Museum Archive: Vintage ​Cotton Cordell Ratt'l Spot Minnow​, 2/3oz Nickel fishing lure #16317

Nickel plating across the 4 1/4" (11cm) body of this Ratt'l Spot Minnow reflects light with the classic brilliance Cotton Cordell is known for. This 2/3oz (19g) lipless crankbait features a distinctive black-painted belly that contrasts sharply against the mirror-like sides, a color combination designed to mimic forage species like shad. Stamped clearly on the flank in elegant script is the "Cordell" branding, a hallmark of the Arkansas-based manufacturer’s quality. A prominent black spot is positioned near the rear, complementing the vibrant orange eyes with black pupils that provide a strike point for predators. The flat-top head design and top-mounted line tie designate this as a sinking rattlin, engineered to reach variable depths during casting or trolling. Carrying product code 16317, the specimen is in pristine condition, rated 5/5, with the finish and hardware showing no signs of wear. The dual treble hooks are sharp and period-correct for a lure intended for everything from zander and pike to salmon and trout.