Heddon

James Heddon's Sons Reels

James Heddon's Sons - Dowagiac, MI

James Heddon's Sons reels were made starting in 1917. They hired William Carter to develop a line of quality reels. Carter had just left B.F. Meek & Sons. In 1917, they introduced their first Carter-built reels. They were the No.'s 30, 35, 40 and 45. They were available for only a couple of years. The No. 30 was the most costly and is scarce. In 1920, the Heddon 3-15, 3-24 an 3-30 models were introduced. The top of the line variations of the 3-24 and 3-30 were the full jeweled tournament (FJT) models with sapphire jeweled bearings and aluminum spools. On November 11, 1919, Carter received a reel patent that incorporated an improved click design that was used on his July 5, 1904 patent design while at B.F. Meek & Sons.

Jack Welch reels were first made after he was hired by James Heddon's Sons in 1919 to develop a line of quality fishing reels to compete with the Meek reels. Jack had previously worked for B.F. Meek & Sons until the company was sold to Horton Mfg. in 1916. He then went work for Talbot Reel Company in Kansa City, MO before joining Heddon. His contribution to the Heddon line of bait casting reels was the introduction of the level-wind models. He received 9 fishing reel related patents while at Heddon. 8 of the patents were for the 3-25, 3-35, 4-15 and 4-18 reel designs. The other patent was for integral reel rod handle design. The great windshield wiper design reels were sold in 1922 as a No. 4-15 and in 1923 and 1924 as a No. 4-18. The last of the high quality reels made by Heddon were the No. 3-35 (1921 - 1926) and the No. 3-25 (1926 - 1931).

One of the most popular reels sold by Heddon was the Heddon "PAL" P-41. This reel was designed by Walter Willman in St. Petersburg, FL. Walter Willman was a famous tournament caster and had many awards in competition. He received three patents for his reel and assigned them to Heddon. His patents were granted in January 1, 1946, in November 28, 1950 and in December 18, 1951. This was a lightweight reel and it had a screw-off ring on the head plate to allow easy access for lubricating it.

The James Heddon's Sons early reels are considered to be some of the great reels made in the USA.


James Heddon's Sons reels James Heddon's Sons reels James Heddon's Sons reels

The HEDDON No. 35 Reel, circa 1918


James Heddon's Sons reels James Heddon's Sons reels

The HEDDON No. 3-24 FJ Reel, circa 1920


James Heddon's Sons reels

The HEDDON No. 3-24 FJ Reel made for Schmelzers, circa 1920


James Heddon's Sons reels James Heddon's Sons reels

The HEDDON No. 3-30 FJT Reel, circa 1920


Heddon 3-30 Reel Heddon 3-30 Reel Heddon 3-30 Reel Heddon 3-30 Reel

The HEDDON No. 3-30 Sapphire Jeweled Reel, circa 1920


James Heddon's Sons 4-18 reel James Heddon's Sons 4-18 reel

The HEDDON No. 4-18 Reel, circa 1923


James Heddon's Sons 4-15 reel James Heddon's Sons 4-15 reel James Heddon's Sons 4-15 reel James Heddon's Sons 4-15 reel James Heddon's Sons 4-15 reel James Heddon's Sons 4-15 reel

The HEDDON No. 4-15 Reel, circa 1922


James Heddon's Sons reels James Heddon's Sons reels James Heddon's Sons reels James Heddon's Sons reels James Heddon's Sons reels

The HEDDON No. 3-35 Reel, circa 1923


James Heddon's Sons reels James Heddon's Sons reels James Heddon's Sons reels James Heddon's Sons reels

The HEDDON No. 3-15 Fancy Model Reel With Knurling


James Heddon's Sons reels

The HEDDON No. 3-15 Reel with Brown Copper Oxide Patina


Jack Welch Reels Jack Welch Reels Jack Welch Reels

The JACK WELCH Reels, circa 1932


Jack Welch Reels Jack Welch Reels Jack Welch Reels Jack Welch Reels

The JACK WELCH Tournament Reel, circa 1932


Jack Welch Reels Jack Welch Reels Jack Welch Reels

The JACK WELCH Bait Casting Reel, circa 1932


WALTER WILLMAN Award Reel and PAL P-41 Patent Reels

Walter Willman Reels Walter Willman Reels Walter Willman Reels Walter Willman Reels Walter Willman Reels Walter Willman Reels

WALTER WILLMAN Award Reel and PAL P-41 Patent Reels


Walter Willman Reels Walter Willman Reels

The HEDDON "PAL" P-41 Reel


The HEDDON "IMPERIAL" No. 125 Fly Reel

Heddon Imperial Fly Reel Heddon Imperial Fly Reel Heddon Imperial Fly Reel Heddon Imperial Fly Reel Heddon Imperial Fly Reel Heddon Imperial Fly Reel Heddon Imperial Fly Reel Heddon Imperial Fly Reel

The HEDDON "IMPERIAL" No. 125 Fly Reel


Heddon 1917 Ads for Carter-Built Reels

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Heddon 1917 Ads for Carter-Built Reels


HEDDON 3-35 Field & Stream Ads

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HEDDON 3-35 Field & Stream Ads


The JACK WELCH Reel Patents

patent patent patent patent patent patent patent patent patent patent

The JACK WELCH Reel Patents


The WALTER WILLMAN Reel Patents

patent patent patent

The WALTER WILLMAN Reel Patents



If you have a vintage antique fishing reel or lure, I can tell you what it's worth.

For any questions about vintage antique fishing reels, lures or tackle, please feel free to Email or Call me. I always like to talk about old tackle.

Remember, I'm always buying old vintage fishing lures and reels!

Email me at: ron@luresnreels.com or Call or Text me at: 407-496-7940

Thanks!

Ron Gast

Frostproof, FL



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