Museum Archive: Vintage Acme Little Cleo, 1/3oz Nickel / Blue fishing spoon #9176

Nickel plating on the front face of this 1 3/4" (4.5 cm) spoon is partially obscured by a deep blue stripe, marking a classic color pattern for the series. Identified by product code 9176, this specimen is a noteworthy transitional model from the period immediately following Acme's acquisition of the brand. Flipping the lure over reveals the stamped 'ACME LURE' and 'LITTLE CLEO' branding into the metal, confirming its 1/3 oz (9 g) weight class and USA origin. This specific casting spoon maintains a condition rating of 5/5, showing the kind of light, honest character expected from a vintage piece that has spent time in a well-curated box. The hardware remains robust, featuring a sharp treble hook secured by a heavy-duty split ring at the trailing edge. Because this is a rare transitional variant, the stamping and finish are particularly interesting to collectors looking for pieces that bridge the gap between early production and modern manufacturing.