Fishing Lure Collectibles: An Encyclopedia of the Early Yrs. [Illustrated] [Hardcover]

Rick Edmisten (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: November 1, 2006

The first questions a beginning lure collector usually asks are: 'What is it?'; 'What is it worth?'; and 'Who made it?' In order to provide these answers and facilitate the reader's understanding of antique fishing lures, the authors of this book have intentionally avoided lengthy pages of text. Instead, they have used excellent color photographs and a lifetime of knowledge and experience with fishing lures to create the most complete and convenient single volume available today: Fishing Lure Collectibles, An Encyclopedia of the Early Years, 1840 to 1940. This benchmark concept has proven its acceptance among its readers by becoming Collector Books' bestselling book on collectible fishing lures. That the tackle collecting hobby is difficult to learn is undeniable, and it is for this reason that these foremost experts prepared this helpful publication. As one of the three founders of the National Fishing Lure Collectors Club and editor of its magazine, Dudley Murphy, along with noted lure collector Rick Edmisten, bring a combined total of over 75 years of advanced collecting experience to this book. 2007 values.

Editorial Reviews

Review

The authors bring a combined total of over 75 years of advanced collecting experience to this book. Individual chapters are devoted to the major companies, with lures grouped more or less chronologically within each chapter. Even more important, lures ore organized by similarity of design, which is more helpful in comparing small changes of detail. Additional chapters cover miscellaneous lures of several types, with one especially interesting one on Folk Art lures.

About the Author

Rick Edmisten was introduced to fishing at age 12 by his father, and by the time he was 18 had developed a keen interest in collecting old lures and tackle. He has hosted a successful fishing tackle collectible show from 1990 to the present, and is recognized as an authority on old tackle. He often appraises estates and collections.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 416 pages
• Publisher: Collector Books; 1 edition (November 1, 2006)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1574325167
• ISBN-13: 978-1574325164
• Product Dimensions: 11.1 x 8.9 x 1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 3.7 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #296,061 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #7 in Books > Crafts, Hobbies & Home > Antiques & Collectibles > Sports Memorabilia
  • #40 in Books > Education & Reference > Encyclopedias > Sports

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars ONE OF THE BEST OF MANY, January 1, 2010

By 

D. Blankenship (The Ozarks) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Fishing Lure Collectibles: An Encyclopedia of the Early Yrs. (Hardcover)

First, I must confess that I do not use they type of lures that are featured in this wonderful book. I gave up this type of fishing years and years ago and only trout fish using flies now. Never-the-less, fishing gear, any fishing gear, absolutely fascinates me and I love looking at the stuff. But that is not the primary reason I own this and quite a number of other books of its ilk.

I have for years bought and sold these things; in part to make money, but more so because it is a nice hobby and I get to meet many nice people. When you buy and sell such things, I have found it is best to know a bit about them. This work goes along way in assisting me in this need for knowledge. There is a lot of money to be made in this hobby, but conversely, there is a lot of money to be lost if you know not what you are doing.

Secondly, I paint and draw. One of my primary subjects for still-life paintings and drawings is fishing lures. Now always having the actually lure in front of me is a bit of a handicap, and to be frank quite impossible because some of these fishing lures are quite rare and I have absolutely no access to them, but lacking the best thing, i.e. the actual lure, the photographs in this work are by far the second best thing to use. The color is extremely accurate as is the quality of the photographs; sharp, clear and detailed. I have found that the measurements provided by the authors to be extremely accurate. Using this work, I am able to reproduce very nice reproductions on canvas, paper or what ever material I choose...I have even used gourds from time to time. The clear and concise text accompanying each photograph provides invaluable information, both technical and background wise.

I like my paintings to be as accurate and authentic as possible and this work gives me the edge I need.

Now the only warning I might give to those who contemplate purchasing this work is that the prices or worth assigned to each lure can be misleading. As with any other collectable or antique, any given piece is only worth what someone is willing to give for it or willing to part with it for. Yes, the prices given here do give you a ballpark figure and a starting point, but just because the book states the lure is worth a thousand dollars and you find one in your grandfather's lure box, does not mean that you will be able to run out the door and sell it for that much. Likewise, if you plan to buy a particular piece, I certainly would not start the bargaining process at the prices given here. But all that is common sense and really does not distract from this work what so ever. NO BOOK gives you prices that are written in stone! Trust me, I know about such matters. Another warning her for the would be collector: Due to the price of some of these objects, there is a very large knock-off and counterfeit market out there right now...do be careful and do your homework. Some of these people are quite good at what they do!

The book is well arranged by manufacturer, maker or company and it is rather easy to find what you are looking for. Do keep in mind that no one book can possibly cover all of the thousands upon thousands of lures that have been manufactured or hand made over the years, but hey...you have to start somewhere. I also like the way the authors have included the history of these item which is an education within itself.

On the less practical side, this is just a fun book for those interested in such things to simply brows through. Many wintery evening can be spent going over this work using it as either a "wish list" or just for the pure joy of seeing and learning. You know, if you look at it from a certain angle, the reader can learn much concerning the minds of men and the minds of the fish he or she pursues just by looking at what has been created to try to lure these tricky critters onto the stringer.

If this is an area of interest for you, then this is one of those must have books to add to your collection and I do highly recommend it.

Don Blankenship
The Ozarks

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Not to be missed., December 11, 2006

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Midwest Book Review (Oregon, WI USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Fishing Lure Collectibles: An Encyclopedia of the Early Yrs. (Hardcover)

Any collector interested in antique fishing lures and the history of fishing lure production will find all the answers in Fishing Lure Collectibles, a clear guide to a notoriously difficult collecting hobby focus. Two experts provide clear details in Fishing Lure Collectibles: An Encyclopedia of the Early Years, 1840 to 1940. Each manufacturer's items are surveyed along with history, individuals who purchased patent rights from companies, changes in bait quality and production standards, and more. Not to be missed.

Diane C. Donovan
California Bookwatch

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars This is a good book too, September 20, 2007

By 

Fishndude "cowsgomoo" (Hobart Tasmania Australia) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Fishing Lure Collectibles: An Encyclopedia of the Early Yrs. (Hardcover)

Another lure book, if you like fishing (or even better if you are an addict like me) you will find this book interesting. It will send you to sleep if you don't like fishing or the history associated with the ways and means of catching fish. Like other companion books, these are beautifully presented with nice photo's and informative text. Sorry I haven't done a book review since high school.