Some old calls

Frogman · February 21, 2008, 12:43:00 PM

When my stepfather past away last year I found some old calls in his effects. If any of you can shed any light on these calls please respond.

This old Sears Predator Call has accounted for two of the three dogs I have killed so far. It is a very high pitched call that has proven to be very effective.

Next is a turkey box call made by O. O. Henderson. Here are some photos:

And finally a Rhodes turkey call still in the origional box. I have never seen one like this before. Here is the box lid:

The box openned up:

Another shot:

And another:

This call has a crack in the wood here:

I don't know if I should try to repair it with glue or what? Any information you guys can provide on these calls would be appreciated. Thanks for looking.

Jim

Jimmie in Ky · February 21, 2008, 02:54:43 PM

I still think the old sears call was either made by Circe or Lohman. That reed was unusual the way it was made.

The Rohdes is a scratch box call. They give really good sounds easily. I am not sure if you can repair it or not. You can try a small amount of wood glue on a small paint brush to apply it within the crack. Then wrap it with rubber bands to apply pressure for it to cure. And that is the reason you don't find a whole lot of the old scratch boxes. The way they are made, they are easily broken. There are a number of diferent designs and styles of scratch boxes. A lot of folks with some skills made their own quite often. Jimmie

THO Game Calls · February 21, 2008, 04:12:15 PM

I'm not sure I would repair it. You have the box. and it looks in pretty good condition, so I would just put that call somewhere and forget about it. It may be worth something some day. Maybe today? I have no idea if it is or not, but what the heck.

Al

FinsnFur · February 21, 2008, 05:06:06 PM

I think they'd both be worth something. Couple nice little prizes to hang on to, thats for sure.

blacky · February 21, 2008, 05:45:41 PM

I had to check where you were from frogman because I worked with O.O Henderson at the DuPont Plant in Belle, WV. He was a very nice man. I have one of his box calls also and shot a nice gobbler using it in SC several years ago and then retired it. When I told him I had taken a bird with his call, he was elated.
I also had one of the Rhodes calls and sold it on Ebay a while back but can't remember how much it brought in but it was a good buy for someone.

Frogman · February 21, 2008, 06:31:09 PM

Wow, blacky, thanks for the info. I'm really not interested in selling these calls. I was hoping for some info about them like what you posted. My step-father Edgar Cooper owned these calls. He lived his entire life in Creston, Wirt County WV. I am in Parkersburg, WV. Thanks again for the great info. It is really neat that you know Mr. Henderson. Is he still alive?

Thanks!
Jim

HaMeR · February 21, 2008, 06:53:17 PM

I can't find anything on those calls Jim.

Sorry!!

blacky · February 21, 2008, 08:19:43 PM

I believe Mr. Henderson passed away a few years ago. It seems that I remember reading his obituary. He lived near Elkview, WV and was an instrument mechanic at DuPont. He was a a little man in stature but had a kind heart and was very friendly. I don't know how many box calls he made but I do know mine is a good one.
I am between Charleston and Cross Lanes.

FinsnFur · February 21, 2008, 08:45:13 PM

Get in touch with Todd, or Uncle Jay...they should have some info.

Fireball221 · February 21, 2008, 10:36:32 PM

Here's the skinny on your Sears call, Sears first production date for calls is 1958 and were produced by Green Head Company and labeled "Sears". Thats a neat old call and hard to find as well. I have a few of them and one with an original box. Hope this helps, I only know this becaus I have the book of the Gods Jay Nistetter and Al Lux called Predator Calls the First 50 Years. Great resource book with lots of COLOR PHOTOS for us MEN and women too. :roflmao:

Frogman · February 21, 2008, 10:47:12 PM

Thanks for the info Fireball!

Jim

Jimmie in Ky · February 22, 2008, 06:32:51 PM

I'd just like to get my hands on some reeds like those. I can't find any like them listed . Jimmie

keekee · February 23, 2008, 12:10:48 AM

Here is a link to Jays and Als book if anyone is interested, great book and full of good info!

http://www.rhinocalls.com/Page.html

Brent

THO Game Calls · February 25, 2008, 10:39:49 PM

Jimmie,

Have you tried the LVDR 025 or MVDR 025 reeds? They are very high pitched. I would be happy to send you a few to play with if you want to mess with them.

Al

THO Game Calls · February 26, 2008, 08:30:04 PM

Guess not.

FinsnFur · February 26, 2008, 08:32:14 PM