The Zig Wag Page
Welcome to the Zig Wag page, dedicated to the Heddon Zig Wag fishing lure. This site (hopefully) will provide some insight and history as well as some observations of the Heddon Zig Wag. First, an introduction, my name is Pete Lellos and I am an avid fishing lure collector with my main passion in collecting being all models of the Zig Wag. With very little information documented on the Zig Wag, I am constantly striving to gain and share information on this bait. Hopefully this site can provide a starting point for those wanting to gain and share info on this intriguing bait.
First, I want to clarify that I am not claiming to be an expert on these (or any other baits), just an avid collector willing to share the little information I have gained over the years. Much of the info is retrieved from catalogs, talking with other collectors, reference books and in some instances, common sense reasoning a.k.a. best educated guess. I always welcome input and will gladly give credit where it is due and hopefully will be able to add to the info through visitors to this site. Please feel free to contact me with anything you feel may be of significance in adding to the site.
I am going to attempt to present my observations and info in sections starting with a brief history of the bait then focusing on the many nuances including body style, markings, hardware, hook configurations, color patterns and age. I'll attempt to provide an estimate of the age/date based on the aforementioned characteristics but again, this is just a best guess deduced from many sources. I'll also highlight some of the tougher color patterns found on the Zig Wag. As you will see, in attempting to put any rhyme or reason to the differing characteristics of this bait, there always seems to be an exception to the norm. With this in mind, please remember these are only my observation...not gospel.
As you view the site, pictures in the gallery sections can be "clicked" on to enlarge and reveal some additional commentary.
First, I want to clarify that I am not claiming to be an expert on these (or any other baits), just an avid collector willing to share the little information I have gained over the years. Much of the info is retrieved from catalogs, talking with other collectors, reference books and in some instances, common sense reasoning a.k.a. best educated guess. I always welcome input and will gladly give credit where it is due and hopefully will be able to add to the info through visitors to this site. Please feel free to contact me with anything you feel may be of significance in adding to the site.
I am going to attempt to present my observations and info in sections starting with a brief history of the bait then focusing on the many nuances including body style, markings, hardware, hook configurations, color patterns and age. I'll attempt to provide an estimate of the age/date based on the aforementioned characteristics but again, this is just a best guess deduced from many sources. I'll also highlight some of the tougher color patterns found on the Zig Wag. As you will see, in attempting to put any rhyme or reason to the differing characteristics of this bait, there always seems to be an exception to the norm. With this in mind, please remember these are only my observation...not gospel.
As you view the site, pictures in the gallery sections can be "clicked" on to enlarge and reveal some additional commentary.
History
The standard size Zig Wag was first offered in the 1928 Heddon catalog as model #8300 and per the catalog was 'improved" thus begging the question "was it produced earlier than 1928?" The patent was submitted on Sept. 15,1926 and granted on Nov. 27,1928. The earliest model Zig Wags have a sticker/label with the phrase "Pat App'd For" (see photo below) further suggesting the bait was being produced prior to its 1928 catalog offering. Based on this information, I think it safe to assume the Zig Wag was in production a few years before being cataloged. The 8300 Zig Wag was not offered in the catalogs after 1943 so we will deduce that production of the 8300 ceased in 1943. The bait was stated to be 4.5 inches long with the10 catalogued colors of 02(Red Head/White),9BF*(Bullfrog,Luny Frog),9D(Green Scale), 9MP(Pike Scale), 9P(Shiner Scale),9R(Natural Scale, 9DRH(Greenscale/Red Head), 9RRH(Natural Scale/Red Head), 9PRH(Shiner Scale/Red Head), and 9MRH(Pike Scale/Red Head). By 1930 the 9M,9P,9D and 9R color codes were not listed as cataloged colors with color code 9RH(White body, Silver Specks,Red Head) added. In 1936, color code 9P(Shiner Scale) was added again to the standard cataloged colors.
*per the 1928 catalogue, Heddon introduced the "Luny Frog" pattern with its color code of 9B. As of the 1929 catalog, the code was changed to 9BF and was a catalog color for the Zig Wag until 1936. Some confusion arises since the pattern of frog spot (not Luny Frog/Meadow Frog/Bullfrog) had been being produced well before 1928 and was assigned the code 9B. With this said, a frog spot Zig Wag 8309B would not be considered a catalogued color while the Luny Frog pattern 8309BF would be considered a catalogued pattern until 1936. For a bit more detail on the frog spot/Bullfrog patterns, visit Lurelore.com.
