Wayne Edens’ Extraordinary Antique Fishing Lure Collection Available at Morphy's December 9 Auction
On December 9, 2024, fishing lure collectors and enthusiasts from all around the nation will gather at Morphy Auctions in Denver, Pennsylvania, for a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to bid on the unparalleled Wayne Edens collection of antique fishing lures. This collection not only boasts an impressive array of unique pieces but is also considered the largest and most historically significant compilation of its kind to ever be presented in a public auction. Among the standout items is a remarkable hand-carved frog lure by James Heddon, created in 1898 and one of only eight such pieces remaining from that era.
The history of fishing lures intertwines with the evolution of angling culture in America. For collectors, acquiring a piece from this particular collection means not just adding a lure to their assortment, but rather obtaining a slice of fishing history. The Heddon frog is exceptional, crafted by the Heddon Company’s founder and originally displayed in the Heddon factory in Dowagiac, Michigan. This frog lure’s journey through time is intriguing. In 1977, outdoor enthusiast Clyde A. Harbin Sr. visited the factory and helped refine a display board by removing non-Heddon productions, leaving the eight frogs intact. Harbin later documented the history of these frogs in his book, revealing their various fates, such as one allegedly residing in the Bass Pro Shops collection.
Wayne Edens himself acquired this treasured frog lure from Dudley Murphy, a key figure in fishing lure archiving, who obtained it directly at the Heddon factory. On auction day, this historic frog lure is expected to fetch between $30,000 and $80,000, making it not only an object of beauty but also a valuable investment for serious collectors.
Additionally, other notable pieces within the Edens collection include a Heddon 747 lure in a special color, available exclusively for one year in 1917, with an estimation of $35,000 to $50,000. The collection also features a one-off Giant Underwater Minnow designed for Pacific Ocean fishing, which is estimated at $30,000 to $60,000. Collectors will undoubtedly take great interest in the various rare items, including a special order 1309 Black Sucker lure and historic casting bait sets.
The auction is set to start at 9 AM ET at Morphy's gallery located at 2000 N. Reading Rd. in Denver. For those unable to attend in person, multiple remote bidding options will be available, allowing interested parties to participate by phone or online through Morphy Live. This event promises to be historic, offering a rare glimpse into antique angling collectibles that tell the story of fishing as both an art and a sport.
Whether you're a seasoned collector, a casual enthusiast, or just curious about these unique pieces of history, the Wayne Edens collection at Morphy's auction is an event not to be missed. Prepare your bids, as this extraordinary array of antique fishing lures could soon be part of your prized collection.