Museum Archive: Vintage Herter's Waseca, 1/2oz Nickel / Red Eyes fishing spoon #0967

A bright nickel finish covers the surface of this teardrop spoon, reflecting light much like the forage fish it was designed to mimic. Weighing in at 1/2oz (14g), the Herter's Waseca spans 2 1/2" (6.5cm) in length and features a profile that has been a staple in tackle boxes for decades. This specific model, bearing product code 0967, was manufactured in Japan, a detail reflecting the global sourcing of the legendary Waseca, Minnesota catalog company. Two vibrant red bead eyes are securely wired near the head, providing a distinct visual contrast against the polished metal. The hardware includes a silver-tone treble hook attached via a robust split ring, designed for traditional casting or trolling methods. This specimen earns a 4/5 condition rating, maintaining a clean look on both the convex and concave surfaces.