DENVER, PA.- On Saturday, October 25, fishing lure collectors will have one final opportunity to dip into the celebrated Wayne and Lori Edens collection, as Morphy’s presents the third and final installment of a series that debuted 10 months ago. The breathtaking assemblage of lures – or “baits,” as they are more commonly known to purists, is said to be the largest, most comprehensive and historically-important collection of its type ever to come to the public marketplace. For that reason, there’s an air of last-chance excitement within the hobby, with many absentee bids already in place to compete on auction day.



One of the most coveted Heddons in the Edens collection is a 2-hook rimless cup Slopenose bait made in early 1902, during the first 5-6 weeks of the Michigan company’s production. It is one of only three known examples accompanied by the ultra-rare Heddon introductory black box with silver printing. The bait, itself, displays the correct “chalky” white paint and shows some wear, as would be expected, since the very first baits to leave the Heddon factory were not varnished. Its hand-painted, friction-fit, red-painted aluminum collar has been locked in place for over 120 years, and it also has its brass ties, tail cap, and most importantly, its rimless belly cup. Estimate: $4,000-$15,000



Another very desirable Heddon, a circa-1910 Night-Radiant Moonlight Bait has a distinctive bulbous head, clear glass eyes and spotless hardware. It appears never to have been fished and comes with its correct box, a “Care & Use” insert and a “Special Notice” insert advising fishermen to bring their lanterns with them, presumably to enjoy the bait’s night luminescence. This is the exact example shown on Page 90 of the book The Heddon Legacy, in which it is described as one of only a couple ever found with the original box and papers. This combo was never cataloged, and in fact, originated in the Heddon factory archives, making it even more desirable. In VG condition, it is estimated at $4,000-$15,000.



Moving into the “big leagues,” a Heddon 747 measures an impressive 7¾ inches long and is hand-painted in an unusual color that attractively blends red and purple. The form appeared in VL&A’s 1917 catalog as the “Dowagiac Mascallonge Minnow” and was offered in a choice of only two standard colors, Green Crackleback or Rainbow, proving the auction bait was a special-order item. It has black hand-painted gills, intact glass eyes, and bellyweights that are still sealed under paint. Uncleaned and in Excellent-Minus condition, it is estimated at $5,000-$20,000.



Also quite sizable, a 5½-inch Heddon Dowagiac “Musky” Minnow is hand-painted in a non-cataloged color with a Gold Flitter finish, three short, hand-painted gills on each side, and marked spinners. It is in VG or better condition and is accompanied by its correct fancy-font white pasteboard box, one of no more than 20 such boxes known to exist. Estimate: $5,000-$15,000

Smaller at 3 5/8 inches but no less mighty, a stunning circa-1904 Heddon 150 Dowagiac Minnow is finished in a special-order all-white color with red accents. In solid Excellent condition, it has very clean all-brass hardware, including unstamped props and original hooks. Its bellyweights are still under paint, and it has flawless iris glass eyes. The accompanying Type II wooden slide-top box is correct for the era. According to Morphy’s specialist who cataloged the collection, it is one of the finest early 150 combos in existence. Estimate: $5,000-$15,000

A peppy little number, a circa-1905 Heddon high-forehead 154 Dowagiac Underwater Minnow bait with two bellyweights has a bright red body that contrasts beautifully with its long, sweeping black hand-painted gills, fully extending into the first cups. It has shiny unstamped spinners and all-brass hardware, as well as flawless glass eyes. In Excellent condition, it comes in its correct slide-top “hung” wooden box with strong markings and the correct model and color designations on both ends. Estimate: $3,000-$10,000



A connoisseur’s bait, the “Chautauqua” Weedless Trolling Hook Minnow was produced by Anderson & Company of Jamestown, New York, from a design patented by Krantz & Smith in 1909, a detail confirmed by the stamping on the bait’s tailfin. The auction example is completely intact with a handsome copper finish that has survived the tests of time very well. Graded VG, is it one of only three known survivors with an original factory box, which is correctly marked COPPER on both ends. Estimate: $10,000-$15,000

The third and final auction of rare and antique fishing lures from the Wayne and Lori Edens collection will be take place on Saturday, October 25, 2025 at Morphy’s gallery, 2000 N. Reading Rd., Denver, PA 17517, starting at 9 a.m. Eastern Time. All remote forms of bidding will also be available, including absentee, by phone, and live via the Internet through Morphy Live. For additional information on any item in the auction or to reserve a phone line for bidding, call 877-968-8880 or email info@morphyauctions.com. Visit Morphy’s online at www.morphyauctions.com.