George Cummings Marvelous Bass Getter

The George Cummings Marvelous Bass Getter antique fishing lure. Born in Vermont in the second half of the 19th century George F Cummings would supplant himself into some of the greatest era of fishing tackle production. George left Vermont and moved to Dover during what I like to refer to as the “Golden Years” for fishing tackle makers. From about the early beginning part of the 20th century & for a couple decades thereafter George Cummings would help indirectly fuel the decade long feud of whats the greatest fish catcher.

We have small collection in on consignment so over the next few weeks, Ill re-post this article while adding to the gallery below as they become available. 

George Cummings & Hss Marvelous Bass Getter Antique Lures 

For Further Reading I suggest Purchasing Terry Oxley’s Book on Rotary Head Fishing Lures as well as the June 1999 Issue of the NFLCC Magazine in which Robert Hornstra presents the most in depth article Im aware of on Mr Cummings.

I have extra copies of this Issue from collections I’ve purchased, available by clicking below.

June 1999 NFLCC Magazine with George Cummings Article

Made in the a-typical rotary head style format the Marvelous Bass getter antique lure was very similar to most other rotary head baits of the time, and more specifically Decker baits. Chance, coincidence or purpose Dover is not far from Lake Hopatcong the home of his rival Ans B Decker. While Decker took a more traditional mechanical approach for his lures, Mr Cummings was proud to tout all his lures were hand made. From fit to finish, while similar, most all Cummings “Wooden” lures are different. Different in shapes just enough that almost no two are completely alike Normally the difference is found in a small measurement, be it width, length or circumference. He employed this in practice as well in advertising as the Cummings boxes you will find note “Strictly Hand Made” on the face of the label just under his name.

As far as function goes, the Marvelous Bass getter was a typical rotary head. As the bait was retrieved through the water the force of the water would turn head which is normally affixed to the large blades. The lower half of the lure would spin independently on the wire through or remain stable through the use of a keel as a function of some of the rotary head makers. Cummings antique lures have brass props instead of aluminum used by most of his competitors. He used faceted or flattened washers screw eye hardware for the side hooks, that were also made of brass. Like most all New Jersey baits, single hooks were used to total 3 points in New Jersey and multiple trebles were available outside the state.

Sides hooks and a trailing treble were pretty much the industry norm, where Cummings would differ again would be in his color pallet. Most all early rotary’s sans, the traditional Yellow Spotted Pflueger Globe are muted single colors. Cummings wouldn’t steer too far from this but he used a few different shades of the bunt pumpkin or burnt orange and gold. He would use different colors on the head vs the body, again all hand painted, so many differ slightly in shade. As far as distribution, Cummings differed from most as well and distributed most of his fishing lures through Berrys Hardware Store in Dover. Unlike Ans B Decker, who would harness the power of the media and advertising, articles and advertisements for George Cummings and his Rotary Head lures are pretty much non-existent.

George Cummings Marvelous Bass Getter Rotary Head Lure Gallery

George Cummings Marvelous Bass Getter