Another nuance as far as catalogued vs. non catalogued patterns is the end label box listing the colors available. As shown below in the "box" section, an up leaping bass box is shown with a paper end label stating the stocked colors. Code 8301, which is rainbow, is not mentioned in any catalog I have seen as being a standard catalogued color yet is clearly stated on the end label on the box. Furthermore, the end label clearly has the Zig Wag name printed on it, discounting the possibility the box is for another bait.
The Zig Wag illustrations in the catalogs from 1928 thru 1935 show the Zig Wag as having 2 hooks. After 1936, the illustration shows a 3 hook model. No mention of any differing hook configurations were mentioned in the catalogs yet pretty much any color pattern has been found in both 2 and 3 hook varieties. Most boxes I have seen do not indicate the number of hooks but I have recently acquired a brush box marked "2H" which would indicate a 2 hook model. I have seen many boxes but this is the only one I've seen with the "2H" marking. I'm sure there are plenty out there but they are definitely not the norm.
Throughout the production life of the Zig Wag, many changes were made to the bait as will be explained in later sections. One explanation offered to me by a long time collector and researcher Bill Sonnett is that the Heddon factory was having many problems with consistency as far as the "action" of the bait, thus many variations were attempted in an effort to duplicate the desired action.
Sometime in the mid to late 30's the model C8300 was introduced. This model is the same size as the 8300 yet is equiped with heavy duty l-rig hook hardware and was targeting the Northwest salmon and saltwater angler. I have not seen a catalogue entry for the model C8300, which has heavy duty L rig hardware. All of the C8300 models I have seen came in a up leaping bass box or a Brush box. I am unsure as to when this model was introduced and discontinued but based on body style and paint patterns, I would guess the mid 30's since that is when Heddon started the other line of salmon/saltwater rigged Zig Wags.
The 8340 Zig Wag Jr. was introduced in 1937. It was 3.5 inches long and cataloged colors included 02(Red head/White),09DRH(Greenscale/Red Head), 09RRH(Natural Scale/Red Head), 09PRH(Shiner Scale/Red Head), 09MRH(Pike Scale/Red Head) and 09P(Shiner Scale). Color code 09 was only cataloged for 1 year and was gone by 1938. The Zig Wag Jr. was also offered as a string rigged saltwater bait, # S8340 in 1939. Production of the 8340 continued into the 1950's with a painted eye version available in its later production years.
The 8350 and 8360 King Zig Wag were introduced in 1938 and 1939 respectively apparently targeting the Northwest salmon fisheries and saltwater anglers. The 8350 is 5 inches while the 8360 measures 6". These baits were rigged with a detachable string rig hook hangers and a thumbtack attachment in the rear for attaching a cloth "skirt". As with the the 8340, production continued into the early 1950's with the transition from glass to painted eyes in the later years of production.
Zig Wag "Spook": I have seen a Zig Wag Spook in another collection yet it is the only one I have ever seen. The "Spook" line were constructed of Heddon's early plastic which was very unstable and deteriorated with age. The Basser Spook was produced yet very few survive intact today. Basser spook boxes are pretty common yet the baits are extremely tough to find. The Zig Wag Spook may have been a prototype of some sort as I have never seen a box marked as such, unlike Basser Spook boxes which show up regularly. A Zig Wag Spook (or a marked box) would be a rare find for sure.
Body Style
Its pretty much in agreement between collectors that the first model had a much longer, tapered rear body style than those produced later. These longer tapered body, as shown in the pictures all have an "indented" eye. As discussed in the History section, this model was most likely produced and sold prior to the 1928 catalog introduction of the Zig Wag.
The next body style produced had much less of a taper on the rear section and appears fatter. This style appears throughout the remainder of the production years. As shown in the pictues, examples show a model with the "indented" eye without the tapered tail. In my opinion, this is probably the second style. Maybe Heddon was just using up the old indented eye heads? Another observation regarding the "indented" eyed models is that I have never seen one in a two hook configuration. I'm not saying one isn't out there but I have been collecting these for 15 years now and have yet to see a two hook model with the indented eyes.
After the fatter bodied, indented eye models comes the most commonly found body style with no indented eyes and the fatter(not tapered) style rear section as shown in the photos.
