Museum Archive: Vintage Johnson Silver Minnow, 3/16oz silver fishing spoon #18517

Plated with real silver to produce a whiter, brighter flash than standard chrome, this vintage specimen stands out in any collection. Weighing 3/16oz (5g) and measuring 1 3/4" (4.5cm), this 18517 model features the classic copper/zinc alloy construction that is notably thicker in the middle. Louis Johnson’s original design solved the frustration of weedy lakes by integrating a sturdy metal weed guard, which keeps the hook facing upward during retrieval. Stamped clearly on the underside with patent information from 1920, the silver-toned body remains exceptionally clean. The lure earns a solid 5/5 rating, showing the level of preservation expected from older USA-made stock. It was designed to rock back and forth through a 270-degree angle, a shape intended to throw reflections downward and to the sides where predatory fish typically lurk. This specific construction also means the line won't twist, removing the necessity for a swivel.