Vintage South Bend"Lets Go Fishing Tackle Outfit" 1930s

Up for auction is a Vintage and RARE RARE RARE South Bend "Lets Go Fishing Tackle Outfit". I have been collecting Vintage fishing tackle for over 35 years and NEVER seen one of these. In the South Bend Identification Guide by Terry Wong (2000 Edition) it shows a couple variations of this Outfit and states they are circa 1930-1942. It also goes on to say these are RARE and hard to find. Back in 2000 he valued them at $400-$600. I will describe the items as best I can however fell free to email me for more pictures or any questions. The metal case itself measures about 19" x 5 1/2" x 2 1/2". There is a Fish logo sticker on the center of the lid and the word "Climax" in it. There is also what is left of a decal ruler on the lid. When you open it there are (5) individual compartments. There is a decal on the inside of the lid that reads " Let's Go Fishing Tackle Outfit" with (2) South Bend logos. Between the logos is a sticker that reads " Manufactured for Supreme Speciality Grand Ave., Kansas City, Mo. by South Bend Bait Company, South Bend Indiana, U.S.A., Makers of Quality Rods, Lines Reels, Lures". On one side of the picture is a man holding a stringer of Bass hollering, on the other side is a boy waving holding a nice Musky. There is some writing in pencil on this paper but I think would be able to be removed with a soft eraser. I will leave that up to you as I dont want to damage the paper.

THe ROD

The rod is a (4) piece tubular steel rod that screws together. Each joint of the rod measures about 16 3/4". The line guides are held on by brass pieces. This has (3) red line guides, one of which has come loose for the holding piece on the rod. The insert is taped to this rod. The handle measures about 9 1/2" long and has "South Bend" on the reel seat. The cork on the handle is not in the best of shape and somebody put a piece of green tape on the bottom section of cork. This could be easily fixed though. Great vintage rod.

Rod Sleeve

This rod sleeve is a thin green material that measures about 34" long. At the top of it is a label that reads "South Bend", logo, Rod No. 358, and the length I cannot read. The sleeve is clean and does not have any holes or worn spots. Actually in pretty fine shape.

LURES

1) South Bend Pike Oreno #956RW. This lure does not appear to have ever been used and is in EXCELLANT SHAPE. On the lure back is stenciled ingold "South Bend Pike Oreno". This lure measures about 3 1/4" (not including lip or hooks). This lure is what I would condsider MINT condition with only a few minor age lines. The two piece cardboard box is SOLID and in good condition showing a little soiling. On both endcap reads "No. 956RW. EXCELLANT SOLID BOX.

2) South Bend Metal Mouse #581RW This metal spoon is red/white with yellow eyes, black centers.VERY NICE PRISTINE BAIT. Lure measures about 3 1/2" long. NICE NICE NICE. The box is equally fine and solid. Each endcap is labeled 581RW. VERY NICE LURE AND VERY NICE BOX.

3) There are (2) loose Super Dubers, a GOLD/Red #503 and a SILVER/RED #503. Both in EXCELLANT SHAPE.

REEL,

The REEL is a South Bend No 350, oldstyle in EXCELLANT SHAPE. This lure is bright and shiney and works perfectly in everyway. On the side plate reads "South Bend 350 Antibacklash Model C". Reel is spooled with red/green/white braided line. GREAT REEL cosmetically and function. NICE NICE NICE.

I know there are alot of tackle collectors out there and there are NOT MANY who can say they own a piece of South Bend history like this. Please only serious bidders and know exactly what you are bidding on. If you need more pictures or have questions please email me. I reserve the right to END THIS AUCTION at any time and if it has no bids going into 24 hours I will. I have put a modest reserve of $300.00 on this item. If it cant bring more then that I will keep it for my collection. I am not sure how this outfit was originally packaged or what lures etc... were supposed to be in it but this is the way I found it. Good Luck Bidding for a piece of fishing history. Check out my other auctions as I am listing several VERY RARE "Spring Loaded" hooks/lures, tackle boxes, reels and lures this week. Shipping and insurance will be $10.00.(Only in Continental United States).