Regional

Rare Fishing Lures Reel in $863,000 at Morphy Auctions

- by Timothy Alexander
One of the rarest combos in the Edens collection, a brown-spotted Wilcox Wiggler graded Near-Excellent with clear solid-glass eyes. One of few of its type ever found, in an equally rare VG-condition paper label box from The Wiggler Mfg. Co., Elmwood, Indiana, with extremely rare paper insert still intact inside the lid. Beautiful hardware that had likely never seen water. Length: 3½in. Sold for $39,600 against an estimate of $10,000-$20,000Submitted Image

DENVER, PA — Antique fishing lures from the prestigious collection of Wayne and Lori Edens sparked intense bidding at Morphy Auctions’ May 17, 2025, sale, generating $863,000 in total sales. The event, a follow-up to the December 2024 auction of the Edens’ collection, drew collectors eager to acquire rare and historically significant pieces of fishing memorabilia.

The auction’s standout was a near-excellent brown-spotted Wilcox Wiggler, considered one of the rarest examples in the Edens’ collection. Complete with its original paper label box and intact paper insert, the lure featured clear solid-glass eyes and pristine hardware, suggesting it had never been used. Estimated at $10,000-$20,000, it achieved $39,600.

A prized Enterprise Trory Minnow, dating back to 1900 or 1901, also commanded attention. Manufactured by the Enterprise Mfg. Co. in Akron, Ohio, this early wooden lure boasted blemish-free glass eyes, hand-painted gill details, and a silver belly. Found in a Canton, Ohio tackle box, the piece in Excellent Minus condition far surpassed its $6,000-$12,000 estimate, fetching $23,400.

Among the other highlights was a Heddon Introductory Model 155 Dowagiac Minnow, featuring solid yellow paint, immaculate glass eyes, and original hooks. Paired with an era-correct box, it was described as combining rarity and condition, leading to a final price of $20,900, exceeding expectations.

A particularly historic piece was a late-19th-century wooden minnow traced to Hiram C. Rice of Twin Lakes, Ohio. Reflecting the early evolution of fishing lures, the bait’s unique craftsmanship included copper perch stripes and spade-shaped props. It sold for $14,100 in strong VG Plus condition.

Lastly, a 1905 Heddon Hi-Forehead 150 Minnow Combo, praised for its striking hand-painted red gills and immaculate glass eyes, secured $23,400, aligning with collectors’ willingness to pay for vintage quality in superb condition.

READ:  Don't Miss Morphy's Auction of Rare Treasures: Timepieces, Art & More!

The sale reaffirmed the Edens’ collection as one of the preeminent assortments of antique fishing lures, with bidders responding enthusiastically to its rarity, craftsmanship, and historical value.

For the latest news on everything happening in Chester County and the surrounding area, be sure to follow MyChesCo on Google News and MSN.