Museum Archive: Vintage Compac, 2/5oz Nickel / Pearl fishing spoon #3091

Weighing 2/5oz (12g), the solid nickel-plated body of this Japanese casting spoon features a genuine pearl inlay nestled within its curved frame. The natural iridescence of the shell provides soft pink and green highlights, a design characteristic typical of mid-century Compac lures intended to mimic the shimmer of live bait. Measuring 2 1/2" (6.5cm), the reverse side is stamped clearly with the manufacturer’s name and country of origin. This specimen, identified by product code 3091, retains a bright finish with a condition rating of 4/5, showing only very light handling marks. The hardware consists of original split rings and a sharp treble hook, suggesting it was built for durability during casting or trolling. The integration of organic shell material into the metal indicates a period when lure makers favored natural light-reflecting elements over synthetic pigments.