Museum Archive: Vintage Johnson Silver Minnow, 3/16oz Silver fishing spoon #17507

Tipping the scales at 3/16 oz (5 g), the solid build of this vintage spoon is rooted in a design legacy dating back to 1920. The genuine silver plating on this 1 3/4" (4.5 cm) specimen offers a distinctively bright, white flash that outshines standard chrome or polished steel, specifically designed to catch the light from below. Louis Johnson’s original concept utilized a specialized copper and zinc alloy, intentionally thicker in the middle to maintain a stable orientation during the retrieve. This particular lure, identified by product code 17507, features the iconic integrated hook and wire weed guard, allowing for effective presentation in heavy cover. Unlike modern iterations, this is a vintage USA-made piece preserved in 5/5 condition. The silver finish remains clean, intended to throw reflections at a wide 270-degree angle. This design accommodates the addition of a trailer, such as a pork rind, without hindering the intended rocking motion of the spoon's profile.