Three hook l-rigged Zig Wags appear a bit shorter and fatter than the two hooked models. As shown below in the pictures, the three hooked models are approximately 4 inches while the two hooked models are 4.25 inches. No mention of differing body lengths were observed in any of the catalogues I have seen providing yet another question as to why the two different lengths. Later toilet seat and flap rig models do not have the differing lengths between the 2 and 3 hooked models with all models(2 and 3 hooks) being approximately 4.25 inches.
Later Zig Wags with toilet seat and flap rig hardware appear to be larger in diameter than the earlier l rig models.
Body styles for series # 8340,8350 and 8360 remained unchanged throughout their production. One difference in the 8350 and 8360 models is the eye type and size. Earlier models appear to have a smaller glass eyes with Heddon transitioning to the larger diameter glass eye then to the "Teddy Bear" eyes. In the 1950's the model 8350 was produced with painted eyes. 8360 models were not produced in the painted eye era. Earliy models of the 8360 have the smaller glass eyes as well yet I do not have a photo for an example.
The next body style produced had much less of a taper on the rear section and appears fatter. This style appears throughout the remainder of the production years. As shown in the pictues, examples show a model with the "indented" eye without the tapered tail. In my opinion, this is probably the second style. Maybe Heddon was just using up the old indented eye heads? Another observation regarding the "indented" eyed models is that I have never seen one in a two hook configuration. I'm not saying one isn't out there but I have been collecting these for 15 years now and have yet to see a two hook model with the indented eyes.
After the fatter bodied, indented eye models comes the most commonly found body style with no indented eyes and the fatter(not tapered) style rear section as shown in the photos.
Three hook l-rigged Zig Wags appear a bit shorter and fatter than the two hooked models. As shown below in the pictures, the three hooked models are approximately 4 inches while the two hooked models are 4.25 inches. No mention of differing body lengths were observed in any of the catalogues I have seen providing yet another question as to why the two different lengths. Later toilet seat and flap rig models do not have the differing lengths between the 2 and 3 hooked models with all models(2 and 3 hooks) being approximately 4.25 inches.
Later Zig Wags with toilet seat and flap rig hardware appear to be larger in diameter than the earlier l rig models.
Body styles for series # 8340,8350 and 8360 remained unchanged throughout their production. One difference in the 8350 and 8360 models is the eye type and size. Earlier models appear to have a smaller glass eyes with Heddon transitioning to the larger diameter glass eye then to the "Teddy Bear" eyes. In the 1950's the model 8350 was produced with painted eyes. 8360 models were not produced in the painted eye era. Earliy models of the 8360 have the smaller glass eyes as well yet I do not have a photo for an example.
Markings
The early taper tailed models came with a sticker as shown in the photos. Examples of the later fatter body style have been found with the sticker as well. (note the indented eye, fatter body style and sticker label).
Next, a stencil around the belly hook or the elongated script markings are observed on most of the later models. My observation shows MOST 3 hook models of the later style having the stencil around the belly hook and MOST 2 hook models showing the script markings. I say most since I have examples of just the opposite as seen in the following pictures. As said earlier, there seems to always be an exeption. A variation of the stencil around the belly weight is apparent in some l rigged models as shown in the last picture below. This marking appears larger than the typical script with a slightly different style. I have no idea what the difference is attributed to...maybe a different employee doing the marking of that batch?
Lastly, a straight stencil located beneath the belly hardware is observed. I happened across this one day thinking the bait was unmarked and low and behold, it was barely visible until the hardware was removed. I have since found others like this as well. It is my best guess that these were probably some of the last 8300 Zig Wags produced based on hardware (all I've seen are Flap Rig) and later style boxes (Brush Box).
Some are not marked at all. I have a few in my collection that are not marked and have spoke with other collectors who also have unmarked Zig Wags. All the unmarked Zig Wags I have or have seen are in uncatalogued colors ie. all White, Black, Black/RH, GCB, GCB/RH(see above photo) and all Red. As with everything else, there are exeptions to this as I have seen these patterns with markings..
Markings on the 8340, 8350 and 8360 have remained relatively consistent with a straight stencil on the belly or chin(8360). Early examples of the 8350 appear to have the straight script markings on the belly.
