Museum Archive: Vintage Herter's Herter’s Finland Minnow (Japan), 1/8oz Silver fishing lure #23153

Silver foil scales paired with a dark, textured back define the visual appeal of this wooden floater, identified by product code 23153. Weighing in at 1/8oz (4g), this lightweight minnow is sized at 3 1/2" (9cm), making it a versatile choice for targeting perch, pike, or asp. The belly features a distinct "JAPAN" stamp, marking the era when Herter’s collaborated with Japanese workshops to produce these balsa-style lures. It is designed to dive between 2-4 ft (0.6 - 1.2 m), performing well for both casting and trolling applications. The hardware shows honest age, while the paint and body maintain a clean appearance, earning it a 4/5 condition rating. A clear plastic diving lip is securely set into the nose, positioned just above a small splash of red paint at the chin that provides a subtle target point for predators.