Museum Archive: Vintage Herter's olson minnow, 1/3oz Nickel fishing spoon #0234

Finished in a highly reflective Nickel plating, this 1/3 oz (8.5 g) spoon represents a staple in mid-century weedless tackle. Measuring 2 1/4" (5.5 cm), the Herter's Olson Minnow (Product Code 0234) is built for casting into the thickest lily pads and brush. The reverse side features the clear maker's stamp along with the "JAPAN" mark, distinguishing this specimen from later domestic runs. The design integrates a sturdy single hook protected by a wire weed guard, specifically engineered to keep the lure clean when retrieved through heavy cover. In 5/5 condition, the silver finish maintains its original luster across the elongated, leaf-shaped body. The hardware remains tight and properly aligned, reflecting the quality standards Herter’s demanded for their catalog lures during the peak of the mail-order era.