2nds: I have seen a few Zig Wags marked "2nd" and do own a few. I don't know the exact details on these as they seem to look normal. Are they not up to Heddon standards? I have heard speculation that they may have been substandard and given to employees to fish with and marked "2nd" as to avoid resale. Again, speculation. Hopeully someone with knowledge on this will chime in.
Colors of the markings include red, black, green, gold, and white.
Hardware
Typical hardware variations follow Heddon's progression with L-Rig, Toilet Seat and Flap Rig configurations. Lrig was used until approximately 1932, then toilet seat rigging until approximately 1935 then on to the 2 piece flap rig. As with most Heddon baits, the depression era brought about the need to 'use whatever was in stock" thus to be expected, the Zig Wag can be found with some unexpected hardware configurations. Most of these oddball configurtions are found on the depression era baits. As shown in the pictures, a straight screw eye rear hook hanger is observed on baits with front hardware being flap or toilet seat rigging. I have seen a later l-rigged bait with a 2 piece rear hanger (attributed to the depression era due to paint pattern). I'm sure there are many others out there.
One other oddity is the use of what some call the "stoley" line tie. This type of line, as shown in the pictures, was used on much earlier vintage vamps(vampires) produced well before the Zig Wag was produced. Was Heddon again utilizing old parts? Did the factory run out of screw eyes that day? One possibility is that they were used during the depression era to utilize old or spare hardware. Yet another unanswered question. Bill Sonnet has graciously shed some light on this line tie. According to his research, Jack Welch of Heddon is credited with introducing this line tie to the Zig Wag in an effort to provide more consistency in its "action". Obviuosly, it must not have proved effective since it apparantly did not last long in production.
The Zig wag was offered in a three hook or two hook configuration. I have not seen any documentation in the catalogs or boxes that differentiate between the two. The codes appear the same as does the box markings. Hopefully someone can enlighten us on this. MOST three hook models have the belly hook located farther back on the tail section than that of MOST 2 hookers. Once again, there is always an exeption. As a note, all the "intro" model taper tail models I have seen sport three hooks. Another observation regarding two vs. three hook models is that in 1928, the first year the Zig Wag was catalogued, the catalog showed an illustration with a three hook model as well as the introduction of the "Luny Frog" finished baits which shows a Zig Wag with two hooks. I have not seen a three hooked L-rig luny frog (bullfrog/meadow frog/green frog) Zig Wag. I do have a later, flap rigged Zig Wag with 3 hooks in the "Luny Frog" pattern
Another difference between the l-rig style(and toilet seat) is the body connector. L-rigged and toilet seat rigged models utilize a metal bar held with pins on either side to connect the body and head with both the head and body being mitred to house the connector. MOST flap rigged models use a metal loop to loop with the rear loop held stationary (no mitreing) and the head section being mitred. Of course, there are always exceptions to this observation as well.
Weights: The early taper tail models and most that I have found in l -rig do not have any belly weights. Of course there exeptions to this as well. Models with toilet seat and flap rig, per my observation, always have some type of belly weight, sometimes 2 as shown on the middle bait shown below. The confusing thing is the placement of the weight. Some have it in the head section, some are weighted on the tail section with location varying from the middle to the extreme rear of the tail section as seen in the pictures below. . MOST later (toilet seat/flap rig)3 hook models have the weight in the head section. Once again, I have found no documentation in the catalogues or boxes ever mentioning weight, nor the postion of the weight on the lure. Another conundrum, hopefully someone can enlighten us more on the weight situation and why the early models were not weighted
.
The model C8300 utilized heavy duty L-rig hardware and is pictured below. All the C8300 models I have are equiped with a belly weight located in the tail section. One further observation on the C8300 is the heavy duty hardware. Most models I have seen have a large cup and extra long, heavy duty l-rig identicle to the heavy duty hardware of a C8500 heavy duty Basser.. I do have one which has a smaller cup and a "flat' l-rig hanger sometimes seen on giant and/or musky baits like the vamps. I'm trying to dig up some info on this variance so any input is appreciated.
The 8340 was produced with flap rig hardware, then in surface 1 piece. The 8350 and 8360 were exclusively offered in the string rig hardware as is the S8340.
