Fishing Lures Collection Appraisal

Collection of Vintage Fishing Lures

This collection comprises an assortment of vintage fishing lures, demonstrating a variety of styles, materials, and designs common to angling equipment from the mid-20th century. The lures primarily consist of wooden or hard plastic bodies, painted in diverse patterns including bright yellows, mottled green and black (resembling a frog or bass pattern), and natural wood tones. Several lures feature prominent red 'lips' or diving bills, indicative of crankbaits or poppers. Physical characteristics vary, with some being slender and elongated, while others are more bulbous and compact. Each lure is equipped with multiple treble hooks, some of which appear to be original and exhibit signs of age and possible corrosion, common with exposure to water and the elements. Notable features include metal diving lips, often made of aluminum or similar light metal, which are typical for controlling the lure's depth and action. Some lures exhibit brush-like or feathered tails, suggesting their use as topwater or shallow-running baits. The overall condition shows considerable wear consistent with use and age, including paint chips, scuffs, and some discoloration. No explicit maker's marks or signatures are clearly visible from the images; however, the styles suggest manufacturers such as Heddon, Creek Chub, or Fred Arbogast, popular during the 1940s-1970s. The craftsmanship, though showing wear, appears generally sturdy, designed for functionality in fishing rather than purely aesthetic display. The collection represents a cross-section of early to mid-century lure design, with variations in size ranging from approximately 3 to 6 inches in length.