Rare 1933 HEDDON #200 "Reliable" 5', 2-Piece Split Bamboo Casting Rod w/"TROUT"

Description

It's my pleasure to offer at auction an Extremely Rare 1933 HEDDON No.200 "RELIABLE" 5 FT., 2-PIECE SPLIT BAMBOO BAIT CASTING ROD WITH THE HEDDON "
TROUT
" DECAL, BAG & STAMPED HEDDON ALUMINUM TUBE. Less than a handful of Trout decals have ever been found on Heddon's No.100 "Sport Special" bait casting rod, introduced in 1933. As of this writing, this No.200 "Reliable" model, also introduced in 1933, is the ONLY example known to exist with that rod shaft decal. Because of the decal, what would normally be a rather common model casting rod now becomes one of the more desirable Heddon rarities from the 30's. Rod shaft carries the near-perfect Heddon Trout decal, underneath which Heddon's Cleo Hanley has handwritten "#200" on one flat. The reel seat is stamped "Patented", for the 1927 patent assigned to Heddon for the screw-locking seat. Made of quality Tonkin cane and comes equipped with crystal agate guides & tip top, nickel silver welted ferrules, exposed winding check, screw-locking "Hold-Tite" reel seat with attached trigger, solid cork tournament grip & fore grip and wound in orange silk tipped in black. I've added a photo of the original listing from Heddon's 1933 catalog. Rod is in Very Good condition, showing light wear and overall crazing to the original varnish, which could possibly be polished out. Bamboo is perfect, with no splits, cracks or delamination whatsoever. Both sections are the correct length and are reasonably straight. All guides, tip top, ferrules and winding check remain very nice. All wraps are solid and complete. Reel seat works perfectly, with bold stamping. Solid cork tournament grip and fore grip are in good condition, with some ridging. Put up in a period cloth bag, in about good condition. The aluminum tube shows just a couple very minor dings and is in excellent condition. The cap, stamped "JAMES HEDDON'S SONS DOWAGIAC, MICH.", screws on tightly and securely. A great example of this unique rarity from James Heddon's Sons, for you hard-core Heddon collectors. To be sold with a very low starting bid and NO RESERVE. Buyer to pay .00 shipping via U.S. Priority Mail, with full insurance and tracking. Payment must be received within 3 days of auction closure. Thanks for your time and good luck.