One other oddity is the use of what some call the "stoley" line tie. This type of line, as shown in the pictures, was used on much earlier vintage vamps(vampires) produced well before the Zig Wag was produced. Was Heddon again utilizing old parts? Did the factory run out of screw eyes that day? One possibility is that they were used during the depression era to utilize old or spare hardware. Yet another unanswered question. Bill Sonnet has graciously shed some light on this line tie. According to his research, Jack Welch of Heddon is credited with introducing this line tie to the Zig Wag in an effort to provide more consistency in its "action". Obviuosly, it must not have proved effective since it apparantly did not last long in production.
The Zig wag was offered in a three hook or two hook configuration. I have not seen any documentation in the catalogs or boxes that differentiate between the two. The codes appear the same as does the box markings. Hopefully someone can enlighten us on this. MOST three hook models have the belly hook located farther back on the tail section than that of MOST 2 hookers. Once again, there is always an exeption. As a note, all the "intro" model taper tail models I have seen sport three hooks. Another observation regarding two vs. three hook models is that in 1928, the first year the Zig Wag was catalogued, the catalog showed an illustration with a three hook model as well as the introduction of the "Luny Frog" finished baits which shows a Zig Wag with two hooks. I have not seen a three hooked L-rig luny frog (bullfrog/meadow frog/green frog) Zig Wag. I do have a later, flap rigged Zig Wag with 3 hooks in the "Luny Frog" pattern
Another difference between the l-rig style(and toilet seat) is the body connector. L-rigged and toilet seat rigged models utilize a metal bar held with pins on either side to connect the body and head with both the head and body being mitred to house the connector. MOST flap rigged models use a metal loop to loop with the rear loop held stationary (no mitreing) and the head section being mitred. Of course, there are always exceptions to this observation as well.
Weights: The early taper tail models and most that I have found in l -rig do not have any belly weights. Of course there exeptions to this as well. Models with toilet seat and flap rig, per my observation, always have some type of belly weight, sometimes 2 as shown on the middle bait shown below. The confusing thing is the placement of the weight. Some have it in the head section, some are weighted on the tail section with location varying from the middle to the extreme rear of the tail section as seen in the pictures below. . MOST later (toilet seat/flap rig)3 hook models have the weight in the head section. Once again, I have found no documentation in the catalogues or boxes ever mentioning weight, nor the postion of the weight on the lure. Another conundrum, hopefully someone can enlighten us more on the weight situation and why the early models were not weighted
.
The model C8300 utilized heavy duty L-rig hardware and is pictured below. All the C8300 models I have are equiped with a belly weight located in the tail section. One further observation on the C8300 is the heavy duty hardware. Most models I have seen have a large cup and extra long, heavy duty l-rig identicle to the heavy duty hardware of a C8500 heavy duty Basser.. I do have one which has a smaller cup and a "flat' l-rig hanger sometimes seen on giant and/or musky baits like the vamps. I'm trying to dig up some info on this variance so any input is appreciated.
The 8340 was produced with flap rig hardware, then in surface 1 piece. The 8350 and 8360 were exclusively offered in the string rig hardware as is the S8340.
Color Patterns
Color patterns on Zig Wags followed Heddon's progression with some patterns showing variations over the years of production and some staying basically the same. While the specific color variances are to broad to explain here, I will direct the visitor to visit the Heddon Color Info page above which details Heddon's color variations as described by Ed Knight from his "Old Lures Rocks" website. Additionally, Lurelore.com offers pages of details regarding the myriad of colors Heddon offered as well as their specific color code. As stated above, by 1930 all the cataloged colors for the 8300 except "BF" had a "RH" designation indicating a Red Head which explains the abundance of Zig Wags with red heads. While not overly rare, the models without red heads (solid colors/pattern on the head and tail section) are a bit tougher to find yet in most of the standard colors are by no means rare. Also of note, my observations show MOST of the two hook models with a red head have black eye shadow on the red head and MOST 3 hook models with a red head DO NOT have black around the eyes. As always, there are exceptions but again, no explanation can be found in the catalogs or boxes. Hopefully, someone can further enlighten us as to this trend.
I have found a few Zig Wags with exceptionally dark red heads. These tend to be transition /depression era baits and are pictured below.
