Lure Condition And Color

   In the last couple of years, several people have sent emails requesting help establishing the worth of some old wood lures that they have happened across. I will be glad to help in any way I can.

    There are several things that can affect the value of old fishing lures. Color, condition, and scarcity  are the three things that, I think, determind their values.

     All these items can be determinded by emailing me   good close-up photos or scanned jpegs of what you have.  These pics need to have all the detail of possible paint chips, scrapes, hook pointers, and stains that the lures may have. If it is not easy to take the photo or jpeg route, I have had several people  package their tackle up and mail it to me.

     This would allow me to check all the items out, and get the information  back to the sender without too much guessing.  I have paid 2 way postage in situations where I thought that I might purchase an item or two. I realize that most people would not feel comfortable sending things to strangers, but it still worth mentioning.

      Another avenue that can be used is   for me to supply you with information that would allow you to make estimates of condition and color, yourself.  I have several charts and links that I can provide you with that can help.

     Scarcity of the lure may be a little more difficult , because absolute identification of your lure,  without pictures, can be tough. Thank goodness that many lures have their names or their makers names written somewhere on them.

     Another possibility may be that if you live reasonably close I may be able to see the lures first hand. I live in Charleston, WV and I get around to a lot of different states on lure hunting trips.

     One more possibility is that I could have a nearby member of the National Fishing Lure Collectors Club check your items out. There are around 5000 members around the world, so I'm sure one will live close to you.

     Well, I hope that one of the above options will help you get the information you need to get a value to you lures.

     One more thing that I think ought to be said. That is, the lure collecting hobby is a great pastime. It gives my wife and I a lot of enjoyment going to new places, meeting new people, and  even finding an occasional new lure for our collecton. I would recommend the hobby to anybody, so after you have gathered all the information that you might need , and you have enjoyed going through the process , then think about adopting the hobby for yourself. It only gets better!

                                                                                    Ted Lanham