Museum Archive: Vintage Johnson Silver Minnow, 1/3oz Silver fishing spoon #16703

Plated in genuine silver for a bright, white flash underwater, this 2 1/4 in (5.5 cm) spoon remains a testament to Louis Johnson's 1920 design. Carrying the product code 16703, it weighs 1/3 oz (9 g) and features a sturdy copper and zinc alloy body that is purposefully thicker in the center. This specific construction encourages a rocking motion through a 270-degree angle, ensuring the single fixed hook stays pointed upward to avoid snags. A wire weed guard is integrated directly onto the spoon, a feature that solidified the Johnson Silver Minnow's reputation for navigating thick cover. This vintage specimen was manufactured in the USA, representing the quality of early production runs. The silver finish shows minor signs of its journey, earning a solid 4/5 condition rating while maintaining its reflective properties. Anglers often tip the hook with a trailer to mimic the gill rakers of a baitfish without dampening its characteristic side-to-side sway.