Museum Archive: Vintage Bagley Diving B III, 2/3oz fishing lure #16866

Weighing in at 2/3 oz (18 g), this balsa wood deep diver represents the classic American craftsmanship synonymous with Bagley. The 3 1/4" (8 cm) body features a sophisticated silver-scale finish topped with a black back and the iconic shad dot on the flank. Designed for casting or trolling, the Diving B III reaches depths of 9.8 – 11.8 ft (3 – 3.6 m), making it a formidable tool for targeting zander or pike in deeper structures. The large, clear plastic lip is securely seated to drive the lure down, while the internal rattling chambers provide a distinct sound profile. A pair of yellow-rimmed black eyes and a subtle red gill slash offer classic visual cues. This specimen, identified by product code 16866, is in 4/5 condition, showing well-preserved paint and original treble hooks. Bagley’s commitment to balsa construction ensures the lure remains buoyant, a trait many collectors and anglers still prize for its specific buoyancy and behavior in the water.