Another nuance I have observed is the scale pattern in the "joint " area. It is particularly noticable in the red head/white body color. Some baits have a red scale pattern in the joint area while others are just solid color. This variance seems to appear in L-rigged baits as all flap and toilet seat rigged baits I have seen( at least in Red Head/White) do have the scale pattern. I have seen this variance in both two and three hook models so that discounts the possibility of the scale pattern differentiating hook rigging. In speaking with Gamefisher collector Chris Howell, he has noticed the same variations with his Gamefishers (another similar jointed Heddon bait of the period) and, like me, can't seem to figure out any reasoning for the scale pattern, or lack of in the joint area.
Zig Wags were available in standard cataloged colors as well as those stated on many Heddon Boxes of the time. As with any bait, some are common and some not so common. In the following pictures, I'll attempt to show which are common and which are relatively tough to find (again, only my observation based on my collecting experience). While some, well most, of my collection is not in Excellant condition there are many baits that are tough to find in any condition. In addition, to view some awesome Zig Wags, please visit oldfishinglure.com. under the Zig Wag section.
I have found a few Zig Wags with exceptionally dark red heads. These tend to be transition /depression era baits and are pictured below.
Another nuance I have observed is the scale pattern in the "joint " area. It is particularly noticable in the red head/white body color. Some baits have a red scale pattern in the joint area while others are just solid color. This variance seems to appear in L-rigged baits as all flap and toilet seat rigged baits I have seen( at least in Red Head/White) do have the scale pattern. I have seen this variance in both two and three hook models so that discounts the possibility of the scale pattern differentiating hook rigging. In speaking with Gamefisher collector Chris Howell, he has noticed the same variations with his Gamefishers (another similar jointed Heddon bait of the period) and, like me, can't seem to figure out any reasoning for the scale pattern, or lack of in the joint area.
Zig Wags were available in standard cataloged colors as well as those stated on many Heddon Boxes of the time. As with any bait, some are common and some not so common. In the following pictures, I'll attempt to show which are common and which are relatively tough to find (again, only my observation based on my collecting experience). While some, well most, of my collection is not in Excellant condition there are many baits that are tough to find in any condition. In addition, to view some awesome Zig Wags, please visit oldfishinglure.com. under the Zig Wag section.
King Zig Wag/Saltwater String Rigged Colors
King Zig Wags, models 8350 and 8360 as well as the model S8340(string rigged Zig Wag JR) were offered in patterns which appear to be in most cases specific for the saltwater/salmon market. Catalogued colors for the King Zig Wags were: "2" White/Red Head, 2M White, Red Gills, 9P Shiner Scale, 9PAS Allen Stripey, 9PBH. Blue Herring, 9YS Yellow Scale, 9PLXR Pearl X-Ray, and 9 SPRH. Spotted Red Head. With the exception of Shiner Scale and Red Head/White, most of these patterns were exclusive to the salt water/salmon line of Heddon Baits. Also of note, the Shiner Scale pattern of King Zig Wags and especially King Bassers were supposedly a very popular and successful pattern for salmon in the Pacific Northwest which may explain why these baits are pretty common in the Shiner Scale pattern. Later catalogued colors would include the popular Yellow Shore (code XRY) in 1940. King Zig Wags are also found in uncatalogued patterns as shown below. While most catalogued colors are relatively common, the uncatalogued patterns, as to be expected, are somewhat tough to find like Yellow Scale Shore, Pike Scale, Perch Scale. These models were all string rigged so any surface rigged baits with these patterns, except for shiner scale and white/red head, are also pretty tough to find. I have a few examples shown below of Zig Wag Jrs. in surface flap rig in these patterns. King Zig Wags have also been found with red heads, as shown below, which were not found in any catalog as a catolgued color (except for red head/white). Lastly, many of these patterns had a red gill mark which is also unique to the salt water/salmon baits offered in these patterns.
Boxes
Boxes for Zig Wags also follow Heddon progressions throughout the production life. The first models were in the down leaping bass box, followed by the upleaping bass box and finally the brush box. Later model 8350 and 60s came in the Heddon Banner Box. Of note is the interior of some of the down bass boxes which had a Zig Wag slogan on the inside of the box top as well as hang tag attached to the lure. Some end labels appear to mention the Zig Wag by name giving the standard colors offered. Paper inserts located on the bottom of the box stating the available colors have also been observed. String rigged models often came with paper box inserts stating the "new" salmon, striper and steelhead baits. I have found some of the 8350's in bass up style boxes. The consensus is that Heddon was using up old box stock. Below are a few pictures of the various box styles. Many believe the boxes with the wording on the interior and hangtags are "intro" boxes. I have found both the interior wording and hangtags on both the taper tail style bait (considered by most to be the first Zig Wag) and those of the more familiar and common fatter style, stenciled marking.
