Museum Archive: Vintage Cotton Cordell Ratt'l Spot Minnow, 3/4oz fishing lure #14517

Stenciled along the side, the "Cordell" brand name marks this specimen as an authentic piece of USA-made history from Cotton Cordell. Product code 14517, this Ratt'l Spot Minnow measures 4 1/4" (11 cm) and weighs in at 3/4 oz (21 g), offering substantial heft for reaching variable depths. The finish is a detailed reddish-orange scale pattern that blends into gold tones along the lower half, complemented by a prominent red-rimmed eye and black gill accents. Designed as a sinking rattlin' lure, its construction facilitates both casting and trolling for a variety of game fish like pike, zander, and salmon. The hardware is in excellent shape, featuring two sharp treble hooks, and the lure earns a condition rating of 5/5 for its preserved paint and structural integrity. A top-mounted line tie ensures the lure maintains its intended posture when worked through the water column. Cotton Cordell’s reputation for durable, effective lipless lures is reflected in the solid feel and clean lines of this vintage model.