Museum Archive: Vintage Herter's Olson Minnow, 2/5oz Black fishing spoon #12376

Coated in a deep, glossy black finish, this 2 1/4" (6 cm) brass spoon represents a classic approach to weedless fishing. Weighing in at 2/5 oz (12 g), the Olson Minnow features a single hook protected by a sturdy metal guard designed to deflect lily pads and heavy vegetation. Herter's utilized seawater-resistant brass for this model, ensuring durability even in brackish conditions. The underside of the lure, bearing the product code 12376, shows the clean craftsmanship typical of Herter's production during the era when these were manufactured in Japan. The metal surface remains in excellent condition, rated at 5/5, with the wire weed guard retaining its tension and alignment. A distinctive feature is the elongated line tie loop at the nose, which provides a secure point for heavy-duty leaders or snaps. The hook point is sharp and the barb is well-defined, showing no signs of use.