Heddon Deluce President

Question
Hi, I recently obtained mint to near mint Heddon Deluxe President, with the markings #50 - 9' - 2 3/4F - GBG or C.  Rod appears to be bamboo and is squared along the sides.  I have all four pieces, including the bag and tube which are in excellent condition.  I am not a fly fisherman, so curious as to the value, if any, and the general collectibility of these old Heddon's.  Any information would be helpful.

Answer
Hi Matt,

Sounds like a nice rod.  Collectibility on Heddon bamboo fly rods is high.

The Heddon Deluxe President, model #50-9'-2 3/4F-GBG or C, in Excellent to Mint condition, with all original equipment, bag and tube, would be valued in the $400-$500 range depending on the actual conditon of the rod and equipment.  This is a very high grade rod made by Heddon from 1928 to 1956 and for most of those years was the highest grade rod Heddon produced.  The #50 went through changes over the years and the various versions can be identified by the changes which would narrow the date of manufacture to within smaller year ranges.

The GBG or C designators indicate line size (weight) in the old silk fly lines.  GBG corresponds to a modern 8wt fly line in either WF or DT configuration and, C corresponds to a modern 7wt level line.

Thanks,  Joe