Museum Archive: Vintage Johnson Silver Minnow, 3/4oz gold fishing spoon #23457

Weighing in at 3/4 oz (21 g), this vintage weedless spoon is a classic piece of American angling history. The specimen shown, identified by Product Code 23457, measures 2 3/4" (7 cm) and features a warm gold finish, providing a distinct visual contrast to the namesake silver plating. Louis Johnson's original 1920 design utilizes a specialized copper and zinc alloy that is intentionally thicker in the center, allowing the lure to rock through a 270-degree angle while keeping the hook pointed upward. This specific USA-made model carries the legacy of the original weedless design, featuring a sturdy wire guard that makes it suitable for casting directly into lily pads or thick reed beds. The finish remains bright, reflecting light downward and to the sides to catch the eye of predators holding in deep cover. It shows well-preserved surfaces with a rating of 4/5, maintaining the structural integrity expected of vintage American tackle. The integrated hook and heavy spoon body eliminate the need for extra hardware like swivels, keeping the presentation streamlined for various retrieval speeds.