Museum Archive: Vintage Acme Little Cleo, 3/5oz Nickel / Blue fishing spoon #4269

Nickel and blue split-pattern finish covers the signature humped shape of this 2 1/4" (5.5 cm) casting spoon. Stamped clearly on the reverse side is the famous "LITTLE CLEO" name along with a weight mark of 2/3 OZ, though the technical specifications for Product Code 4269 list it at 3/5 oz (17 g). These American-made spoons from Acme have long been staples for trout and salmon anglers who rely on their thick metal construction for reaching deep water from the shore. This specimen is in 4/5 condition, showing light surface marks on the blue-painted section that don't detract from the bright nickel shine on the opposing side. A sturdy split ring secures the silver-tone treble hook, ensuring a solid connection to the heavy-gauge brass body. The distinctively wide-bottomed profile is a hallmark of the Little Cleo design, helping the lure maintain its position in the water column during various retrieval speeds. A clean attachment hole at the nose rounds out the hardware on this vintage USA-manufactured favorite.