Expert: Joe Douglas - 10/16/2009

Question
Hi Joe,
I have a Heddon rod which reads #20 - 9 - 2 1/2F - HCH or D.  The name Heddon is written diagonally on the rod. There are three sections.  The reel seat is a black plastic.  There is some wear on the cork and the varnish seems to have perhaps melted at some point because it's not real smooth.  Otherwise, everything is original and very usable condition.  When do you think this rod was made and what would be your guess as to value?  I will probably try to sell it on ebay.  Thanks, Frank

Answer
Hi Frank,

Your rod sounds like one made in what is called the neo-classic period for Heddon fly rods or 1939-1948.  The inscription pattren is appropriate for that time period.  It also sounds like one that was probably made during the earlier part of this time frame as it has the black plastic (Pyralin) reel seat...most plastic reel seats of this period were made of Tenite (brown plastic), but one should assume that Heddon would have used up the Pyralin inventory before switching to Tenite.  One of my reference books indicates that Pyralin is appropriate for the Model 320 of this era; another indicates the Model #20 would have been included in the Tenite conversion; both were written by the same author so I assume there is some overlap involved.

The model #20 is the "Bill Stanley's Favorite" and in this era would have been wrapped in maroon with gold tipping.  It is a desirable model and sold for about $30 when new.  HCH or D indicates the recommended line sizes which, in modern lines, are 7wt for double taper or weight forward (HCH) or 6wt for Level line (D).

The varnish may have dried out, sagged a bit, or developed what is called alligatoring.  These are all correctable and may or may not require a complete refinish of the rod shaft.  This will affect the condition of the rod somewhat.  Wear on the cork is expected as long as no large pieces are missing or breaks appear in the cork...dirt and grime are normal for a rod that has been fished.  

Without seeing the rod it is difficult to assess it's condition.  Condition is the key to value.  If you have only three rod sections, the rod would probably fall somewhere in the Poor-Fair range  mainly because it is missing the spare tip section.  If you have the spare tip section, the rod probably falls somewhere in the Good-Very Good category.  Both of these assume you have the original rod bag and rod tube...if not, the value would be toward the low end of each range.

Value of a Heddon model #20 in 9' length in Poor-Fair condition would be $80-$100; in Good-Very Good condition it would be $175-$200.  Be critical as you look the rod over.  If you are missing major components like the rod bags rod tube or any rod sections, you need to adjust any price assumptions downward.  If the rod sections you have are broken or shortened due to breakage, again adjust downward.  The finish problems would adjust the price toward the lower end of the range.  And, finally, these are collector values.  If you are going to try to sell on one of the online auctions, you can expect bargain hunters and lower prices.

Thanks,  Joe