Museum Archive: Vintage Cotton Cordell Big O, 1/2oz fishing lure #17503

Measuring 2 3/4" (7 cm) from lip to tail, this American-made Cotton Cordell Big O showcases the classic shallow-running profile that revolutionized crankbait fishing. Weighing in at 1/2 oz (14 g), the lure carries the specific product code 17503 and is designed for both casting and trolling applications. Its color scheme features a subtle grey back transitioning into a bone-white belly, accented by bright yellow eyes and a small red gill crescent. Built with a noisy internal chamber, this floating model is intended to dive between 2-4 ft (0.6 - 1.2 m), ideal for tempting pike or large perch holding in light cover. The hardware consists of two darkened treble hooks anchored to the wide-bodied frame. This particular specimen is in 4/5 condition, showing very light surface wear while retaining a clean, well-preserved finish.