W.D. Chapman & Son Metal Lures

W.D. Chapman & Son - Theresa, NY

W.D. Chapman & Son lures were made for over 30 years. The company was established in 1860 in Theresa, NY and was later moved to Rochester, NY in 1887. William D. Chapman was born in Theresa, NY in 1820. His first business endeavor was in the jewelry and watch business. He was also a fisherman and received his first lure patent on May 15, 1866. His first lures were marked "W.D. Chapman, Theresa, NY." These early lures are sometimes marked "IXL" which is a play on words meaning "I Excel." He was obviously very proud of his lures. In 1876, his son was made a partner. From 1876 to 1887 they were marked "W.D. Chapman & Son, Theresa, NY." After the company moved to Rochester, NY in 1887 they were marked "Chapman, Son & Co., Rochester, NY" and "W.D. Chapman & Son, Rochester, NY." After his son died prematurely in 1897, they were once again marked "W.D. Chapman, Theresa, NY." W.D. Chapman died on July 9, 1909.

The W.D. CHAPMAN "Minnow Propeller" Lure, circa 1875

The W.D. CHAPMAN & SON "New Combination" Lure, circa 1885

The W.D. CHAPMAN & SON "Water Nymph 3-1/2 Inch" Lure, circa 1885

The W.D. CHAPMAN Threaded Minnow, circa 1886

The W.D. CHAPMAN Water Nymph

The W.D. Chapman, Son & Co. "Electric" Size 1 Lure, Rochester, NY circa 1888

The W.D. Chapman, Son & Co. "Electric" Size 2 Lure, Rochester, NY circa 1888

W.D. CHAPMAN February, 1875 "The BOSS" Ad in "Forest and Stream" Magazine

W.D. CHAPMAN "The BOSS" Ad in March, 1875 "Forest and Stream" Magazine

W.D. CHAPMAN April, 1875 Ad in "Forest and Stream" Magazine

W.D. CHAPMAN & SON January, 1876 Ad in "Forest and Stream" Magazine

W.D. CHAPMAN & SON September, 1882 Ad in "Forest and Stream" Magazine

W.D. CHAPMAN & SON January, 1885 Ad in "The American Angler" Magazine

W.D. CHAPMAN & SON May, 1886 Ad in "Forest and Stream" Magazine

1888 "The Industries of the City of Rochester" by the Chamber of Commerce

1891 Rochester, NY City Directory Ad

W.D. CHAPMAN & SON May, 1892 Ad in "Forest and Stream" Magazine

W.D. CHAPMAN 1897 Ad in "The Amateur Sportsman" Magazine

The W.D. CHAPMAN Patents

The W.D. CHAPMAN Patents

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