Museum Archive: Vintage Herter's, 1/4oz Frog fishing lure #11842

A classic Frog pattern with distinct black spots over a yellow base covers the 2 1/4" (5.5cm) jointed body of this vintage crawler. Weighing in at 1/4oz (7g), this specimen was produced for Herter's (Product Code 11842) and originates from the post-war era in occupied Japan. The construction features a two-piece wooden or plastic body joined by a sturdy metal hinge, paired with a large, polished metal cup-lip designed for surface fishing techniques. Both treble hooks remain securely attached via traditional eyelets, reflecting a well-maintained 5/5 condition rating. The paint finish is particularly well-preserved across both segments, showcasing the manufacturing quality of Japanese-made imports from this specific historical period. Collectors often look for this particular Herter's branding alongside the distinctive wide-lipped design which characterizes mid-century surface lures.