Summary
Using the above information, one can attempt to put a relatively accurate range of dates as to when each style of 8300 Zig Wag was produced. Based mostly on body style, hardware and markings, here is my best attempt at doing so. The photos below, starting on the top left, are examples of the chronological order of the 8300 series.
Taper tail, Indented eye, L-Rig, decal on bottom : 1927-28 (or earlier)
Regular (not tapered) tail, indented eye, L-rig decal 1928-1929
Regular tail, indented eye, L-rig stencil 1928-1929
Regular tail, no eye indentation, L-rig stencil 1929-1934
Regular tail, no eye indentation, Toilet seat rig, stencil 1934-1936
Regular tail, no eye indentation, Flap Rig stencil 1937-1942
Regular tail, no eye indentation, Flap Rig Stencil located beneath/under the belly hardware 1942-43
"Stoley Rig" line tie: I've only seen this in l-rigged baits yet have no definite conclusion as to when it was specifically used 1928-1934
Once again, this info is just an educated guess based on observation, talking to other researchers/collectors and catalog info.
Taper tail, Indented eye, L-Rig, decal on bottom : 1927-28 (or earlier)
Regular (not tapered) tail, indented eye, L-rig decal 1928-1929
Regular tail, indented eye, L-rig stencil 1928-1929
Regular tail, no eye indentation, L-rig stencil 1929-1934
Regular tail, no eye indentation, Toilet seat rig, stencil 1934-1936
Regular tail, no eye indentation, Flap Rig stencil 1937-1942
Regular tail, no eye indentation, Flap Rig Stencil located beneath/under the belly hardware 1942-43
"Stoley Rig" line tie: I've only seen this in l-rigged baits yet have no definite conclusion as to when it was specifically used 1928-1934
Once again, this info is just an educated guess based on observation, talking to other researchers/collectors and catalog info.
Prototype
According to some, this no eyed version is a patent/prototype in which a few have been found. Below is a copy of the patent for the Zig Wag showing it without eyes. The one I have has cup/screw hook rigging with a straight screw eye tail hanger while the patent shows L-rig. Could this be a bait made by Heddon for Abby & Imbrie similar to Lucky 13s and Bassers produced with no eyes?
The Truck
The attached image is of Charles Heddon and a Florida sporting goods retailer in front of the fabled Zig Wag truck, a twenties era panel van. Thanks to Tom Penniston for identifying this as a 1928 Dodge Brothers Panel Truck. Pictured below are a few pics of a reproduction of the truck which resides in the Heddon Museum in Dowagiac, Michigan.
In closing, I would like to thank the many people over the years who have helped me with my collection and more importantly, passed on their knowledge for the good of the hobby. Hopefully, this website has served you well and provided some insight although with all the nuances, may have produced more questions than answers.. Hopefully, more collectors/researchers will add additional information and insight to further the documentation of this bait. If anyone wishes to share their photos of Zig Wags. i would be honored to put them on this website for everyone's viewing pleasure.
In addition to the few websites mentioned, a few more great resources on the Web are Joesoldlures.com, a great forum for info with lots of great people willing to share info and the NFLCC website NFLCC.org which has a tremendous resource database of catalogs as well as a message board. Another fantastic resource is http://fishinghistory.blogspot.com which is packed with great articles and info about all facets of fishing history.
Lastly, a shameless plug; I'm always looking to buy or trade for Zig Wags for my collection. Please don't hesitate to email me any questions, suggestions, additional info or baits you have for sale or trade at Meritappraisals@sbcglobal.net.
In addition to the few websites mentioned, a few more great resources on the Web are Joesoldlures.com, a great forum for info with lots of great people willing to share info and the NFLCC website NFLCC.org which has a tremendous resource database of catalogs as well as a message board. Another fantastic resource is http://fishinghistory.blogspot.com which is packed with great articles and info about all facets of fishing history.
Lastly, a shameless plug; I'm always looking to buy or trade for Zig Wags for my collection. Please don't hesitate to email me any questions, suggestions, additional info or baits you have for sale or trade at Meritappraisals@sbcglobal.net.
