December 9, 2024 Fishing Lure
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 12/9/2024
3” Length. James Heddon hand-carved these Frogs in 1898 and all eight hung prominently on The Factory Board until the 1970s. The example being auctioned here is clearly visible and identifiable in the photos of the Factory Board both before and after it was rearranged. This particular Frog is further set apart by being one of only two from the group with a belly slot and having the hook eye pinned inside. The other belly-slot Frog from The Board has wrappings around its body and this example does not, thereby making it uniquely distinguished and easy to pick out in Board photos. Originally obtained from the Heddon Factory in June 1978 by Dudley Murphy, its pedigree is laid out in Harbin’s book Heddon Historical Footprints on page 236.01, and this very Frog is shown in Dudley Murphy’s “Blue Book” on page 26. A few of these original hand-carved baits have changed hands privately over the years, but the last verified occurrence of a Factory Board Frog selling at a public auction was a phone bid sale in July 1985! The lure itself measures 3” long and features a single hook tied to each rear leg, with its oversized black bead eyes really bringing it to life. This is a very rare opportunity to acquire one of - if not THE most - iconic artificial baits in existence. Its status among collectible lures ranks at the very top, and its historical importance cannot be overstated.
Item Dimensions: 3" long.