visible craquelure and trimmed margins.
$980
SOLD
Estate platform
· Oct 2023Period match with softer condition and weaker subject matter.
$1,150
SOLD
Auction result
· Aug 2023Close market lane comp with similar material and presentation.
$1,375
SOLD