Museum Archive: Johnson Silver Minnow (1960s), 1/2oz Silver plated fishing spoon #17555

A weight of 1/2 oz (14 g) makes this classic spoon an ideal choice for reaching deeper pockets in heavy vegetation. Measuring 2 3/4" (7 cm), the lure features a genuine silver-plated finish intended to produce a high-visibility flash. This particular specimen, product code 17555, comes from the Louis Johnson Co. era out of Highland Park, Illinois. The hallmark of this design is the integrated metal weed guard, which allows the single hook to navigate through lily pads and brush without snagging. The packaging showcases the vintage 1960s aesthetic, complete with the "America's Favorite" slogan and a detailed illustration of the target bass. Because the lure is unused, the silver plating remains bright and the hardware is intact. Technical instructions on the reverse side of the card suggest pairing the spoon with a pork strip or skirt to mimic the appearance of wounded prey. Unlike modern versions, this piece is a vintage American-made original, emphasizing the thick copper-zinc alloy construction that defines the rocking movement of the Johnson Silver Minnow.